What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a man-made gemstone created in a controlled manufacturing facility environment. While it possesses many of the same characteristics as a natural diamond, it lacks the deep history and romantic allure of diamonds formed over millions of years beneath the Earth’s surface.
Is it important to buy a certified lab-grown diamond?
If you are buying a lab-grown diamond above 1.0 carat in size, it is important to buy a certified lab-grown diamond. Lab grown diamonds over 1.0ct are certified, generally by GIA or IGI, who are the leading lab-grown diamond grading companies. The certificate is your guarantee that the lab-grown diamond has been independently tested and professionally graded to assess the carat weight, colour and clarity. However, not all diamond grading labs adhere to the same strict standards. This is why at De Vere Brilliance, we only sell jewellery with GIA, GCAL or IGI certified lab-grown diamonds to ensure we offer lab-grown diamonds conforming to the most rigorous standards.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
Lab-grown diamonds are manufactured using technological processes like HPHT (High Pressure Heat Treatment) and CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). Unlike natural diamonds, which are forged by nature over millennia and carry a unique story, lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks.
Are lab-grown diamonds a greener and more eco-friendly alternative to mined natural diamonds?
This is a very interesting question, as mining for diamonds, which are an incredibly rare material, involves the processing of around 200 tonnes of ore to produce 1.0ct of cut and polished diamond. However lab-grown diamonds are created using extreme heat and pressure: it’s no coincidence that many mines are found in the cones of extinct volcanoes! This means that to create a lab-grown diamond the machines use something like 1000 kWh per carat of polished diamond produced – the same as running a 2 bedroomed house for 4 years! At De Vere Brilliance, we only use lab-grown diamonds from producers that use renewable energy in the creation of their lab-grown diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
While lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, they don’t possess the rare and unique formation process that adds intrinsic value and romantic symbolism to natural diamonds nor the unique characteristics of natural diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Yes, they are very much discounted compared to natural diamonds. But while they might be more affordable, natural diamonds offer a unique blend of rarity, history, and sentiment that many believe is priceless.
How can I tell the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond?
Specialised equipment and trained gemologists can easily detect the differences. While both are beautiful, many cherish natural diamonds for the unique journey they’ve taken over millions of years to reach us.
Are lab-grown diamonds ethical?
Lab-grown diamonds do address some ethical concerns associated with natural diamond mining. However, all De Vere Brilliance lab-grown diamonds are responsibly sourced and adhere to strict ethical standards, offering both romance and peace of mind.
Do lab-grown diamonds have resale value?
The resale value of lab grown diamonds is still being determined, at present there is no resale market or value in second hand lab-grown diamonds. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, have a long-established resale market and often hold or increase in value over time, symbolising a lasting legacy.
What are the environmental impacts of producing lab-grown diamonds?
While lab-grown diamonds do have a smaller environmental footprint, it is important to remember that the majority of lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in India and China, countries that have huge natural coal reserves. . Coal fired energy powers most of their lab-grown diamond production. This is why De Vere Brilliance sources lab-grown diamonds from producers that use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydro electric power.
Where can I get more information to help me choose?
If you would like expert advice on any aspect of our diamond ring designs please email us at orders@deverebrilliance.com. We can discuss with you your requirements to help find the perfect design.
I have an idea for a ring, can it be made?
At De Vere Brilliance, we have extensive experience designing and making a variety of beautiful and intricate jewellery designs. After discussing your requirements we can produce a selection of photo realistic images so you can see exactly how the design will appear in real life. Our design service is also free of cost – we just require an initial deposit which is fully refundable if you decide not to proceed with the design. If you would like more information please click here.
I have seen a ring and it’s not on your website. Can it be made?
At De Vere Brilliance we have access to many hundreds of different designs frequently seen on the High Street and can usually make exactly what you would like. If we don’t have the pattern then our Custom Designs Service will be able to create the exact design that you are looking for.
Will my ring be Hallmarked?
Yes, all De Vere Brilliance rings are hallmarked, it is a legal requirement in the UK that all precious metal is tested and marked by the Assay office.
The grade of platinum and palladium we use as standard is 950 purity. The grade of gold is 18k (hallmarked 750). We use these standards consistently unless a variation is requested by the customer. For example, if you had a preference for 22k gold rather than 18k gold.
For more information on hallmarking and how your precious metal should be identified please click this link.
How do I place an order?
After choosing an item you would like to purchase click on the “Add to Cart” button. If for any reason you are unable to order in this way please send us an email to orders@deverebrilliance.com detailing the item or items you would like to purchase with your name and telephone number and we will contact you to arrange payment and delivery.
How do I pay?
You can pay by credit or debit card via our secure server or alternatively we offer a small discount if you wish to pay by bank transfer.
How secure is it to send my Credit Card details over the internet?
We have a secure server through which we process all our payment transactions, this connects directly to the banking system and your card details are never seen or held by us. Alternatively if you would like to pay by credit or debit card by phone please send us an email to orders@deverebrilliance.com detailing the item or items you would like to purchase with your name and telephone number and we will contact you to arrange payment and delivery.
How do I know if you have received my order?
Once we receive your order we will send you a confirmation email. If you do not receive this within 24 hours please send us an email to orders@deverebrilliance.com and we will check the status of the order. When the order is processed and packaged ready for dispatch we will send you a second email to confirm this. To avoid our message being classified as “junk” please add the email address orders@deverebrilliance.com to your email contacts or to your email safe list.
Will my purchase be guaranteed?
We offer a 60 day money back guarantee on all of our standard products to allow you time to ensure you are entirely happy with your purchase. We also offer a full life time guarantee, which covers any manufacturing defects. Where work has been carried out by a Third Party this guarantee becomes void.
