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Frequent Ask Questions
Diamonds
Below are some common questions about diamonds
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamond is diamond that is produced in a controlled technological process. Unlike diamond simulants, synthetic diamonds are composed of the same material as naturally formed diamonds—pure carbon crystallized in an isotropic 3D form—and share identical chemical and physical properties. Even jewellers and gemologists cannot tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds real?
Oh yes. Lab Grown Diamonds are just as real as diamonds that are mined from the earth. They have shape, size, color and clarity grades, just like Natural Diamonds. Any diamond is a diamond not because it is mined from the earth but because of its chemical composition.
Can you tell the difference between Lab Grown Diamonds and natural diamonds?
The difference cannot be detected with the naked eye when comparing a Lab Grown Diamond and a Natural Diamond of equal characteristics of the 4 C's. Lab Grown Diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as Natural Diamonds so they will be just as dazzling.Only advanced equipment in gemological labs can identify Lab Grown Diamonds.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds worth buying?
Lab Grown Diamonds are worth buying because they are diamonds and they last forever. Just as jewellers offer buyback on natural diamonds. MY SWANK offers 100% buyback on Lab Grown Diamonds against exchange.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds cost less than mined diamonds?
Lab diamonds cost a lot less than natural diamonds - typically a lab diamond will cost between 60% and 85% less than a natural diamond with identical carat weight and grades. Take a look at the typical cost of a lab diamond vs natural diamond below.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds graded and certified?
Lab-grown diamonds are certified by the same institutes that grade natural diamonds. They are certified by well-known institutes such as the GIA(Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute) and SGL (Solitaire Gemological Laboratories).
Are Lab Grown Diamonds the same as synthetic diamonds or moissanite?
No, Synthetic Diamonds or Moissanite is not a lab diamond. While both lab diamonds and Moissanite are created in a laboratory setting, they are made of different materials and have different properties. Moissanite is a mineral made of silicon carbide, and it's not a diamond.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds durable?
Since lab-grown diamonds are essentially the same as natural diamonds, they have the same properties, such as hardness. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds rank as a 10 on Mohs scale. That means that you can have the same peace of mind wearing a lab-grown diamond every day as you have wearing a natural diamond.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds change colour, shine and sparkle over time?
Lab Grown Diamonds do not lose their shine or sparkle over the time. Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do not turn yellow or become cloudy over time.
Do all Lab Grown Diamonds look alike?
Alike natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds can have differences in color, clarity, cut, carat and other features. Aspects such as the specific growth method, the quality of the seed crystal, and environmental conditions during the growth process can all influence the final appearance of the diamond.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds also have 4C’s like natural diamonds?
4C’s - Cut, Color, Clarity, & Carat Weight.
Just like in mined diamonds, lab diamonds will exhibit variations across the 4Cs and range from poor to superlative quality. Not all lab diamonds are perfect, colorless, and flawless!
What is a natural diamond?
A natural diamond is made from carbon and is the hardest natural known substance on earth. Natural diamonds are created over a period of one to three billion years, at least 85 miles below the earth's mantle under natural conditions of very high pressure and high temperature.
How are diamonds formed?
At very high pressures and temperatures, the carbon atoms are squeezed so much that they start touching more atoms. When the pressure is about 50,000 times the pressure at the surface of the Earth and the temperature is about 1600°C, the carbon atoms bond with 4 other atoms and result in diamonds.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Diamond
Know the 4Cs: Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight. Created by GIA, the 4Cs are the global standard for assessing the quality of diamonds and allow you to compare one diamond to another.
Shopping for a diamond can be overwhelming, but knowing the following 7 characteristics of diamonds will help you think like a professional jeweller and make it easier to decide which diamond to purchase.
The Diamond’s 4C’s
First let’s consider the 4 C’s, which are Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut, and then we will introduce you to the basic diamond shapes, as well as fluorescence and diamond certificates.
1. Carat
Gemologists measure a diamond’s weight in metric carats. Each carat equals 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 “points” with each point equaling one one-hundredth of a carat. This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. Most of the diamonds that you will see as you shop will have their weight listed in carats or a fraction of a carat, but you might find an extra small diamond that has its weight listed in points. Be careful not to confuse diamond carat with diamond size.
2. Colour
Only a few diamonds are truly colourless. The rest of them come in varying shades of yellow and brown. After a diamond is mined, it is sent to a gem lab where gemologists grade its colour on a scale that begins with D (colourless) and ends with Z (light yellow). Colourless diamonds are most valuable and hence the most pricy. We usually advise to choose diamonds between D and I maximum. Learn more about the different diamond colours and their grade.
3. Clarity
As diamonds are formed far below the earth’s surface, they acquire internal inclusions and external blemishes. Clarity refers to the number, type and position of these imperfections. Diamond clarity is graded on a scale that begins with Loupe Clean (LC) and continues to Piqué 3 (P3).
4. Cut
A diamond’s cut refers to all the tiny facets and angles that are cut into the gem to enhance its reflection of light. A poorly cut diamond is dull and lifeless, while a diamond with high-quality facets and angles interacts efficiently with light to create: Brightness – which is the reflection of white light, Fire – which is the scattering of light in all the colours of the rainbow and Scintillation or Sparkles – which are caused by light and dark patterns within the gem. The cut grade is divided into 3 parameters: Proportions, Symmetry, Polish. Each parameter is evaluated separately according to different quality grades: Excellent (EX), Very Good (VG), Good (G) or Fair (F). Learn why a diamond’s cut is so important when choosing a diamond.
Metals
Below are some of are common questions about metals
14K Vs. 18K Gold: Which One Should You Choose?
