With diamond jewelry, it's all about the 4 C's: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Diamond prices are heavily impacted by these four characteristics, and most diamonds are independently graded according to standards set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 1953. It is the universal language for diamond quality, ensuring consistency and accuracy around the world.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin. While natural diamonds are typically mined from the earth's crust, lab created diamonds are manufactured in high tech laboratories using extensive heat and pressure to mimic the natural processes that occur in the earth over millions of years. The ability to create diamonds in a controlled laboratory environment makes lab grown diamonds a smart, economical choice.
Are lab grown gemstones real? What about rubies, sapphires, and emeralds? Yes! Lab grown gemstones are real gemstones. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as their mined counterparts. The difference is that they are grown in a lab, instead of mined from the earth. Additionally, becuase they are man-made, they are dramatically more affordable than natural gemstones. MiaDonna is committed to our ethical standards of using lab created gemstones in all of our fine jewelry.
There are many types of gemstones that look like a diamond: synthetics, simulants, and hybrids. While synthetic (meaning "man-made") diamonds are real diamonds that are grown in a lab, diamond simulants are not real diamonds. Simulants, like CZ and moissanite, are made of non-diamond materials and have different compositions as well as physical and optical properties. Hybrid diamonds are a blend of both non-diamond and diamond material, with the inner portion made of non-diamond material, and the outer portion made of lab created diamond. Hybrids are considered to be diamond simulants because they are not 100% diamond.
There are several ways to find the correct ring size for your order. First, you can use our printable ring sizer which allows you to measure your finger or an existing ring. Alternatively, you can purchase a plastic ring sizer in advance to make sure you get the correct size before you place your order. For international customers, consult our ring size converter to find the corresponding size in your country.
Trying to find the ring size of your loved one? We offer several tips and tricks to help you sleuth your way to the correct ring size!
Pro tip: avoid measuring when your fingers are cold, as this is when they are smallest. Additionally, we recommend that you measure your ring size at the end of the day which is when they are at their largest.
Jewelry comes in all kinds of metals, like silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. In the U.S., most fine jewelry is worn in 14 Karat (14K), 18 Karat (18K), or Platinum (PL), whith 14K being the most popular. For those with allergies, Platinum may be the best choice because it is more hypo-allergenic than gold.
Because gold itself is yellow in color and is quite soft in it's natural state, it is typically alloyed (or mixed) with other metals to create durable jewelry in colors other than yellow. The most popular gold color for jewelry in the U.S. is White Gold (WG), followed by Yellow Gold (WG), and Rose Gold (RG) which is sometimes called Pink Gold.
Caring for your lab grown diamond and gemstone jewelry is as easy as 1, 2, 3. First, it is recommended that you take good care of your jewelry by removing your jewelry prior to doing manual tasks so that it doesn't get damaged. You should also avoid cosmetics, hairspray, perfumes, and lotions, as that can cause build up on your jewelry. Secondly, you should store your jewelry in a safe, dry place, like a jewelry box. Finally, you can clean your jewelry with warm soap and water, gently scrubbing with a toothbrush or other soft cloth.
Click below for more tips on jewelry care and cleaning.
What is an "asscher" cut? What does "milgrain" mean? What is an "eternity" style?
While most of us love wearing jewelry, not everyone is an expert in all the terminology about jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones. To help aid you in your jewelry journey, we've compiled a list of some of the most commonly used terms and phrases. Feel free to browse or search for definitions of some of these key terms.
