FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Diamonds
What are GIA, AGS, and IGI diamond certificates?
A Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or International Gemological Institute (IGI) diamond certificate assures the value and quality of your diamond. GIA, AGS, and IGI are the gold standard in diamond grading. Their reports detail key characteristics of each diamond.
What are the "Four Cs"?
The Four Cs – Carat (size), Color, Clarity and Cut are the industry grade standards from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Every diamond is specifically graded on these features.
What does "Cut" mean?
A diamond’s cut determines how effectively it returns light to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond appears brilliant and fiery, while poorly cut stones look dark and lifeless. Well-cut diamonds often appear larger than stones of the same carat weight.
What does the term "eye-clean" mean?
“Eye-Clean” is a term used to describe a diamond that is clean to an unaided eye in a face-up position from a distance of 8 to 10 inches. Diamonds of VS2 or higher in quality will usually be eye-clean. Diamonds of SI1, SI2, and I1 need to be visually inspected to determine whether any inclusions are visible from the top. We can inspect any diamond at no charge.
How can I make sure the diamonds I receive are actually the diamonds I ordered?
We ship every loose diamond and diamond engagement ring with an independent GIA, AGS, or IGI lab report. This report can be examined by a qualified gemologist and compared against the unique characteristics of your diamond.
I found a diamond on your website that I like. Is it available?
Yes. All diamonds on our website are available for purchase.
What are conflict-free diamonds?
Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that were not obtained due to human rights abuses, civil war, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation.
At James Allen, we make sure that our customers receive conflict-free diamonds. Our internal guidelines exceed government requirements:
- We cut and polish many of the diamonds on our website.
- We only purchase polished diamonds from professional members of the diamond trade.
- We have contracts with our suppliers which guarantee that their diamonds are conflict-free.
When you shop at James Allen, you can be certain that your diamonds are coming from the most reputable providers.
How often do you add diamonds to your inventory?
We add new diamonds to our inventory on a daily basis.
Is a lab grown diamond better than a natural diamond?
This depends on what you’re going for; both lab grown and natural diamonds from James Allen are conflict-free and vary in their diamond grading. lab grown diamonds allow you to maximize your budget, giving up to 30% more size for the same cost, while natural diamonds are incredible works of nature and the traditional choice.
Where do lab grown diamonds come from?
Lab grown diamonds are created in a lab, but that does NOT mean they are not real diamonds. Scientists start with a diamond seed – a small sliver of chemicals – then expose it to temperatures and pressures to make it grow like a diamond under the ground. A carbon coating helps the diamond crystalize as it grows.
This advanced technology simulates natural growth, allowing the seeds to mature from a sliver to a fully-formed diamond.
Are lab grown diamonds the same as natural diamonds? If not, how are they different?
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds offer identical optical and chemical composition. The sparkle is the same – the core difference between them is their origin.
Are lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds of higher quality?
Neither is inherently higher quality; both lab grown and natural diamonds are available in a range of qualities. For example, while the color of one diamond may be superior, the other diamond may be superior in clarity – this isn’t connected to the diamond’s origin.
How is a lab grown diamond made?
Scientists start with a diamond seed – a small sliver of chemicals – then expose it to temperatures and pressures to make it grow like a diamond under the ground. A carbon coating helps the diamond crystalize as it grows.
Will I still receive an appraisal and/or a laboratory certificate?
Yes. James Allen lab grown diamonds are graded to the same standards as our natural diamonds. That means your lab grown diamond will be accompanied by an independent laboratory report detailing its “4 Cs” – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. If your diamond is mounted into jewelry, it will also be accompanied by an insurance appraisal.
Okay, so the untrained eye cannot tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds. What about the trained eye?
Same deal, because lab grown diamonds are virtually and chemically identical to natural diamonds, they cannot be distinguished even with a professional loupe.