Gold is the most popular metal used for jewellery. But it’s also the most ductile and malleable. Since it’s very soft, the alloy has to be added so it can be turned into something more durable. But as to how much alloy is put into each piece, it’s hard to tell.
This is where 18K gold and 14K gold comes into play.
“K” stands for Karat. It refers to the percentage of gold present in a specific piece. One Karat is 1/24 part or 4.1667 percent of the purity of gold. Thus, a 24K gold necklace, for example, means it’s made of pure gold.
What's the difference between 14k and 18k gold?
Gold percentage
18K and 14K gold are among the most popular selections in precious metals. The main difference between them is the gold percentage. 18K gold means it’s made of 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals whereas 14K gold is made of 58% gold. These alloyed metals can include silver, copper, nickel, and palladium. You will also notice the color difference between 14K and 18K gold. Jewellery made of 18K gold has a rich yellow color while those made of 14K have a lighter tone due to the alloys added.
Durability
As 14K gold jewellery has more alloy content, they tend to be harder and more durable. Because of its strength, 14K is commonly used in detailed rings, such as engagement rings. For example, having a strong metal for prongs will ensure that the diamond stays in place. For vintage pieces, 18K gold is more desirable. That’s because this metal scratches in a way that ensures a patina (oxidation of metals that give the jewellery a rustic flair).
Lifestyle
Is 18K gold better than 14K gold? Not really. You see, your choice will depend on so many factors, including your lifestyle. Exhibiting strength and resilience, jewellery that features 14K gold makes a fine choice for people who have an active lifestyle or those who work with their hands. It’s also ideal for everyday use. If you only like wearing fine jewellery on special occasions or important events, delicate pieces made of 18-Karat gold are a good investment. While they are more fragile, these pieces are undeniably stunning.
What’s better for your skin tone and sensitivity? 14k or 18k gold?
Gold metals come in different colors, such as yellow, white, and rose gold. White and yellow gold is mixed with other metals to make them sturdy. White gold is deliberately mixed with metals that give them whitish color, such as nickel. On the other hand, creating yellow gold involves preserving the natural color of the metal as much as possible. The difference between 14K and 18K yellow gold is so subtle in terms of appearance. Both make stunning jewellery pieces. Choosing metals according to colors is more about personal preferences or what people think looks best on them. However, yellow gold seems to perfectly match warm skin tones. They also pair nicely with earthy gems and stones colored in brown, orange, yellow, and turquoise. White gold looks great with cooler skin tones and vibrant stones like pink, red, and blue. So if you hesitate whether to buy a red ruby ring made of gold, surely go ahead.
Again, choose the piece that makes you smile. Colors shouldn’t be something you should fuss about. After all, who doesn’t love variety in their collection? In terms of skin sensitivity, if you are prone to allergies, it’s better to choose gold pieces with higher Karats. Note that the lower the Karat, the more alloyed metal content the jewellery has. Nickel, in particular, is a type of alloy that usually causes skin allergies. If you’re buying a 14K gold, go with yellow or rose gold as they don’t usually contain nickel.
18K Gold: Advantages
Since 18K has a higher amount of gold, it offers a richer, more vibrant color. That makes it so delicate and exquisitely stunning. If you’re after jewellery with the truest color of gold, go for 18K. Another advantage of 18K gold is they are less likely to trigger skin conditions such as allergy.
14K Gold: Advantages
14K offers a great mix of purity and durability. Thus, it’s something you can use daily. It’s also an excellent option for detailed pieces, including gorgeous engagement rings where you need a strong band to hold the diamond in place. 14K is used for about 90% of engagement rings. It’s beautiful, durable, and more affordable. 14K gold is an ideal option for eternity rings as well. White gold eternity rings are something you'll surely be impressed and want to get.
Which is better? 14k or 18k
18K and 14K gold are beautifully distinct. You can’t say one is better than the other because they have unique qualities that make them suitable for certain lifestyles.If you have an active lifestyle, you’re better off with 14K gold. However, if you’re concerned about durability and favor purity more, go for 18K. You should also pay attention to other factors such as color, vibrance, and skin sensitivity when choosing the type of gold to buy.
What is 925 Silver / Sterling Silver
925 Silver / Sterling silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.
Which is better for jewellery–sterling silver or silver?
Sterling silver is better than silver when designing and wearing jewellery because it’s stronger and can look good for a lifetime. Fine silver jewellery is easily damaged and not the best choice to wear on a regular basis. Sterling silver is also better for setting gemstones. Gemstones are too easy to lose in a 999 silver setting.
How to clean sterling silver jewellery?
Cleaning sterling silver is simple. You can wipe your jewellery with silver polish and a polishing cloth or gently brush it with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. A toothbrush with soap is a good option for occasional deep cleanings, but wiping with a polishing cloth is best for regular cleanings because it’s gentler.
How To Maintain Your Silver Jewellery?
The sterling silver reacts with the moisture in the air, which causes it to tarnish. You can slow down the rate of tarnishing by storing and using your silver jewellery the correct way. Listed below are some ideas on how to maintain silver jewellery.
- Keep each of your silver items in separate zip-lock bags.
- Wrap your silver pieces in velvet or microfiber cloth before keeping them in a box.
- Remove your silver jewellery before showering or swimming.
- Avoid exposure to excess moisture as much as possible.
Which is better, silver or gold jewellery?
When deciding whether to wear gold or silver, consider factors like personal style, skin tone, occasion, and desired aesthetic. Gold exudes timeless elegance, while silver offers a contemporary vibe. Warm skin tones complement gold, while cool skin tones pair well with silver.