Please note that due to the exceptional skill of our setters your stones will not fall out of your jewellery, they can only be dislodged. We therefore strongly recommend that you insure your jewellery as loss of diamonds or other stones do not fall under the De Vere Brilliance guarantee.
What delivery services do you offer?
We offer free delivery on all website orders. Please refer to our delivery policy.
Can I send my order to an alternate address?
We are able to deliver to an alternative delivery address. To do this please make your order through our website where there is an option to specify an alternate address. Alternately if you prefer to order over the telephone please contact us on orders@deverebrilliance.com.
Do you deliver internationally?
Yes, we are able to deliver to a wide variety of countries outside of the UK including most of Western Europe and the USA. For orders delivered to the Republic of Ireland we will pay your taxes, duties and charges on import, and this amount is included in the price you see on the site. There will be no additional charges for you to pay. For orders delivered outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland we will not charge VAT, you will be responsible for any Taxes, Duties and Charges on import.
How do I cancel my order?
Please contact us. If the item has not yet been dispatched we will cancel the order at no charge. If the item has already been dispatched please see our returns policy.
How do I return an unwanted item?
To return an item please contact us to inform us the item will be returned. Provided the item is returned to us within 60 days in an unworn condition and in its original packaging we will happily process a full refund.
Items not covered by our money back guarantee are engraved items and custom designs not on our website that we have created to your specification. For full details see our returns policy.
How to make a complaint.
This complaints process will be used if you purchased a product or service from us and you’re not happy with the outcome. In the first instance we ask that you contact us by email at hello@deverebrilliance.com. We would ask that you first put the complaint in writing.
Please can you provide as much of the following information as you can, including your order number, the item(s) you bought, the nature of your complaint, and what resolution you would like.
How your complaint will be dealt with.
Our first resolution is always to try to solve the problem informally with you first. One of our management team will talk the issue through with you and discuss possible resolutions and outcomes with you.
If however we do not manage to come to agreement informally we will then follow a formal complaints process.
Firstly, one of our Senior Sales Managers will investigate and send you a formal response to your complaint. This will happen within 4 weeks of your complaint.
If you are not satisfied at this point, you may then ask for your complaint to be reviewed by a Company Director. This will happen within 4 weeks of your request.
Lastly, alternative dispute resolution; You can ask for the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) to look at your complaint. The NAJ is independent and separate from De Vere Brilliance Limited. This is the final stage of the complaints process.
It can be stressful to make a complaint and we appreciate things can get frustrating when they don’t go right, but we won’t accept poor treatment of our staff while dealing with your complaint. This includes aggressive behaviour, abusive language, or unreasonable demands – like demanding that someone talks to you immediately or that you must speak to a specific person.
If you behave this way, we may end the conversation. If, despite warnings, you continue this behaviour we might limit our communication with you to email or letter only.
Will I receive my item in a presentation box?
Yes, all jewellery made by De Vere Brilliance will be presented in one of our natural, environmentally friendly presentation boxes.
Do you offer a gift-wrapping service?
Yes, we can arrange to gift-wrap your order. This is a complimentary service.
I have an idea for a ring. Can it be made?
Yes! At De Vere Brilliance we have extensive experience designing and making a variety of beautiful and intricate jewellery designs. After discussing your requirements we produce a selection of photo realistic images so you can see exactly how the design will appear in real life. Our design service is also free of cost – we just require an initial deposit which is fully refundable if you decide not to proceed with the design. If you would like more information please click here.
I have seen a ring and it’s not on your website. Can it be made?
At De Vere Brilliance we have access to many hundreds of different designs frequently seen on the High Street and can usually make exactly what you would like. If we don’t have the pattern then our Custom Designs Service will be able to create the exact design that you are looking for.
Can you guarantee the quality and purity of your precious metal?
Yes, absolutely. In the UK it is illegal to sell or describe any item as gold, silver, platinum or palladium unless it is hallmarked. All Samara James jewellery is made and hallmarked in compliance with the law. A UK hallmark is struck by an independent assay office to guarantee the precious metal content of the piece of jewellery you are purchasing.
The grade of platinum and palladium we use as standard is 950 purity. The grade of gold is 18k (hallmarked 750). We use these standards consistently unless a variation is requested by the customer. For example, if you had a preference for 22k gold rather than 18k gold.
For more information on hallmarking and how your precious metal should be identified please click this link.
Can you guarantee that you don’t offer conflict diamonds?
Yes, this is very important to us. ‘Conflict diamonds’ is a term used to describe diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognised governments and are used to fund military action in oppositions to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council. Our policy on conflict diamonds is absolutely rigorous. We will not buy, sell or handle any diamonds of unclear provenance. We insist that all of our suppliers subscribe to The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.
How do I know your diamonds are legitimate?
We purchase our diamonds from a small number of carefully selected diamond companies who are recognised as being amongst the world’s finest in diamond polishing. Purchasing from these companies directly rather than using a wholesaler means we know the diamond mine that the stones were sourced from and where they were polished. We can then guarantee that our diamonds are of the highest quality and that they are free of any treatments that some companies use to artificially enhance the appearance of their stones. We are also able to guarantee that we do not supply conflict diamonds. If you would like to view a specific diamond or to see our range of perfectly cut diamonds please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Is your gold and platinum ethically sourced?
This is an issue that we take very seriously. We can absolutely assure our customers about the absence of any adverse environmental, social and business impacts in the extraction of precious metals that we use to make our jewellery. Please click to read our sourcing policy for precious metals or contact us to discuss this issue in more detail.