GIA Graded Diamonds

The 4 C’s of diamonds are Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat. Color refers to how white a diamond is on a scale of D-Z. Cut refers to the exact proportions, quality of polish and the arrangement of a diamond’s facets. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. Carat weight is a measurement of a diamond’s weight.

There are several different diamond shapes and cuts, some that are probably still being invented as you read this. The most popular diamond shapes and cuts available at Lauren B include Oval Shapes, Radiant Cuts, Antique and Modified Cushion Cuts, Round Brilliants, Emerald Cuts, and Pear Shapes. After that come Marquise Cuts, Asscher Cuts, Princess Cuts, Heart Shapes, and Hybrid Step-Cuts. You can learn more about what makes each shape unique here.

All of our diamonds are conflict free, based upon our personal knowledge and the information provided to us by our suppliers who follow the Kimberley Process. We will always strive to uphold the legitimacy of the diamond trade and disclose the source of all our gemstones.

The two processes in which diamonds are formed in a lab are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). Both processes can take the diamond up to 12 weeks to form. To learn more about each process, you can read our blog, An In Depth Look at CVD vs. HPHT.

Contrary to popular belief, no one can tell the difference between a natural and lab-grown diamond just by looking at it with the naked eye. Only a trained gemologist can tell the difference between the two diamonds by using a loupe or a special diamond tester.

Yes! All natural and lab created diamonds can be cut the same. However, some cuts are harder to find in natural diamonds than lab diamonds because they require more rough diamond to be cut. Due to this, diamond cutters will oftentimes refuse to cut these shapes so as not to waste rough, natural diamond.

Diamonds are the toughest mineral on Earth, ranking at 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. They are the most durable gemstone which is why they are the best center stone option for everyday jewelry and engagement rings. The only other object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. However, this does not mean that diamonds are indestructible and we recommend airing on the side of caution with all diamond jewelry.

Yes and no; if you are in the market to buy a loose diamond online, make sure you are receiving as much information about the diamond as possible to assure you are not being scammed. This includes, but is not limited to, diamond details, grading report (if applicable), videos, and pictures. At Lauren B, we have our own exclusive inventory of loose diamonds complete with individual videos of each diamond, diamond on the hand videos showing size, diamond detail charts, GIA reports, and the option to hold and/or purchase the diamond straight from our website. Once you decide to move forward with a loose diamond, one of our design consultants will reach out to you to discuss next steps and send any additional videos and or pictures at your request!

Of course! However we do have a small setting fee for outside diamonds, similar to a “corkage fee”: diamonds under 3 carats are $300 to set and diamonds over 3 carats are $400 to set.

Yes. Almost all of our diamonds in our loose stone inventory and already set in rings in our showcase are GIA certified and upon purchase, will come with their GIA report. Additionally, you can preview each GIA report on our website on specific product pages.

Diamond carat and diamond size are related but they are not the exact same; carat is not a measure of a diamond’s size but, rather a measure of a diamond’s weight. To determine a diamond’s actual size, we also look carefully at its spread or measurements. This is measured in millimeters and tells how large or small the diamond appears face up in relation to its weight.