Frequently Asked Questions

A diamond is a gemstone that predominantly comprises the solid formation of the element carbon. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man. There are now both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

From a geological perspective, natural diamonds are found in two environments. The first are kimberlite pipes, and the second are known as placer deposits, where erosion of kimberlite has occurred, causing diamond crystals to filter into streams, rivers and the sea. Geographically, the top five producers of gem-quality diamonds are Russia, Botswana, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

It is essential to know that there are both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Natural diamonds were formed millions of years ago in the far depths of the Earth, where carbon was subjected to huge temperatures and pressures. The crystals were then forced towards the Earth’s surface as a result of volcanic activity. With more recent technologies, it is now possible to grow diamond crystals in laboratory conditions by mimicking the pressures and temperatures that form natural diamonds and subjecting carbon atoms to these.

Historically, diamonds are cut using specialist equipment and tools by highly skilled artisans. The rough diamond crystal is first analysed to determine the best yield. Traditionally, this would have been done by eye, but with more advanced technologies, a Sarin machine is commonly used. The stages of cutting are cleaving & sawing, bruting, and finally polishing. Each tool used throughout the process is infused with diamonds, as they are the only substance hard enough to cut through other diamonds. Cleaving is a technique that splits the diamond at a point of weakness. If no weakness is present, a laser or a diamond-impregnated saw may be used. Following this, the craft of bruting then applies the girdle to the diamond. Lastly, the stone is brought into contact with a spinning disc infused with diamond powder, which fashions the facets onto its surface. The polisher achieves the finished look by individually polishing the various angles of the diamond, accomplishing the perfectly reflective surfaces indicative of these beautiful gems.

Natural diamonds are a rare and finite resource; mining them is extremely costly. Of the diamonds mined, only about 20% are of gem quality. The vast majority are considered to be of industrial quality. Lab-grown diamonds are a more affordable option. Being manmade, they do not incur the same mining costs as their natural counterparts.

Natural diamonds are priced according to the industry standard Rapaport list, which can fluctuate weekly and is calculated according to Martin Rapaport’s in-depth research, analysis, and methodology. For the past 35 years, natural diamonds have increased in value by 3% per annum, and this trajectory is likely to continue.

Lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds, making luxury accessible without compromising quality.

The '4Cs' of diamond grading are: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. To learn more about these, please click here.

Natural diamonds take millions of years to form under immense temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth’s crust. Conversely, lab-grown diamonds can be manmade in a matter of weeks under controlled factory conditions. It is important to remember that natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties.

The best way to establish whether a diamond is real or not is to ask an expert to examine the stone using a 10x loupe. They will check factors such as the cut's precision, the condition of the girdle and the refractivity of light through the diamond. Natural inclusions within a diamond are also a good indicator of the stone's authenticity. Most jewellery shops possess a small handheld machine that can measure a stone's thermal and electrical conductivity for identification. It is essential to measure the electrical conductivity because moissanite, a common diamond simulant, has the same thermal properties as a diamond. A visual examination should also always be carried out. More sophisticated, specialist equipment is needed to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds. It is not possible to tell the difference from a visual examination, as they are optically identical.

Our certificated diamond jewellery is clearly marked, and these items are supplied with either an IGI or a GIA certificate.

At Diamonds & Co., we adhere to the Kimberly Process and United Nations resolutions, confirming our diamonds are free from funding conflict.

Always start by filling a bowl with warm water. Do not be tempted to clean any jewellery under a tap of running water in case the article falls down the plughole! Add some washing-up liquid to the water and submerge the piece for around 10 minutes to allow any dirt to soften. Then, using a soft toothbrush, gently sweep across the piece, teasing out the loosened dirt particles. Refill the bowl with fresh water, rinse the article, then dry using a lint-free cloth.

Important things to note:

• When cleaning earrings, it is best to remove any fittings first to allow easier access to the back of the earring.
• When cleaning bracelets, take care to allow the bracelet to maintain its natural shape.
• For pendants, if the piece is still attached to the chain, take care to make sure it does not become tangled.