The 4 C’s refer to the four main factors used to evaluate the quality of a diamond:

• Carat Weight: The size of the diamond, measured in carats.
• Cut: How well the diamond is cut, affecting its brilliance and sparkle.
• Color: The absence of color in a diamond, with a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
• Clarity: The presence of internal or external flaws (inclusions and blemishes), rated on a scale from Flawless to Included.

The creation of lab grown diamonds replicates the process of natural diamonds in an environment of extreme heat, pressure, and carbon. The main difference lies in time and origin: while natural diamonds develop deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years, lab grown diamonds are formed through cutting-edge technology in just a matter of weeks.

Lab grown diamonds, also known as lab created or man-made diamonds, are real diamonds cultivated in advanced laboratory settings under highly controlled conditions. They possess the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural, earth-mined diamonds, including the identical carbon crystal structure that gives them remarkable brilliance and durability.

Visually, Lab Grown Diamonds are exactly the same with the same hardness level and durability as Natural Diamonds. These gems both have the same refractive qualities, chemical composition and strength.

Our lab grown diamonds display the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, and exhibit the same sparkle, fire and scintillation. Thus, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a budget friendly alternative to natural diamonds.

Neither natural nor lab-grown diamonds are universally better. Both are real diamonds with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, brilliance, and sparkle. The best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and what matters most to you.

Diamonds and other gemstones are measured in metric carats, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams, approximately the weight of a paperclip. It's important not to mix up carat with karat, which denotes gold purity, such as "18K gold." Like how a dollar breaks down into 100 pennies, a carat is divided into 100 points. For instance, a 50-point diamond weighs 0.50 carats. However, two diamonds of the same weight can vary significantly in value due to factors like clarity, color, and cut, known as the Four C’s. Most diamonds used in fine jewelry are one carat or less in weight. Precision is crucial because even a small fraction of a carat can greatly affect cost.

Carat weight refers to the weight of an individual diamond, while Total Carat Weight (CTW) refers to the combined weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry. 

For example, when shopping for diamond stud earrings:

• 1.00 Carat Total Weight (CTW): Each earring contains approximately a 0.50-carat diamond, for a combined total of 1.00 carat.
• 2.00 Carat Total Weight (CTW): Each earring contains approximately a 1.00-carat diamond, for a combined total of 2.00 carats.
• 3.00 Carat Total Weight (CTW): Each earring contains approximately a 1.50-carat diamond, for a combined total of 3.00 carats.

The Cut of a diamond is often confused with shape and is a term sometimes used interchangeably. But when referring to a Cut of a diamond it is a grade that determines the quality of proportions and arrangement of facets that produce attractive diamonds in relation to light. So, the better the cut, the better the sparkle. Shape simply put is the overall outline of the stone, such as round, heart, pear and oval.

The shape is the visual aspect of the diamond such as Oval, Pear, Emerald, Heart, etc. 

The setting refers to only the finding or mounting that holds the diamond. Examples include: 4-Prong Basket, 3-Prong Martini, Bezel, etc. 

Fluorescence actually is the absence of a blue tone in diamonds. None would be the best grading available for Fluorescence.

Not all diamonds are graded by a laboratory such as GIA, IGI, EGL, etc. Non-certified diamonds are graded based on the same criteria as certified diamonds (the 4 C’s), but the grading is done internally by the jeweler or retailer rather than by an independent third-party organization. This can result in less consistency and reliability in the grading. Be sure to shop our certified section if you only want a pair of certified diamonds.

A GIA diamond grading report is an independent evaluation issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), one of the world's most respected gemological organizations. It provides an assessment of a diamond's characteristics, including its Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, helping buyers understand the diamond's quality and identity. A GIA report provides confidence and transparency when purchasing a natural diamond.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) are two widely recognized diamond grading organizations. Other laboratories may also provide diamond grading reports, but their grading standards, methodologies, and industry recognition can vary.

Yes. Because we check and inspect every diamond before it ships we can provide the grading reports in advance. Simply email us at info@diamondstuds.com with the diamond information you are looking for, including the item ID # and we can provide diamond images, certifications or videos.

Yes. This is provided upon request for a $100.00 charge. Before adding an item to your cart, select your metal color option and under these selections will be a check box for "Appraisal". Ensure to check this box and then add to cart and one will be provided with your order. A free appraisal report may be included with GIA and EGL USA Certified product orders.