Diamond Education Hub
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They share the exact same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference? Their origin story.
How They're Made
Using advanced technology, we recreate the conditions that form diamonds deep within the Earth.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
A diamond seed grows layer by layer in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
Carbon is subjected to extreme pressure and temperature, mimicking nature.
More Affordable
Get a 30-40% larger, higher quality diamond for your budget.
Guaranteed Ethical
100% conflict-free with complete supply chain transparency.
Eco-Friendly
A sustainable choice with a significantly smaller environmental impact.
Identical Beauty
The same hardness, brilliance, and fire as a mined diamond.
| Property | Lab-Grown | Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Carbon | Carbon |
| Hardness | 10 (Mohs) | 10 (Mohs) |
| Brilliance | 2.42 RI | 2.42 RI |
| Creation Time | 2-3 weeks | Billions of years |
| Traceability | 100% | Limited |
| Price | ~40% less | Premium |
The Expert's View
Even expert gemologists cannot tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds without specialized equipment. Both are graded using the exact same standards.
Understanding the 4 C's
The 4 C's are the universal standard for assessing diamond quality, established by GIA. Each C contributes to a diamond's beauty and value, allowing you to objectively compare one diamond to another.
Cut: The Sparkle
Arguably the most important 'C'. Cut refers not to the shape, but to the angles and proportions of the diamond's facets. A superior cut determines how well the diamond reflects light, creating its dazzling brilliance and fire.
We only offer Excellent & Very Good cuts for maximum brilliance.
Clarity: The Purity
Clarity measures the absence of natural imperfections, known as inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade and the more valuable the diamond.
VS2 and above are typically "eye-clean," meaning imperfections are not visible to the naked eye.
Color: The Whiteness
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For a classic white diamond, the less color it has, the higher its grade and value. This is the second most important characteristic after cut.
D-F grades are the premium choice, while G-H offer fantastic value and appear colorless to the untrained eye.
Need Help Choosing?
Our diamond experts can guide you through the 4 C's to find the perfect balance of quality and value for your budget.
Book a ConsultationCarat: The Weight
Carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond's weight, where one carat equals 200 milligrams. While a higher carat weight generally means a larger diamond, the cut quality can significantly influence its perceived size.
Thanks to lab-grown value, you can often choose a larger carat weight without compromising on the other C's.
Exploring Diamond Shapes
While cut refers to a diamond's sparkle, shape refers to its physical form. Each shape possesses a unique character and style, from the timeless brilliance of the Round to the sophisticated elegance of the Emerald.
The Classics: Maximum Brilliance
Round Brilliant
The most popular shape, engineered with 58 facets to produce unmatched sparkle. A timeless and versatile choice for any setting.
Princess
A modern classic with sharp, clean lines. Its square shape offers exceptional fire and brilliance, second only to the Round.
The Elongated Styles: A Flattering Look
Oval
Offers the brilliance of a Round in a gracefully elongated form. This shape can make fingers appear longer and slimmer.
Pear
A unique hybrid of the Round and Marquise, this "teardrop" shape is both feminine and distinctive.
Marquise
Its long, narrow shape with pointed ends creates a dramatic look and maximizes carat weight, appearing larger than other shapes of the same weight.
Vintage & Modern Hybrids
Cushion
A "pillow-cut" with soft, rounded corners that offers a romantic, vintage-inspired feel with impressive fire.
Emerald
Defined by its long, parallel step-cuts, this shape creates a sophisticated "hall-of-mirrors" effect rather than traditional sparkle.
Radiant
Combines the elegant silhouette of an Emerald with the brilliant faceting of a Round, resulting in intense, fiery sparkle.
The Importance of Certification
A diamond certificate, or grading report, is the official blueprint of a diamond. It provides an expert, unbiased assessment of its quality and characteristics based on the 4 C's. This report guarantees the identity and value of your diamond, ensuring you receive exactly what you paid for.
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
Considered the world's foremost authority, GIA created the 4 C's and the International Diamond Grading System™. Their standards are the strictest and most respected in the industry.
Key Report Features:
- ✓ Precise 4 C's grading
- ✓ Detailed inclusion mapping (Clarity Plot)
- ✓ Polish, symmetry, and fluorescence grades
- ✓ Laser inscription registry number
IGI (International Gemological Institute)
As a pioneer in lab-grown diamond certification, IGI is the largest independent gemological lab worldwide. Their reports are comprehensive and highly trusted for lab-created stones.
Key Report Features:
- ✓ Comprehensive 4 C's analysis
- ✓ Identification of growth method (CVD/HPHT)
- ✓ Evaluation for Hearts & Arrows (on ideal cuts)
- ✓ Verifiable report number and QR code
Anatomy of a Certificate
Report Number
A unique ID to verify your diamond's report online.
Measurements
Precise dimensions to 0.01mm accuracy.
Clarity Plot
A map of any internal or external characteristics.
Laser Inscription
Microscopic inscription on the girdle for identification.
Security Features
Holograms and QR codes to ensure authenticity.
A Guide to Precious Metals
The metal you choose is the foundation of your jewelry's design and character. It complements the diamond and reflects your personal style. All our metals are ethically sourced and recycled to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
The Warm Tones
18k Yellow Gold
The timeless classic. Its rich, warm hue beautifully complements diamonds and flatters warmer skin tones. Made of 75% pure gold for lasting value.
- ✓ Traditional and luxurious feel
- ✓ Hypoallergenic and durable
18k Rose Gold
A romantic and modern choice. The pinkish tint comes from a copper alloy, creating a unique and durable metal that suits all skin tones.
- ✓ Unique, vintage-inspired look
- ✓ Strongest of the gold alloys
The Cool Tones
18k White Gold
The most popular metal for engagement rings. It's rhodium-plated for a brilliant, mirror-like finish that enhances a diamond's whiteness.
- ✓ Modern and versatile
- ✓ Requires re-plating every 2-3 years
Platinum
The ultimate luxury. A naturally white metal that is 30% rarer than gold, it's the most durable and prestigious choice for fine jewelry.
- ✓ The most precious and durable metal
- ✓ Naturally hypoallergenic and never fades
At a Glance: Metal Comparison
| Property | Yellow Gold | White Gold | Rose Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Exceptional |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Usually | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$$ |
Care & Maintenance
Your diamond is one of the hardest substances on earth, but it still requires care to maintain its brilliance. With simple maintenance, your jewelry will look stunning for generations to come.
At-Home Care & Cleaning
Daily Rituals
- • Remove jewelry before exercising, swimming, or cleaning.
- • Apply lotions, perfumes, and hairspray before putting on jewelry.
- • Handle diamonds by the setting, not the stone, to avoid oils.
Weekly Cleaning
- Soak for 15 mins in warm water with mild dish soap.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Professional Care & Protection
Annual Service
We recommend a yearly professional check-up which includes ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, and prong inspection to ensure your diamond is secure.
Insurance
Protect your investment against loss, theft, or damage. We recommend adding your piece to a homeowner's/renter's policy or obtaining specialized jewelry insurance.
Proper Storage
- •Store pieces separately in soft pouches to prevent scratching.
- •Keep in a low-humidity environment.
- •Use a dedicated travel case when on the go.
What to Avoid
- ❌ Harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach.
- ❌ Abrasive cleaners or toothpaste.
- ❌ Heavy impact during sports or manual labor.
Lifetime Care Program
All Nouveau Diamonds purchases include lifetime complimentary cleaning and inspection services. We're committed to helping you keep your jewelry looking perfect forever.
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