Jewellery FAQs: Your Complete Guide to Diamonds, Metals, Sizing, Care & More

Whether you're buying your first diamond engagement ring or expanding a growing jewellery collection, it's natural to have questions. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions from our customers — covering diamonds, metals, lab-grown stones, care, sizing, and more — into this comprehensive FAQ guide. If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, our team of expert gemologists is always available to help.

Diamond FAQs

What are the 4 Cs of diamonds?

The 4 Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight — are the global standard for evaluating diamond quality, established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Cut determines how much a diamond sparkles. Colour measures the absence of yellow or brown tint on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light colour). Clarity describes the presence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes. Carat is the unit of weight. Together, these four characteristics determine a diamond's beauty, rarity, and value.

Which of the 4 Cs is most important?

Cut is generally considered the most important C because it has the greatest impact on a diamond's sparkle and visual appeal. A well-cut diamond will outshine a diamond with superior colour and clarity but a poor cut. After cut, the priority of the remaining Cs depends on your preferences and budget — but most experts recommend prioritising cut first, then colour, then clarity, with carat weight adjusted to fit your remaining budget.

What is a GIA certificate and why does it matter?

A GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certificate, also called a grading report, is an independent assessment of a diamond's quality issued by the world's most respected gemological laboratory. It documents the diamond's exact Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight grades, along with fluorescence, dimensions, and other characteristics. A GIA certificate provides objective, third-party verification of the diamond's quality, giving buyers confidence in their purchase. We strongly recommend only purchasing diamonds accompanied by a GIA or AGS certificate.

What is diamond fluorescence, and is it good or bad?

Fluorescence refers to a diamond's tendency to emit a soft glow (usually blue) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Approximately 25–35% of diamonds have some degree of fluorescence. The impact on appearance varies: in most cases, faint to medium fluorescence has no visible effect in normal lighting. In some cases, strong fluorescence can make a lower colour grade diamond appear whiter in daylight — which can be advantageous. In rare cases, very strong fluorescence makes a diamond appear milky or hazy. Whether fluorescence is good or bad depends entirely on the individual stone — always view the diamond in multiple lighting conditions before purchasing.

What is the best diamond shape for an engagement ring?

There is no single 'best' shape — it is a matter of personal preference and hand proportion. Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular and produce the most sparkle due to their 58-facet cut. Oval, pear, and marquise shapes are elongated, making fingers appear longer and slender. Emerald and asscher cuts offer a sophisticated, architectural look with a step-cut design. Cushion and radiant cuts combine brilliance with a softer shape. Princess cuts offer maximum sparkle in a square format. The best advice is to try several shapes in person or on a virtual try-on tool before deciding.

Can diamonds chip or break?

Yes, despite being the hardest natural material on earth, diamonds can chip or fracture if struck at the right angle with sufficient force. Diamonds have cleavage planes — directions in which the crystal structure is weaker — along which they can split. Fancy shapes with pointed corners (marquise, pear, princess) are more vulnerable than round diamonds. Protecting your diamond from hard impacts, particularly on tile, concrete, and metal surfaces, significantly reduces the risk of chipping.

What is the difference between a natural diamond and a diamond simulant?

A natural diamond is formed over billions of years deep within the earth from pure carbon under extreme heat and pressure. A diamond simulant is a material that resembles a diamond in appearance but has a completely different chemical composition — examples include cubic zirconia (CZ), white sapphire, and moissanite. Simulants are not diamonds and have different hardness, brilliance, and optical properties. Lab-grown diamonds, by contrast, are real diamonds — they have the same chemical structure as natural diamonds and are not simulants.

Lab-Grown Diamond FAQs

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are composed of pure carbon in the same crystal structure. The only difference is their origin: natural diamonds form in the earth over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory in weeks or months. Both are certified by the same gem labs (including GIA) using the same 4 Cs grading system.

How much cheaper are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are typically 50–80% less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable quality. This significant price difference allows buyers to choose a larger stone, a higher quality grade, or a more elaborate setting for the same budget. Prices have continued to fall as production technology improves and supply increases.

Do lab-grown diamonds lose their sparkle over time?

No. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and have the same physical properties — including hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and optical characteristics. They will sparkle exactly the same as the day they were made, throughout their lifetime, as long as they are cleaned regularly.

Are lab-grown diamonds ethical?

Lab-grown diamonds are generally considered more ethical than mined diamonds because they avoid the environmental disruption of mining operations and eliminate concerns about conflict or 'blood diamonds.' However, the energy consumption of laboratory production varies — some facilities use significant amounts of electricity, while others use renewable energy. For the most ethical choice, look for lab-grown diamond producers who source renewable energy for their facilities.

Moissanite FAQs

Is moissanite a diamond?

No. Moissanite is a distinct gemstone made of silicon carbide (SiC), not carbon. It is not a diamond and not a diamond simulant — it is its own unique gemstone with its own properties. Moissanite is harder than any other gemstone except diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale), has higher brilliance and fire than a diamond, and is significantly more affordable. It is a genuine, durable gemstone suitable for fine jewellery including engagement rings.

Can jewellers tell the difference between moissanite and a diamond?

Trained jewellers and gemologists can distinguish moissanite from diamond using specialised equipment. Under magnification, moissanite has a characteristic double refraction (it appears to have doubled facets when viewed through the stone) that diamond does not exhibit. Simple diamond testers based on thermal conductivity may give inconclusive results with moissanite, as moissanite conducts heat similarly to diamond. Multi-tester units that also measure electrical conductivity will reliably distinguish the two.

Does moissanite get cloudy over time?

No. Moissanite is an extremely stable gemstone and will not cloud, discolour, or lose its brilliance over its lifetime. Like any gemstone, it will attract oils and buildup with regular wear, which can temporarily reduce its sparkle. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water will fully restore its brilliance.

Metals FAQs

What is the difference between 9k, 14k, and 18k gold?

Karat describes the proportion of pure gold in a gold alloy. 9 karat gold contains 37.5% pure gold; 14 karat contains 58.3% pure gold; 18 karat contains 75% pure gold. Higher karat gold is richer in colour, more resistant to tarnish, and softer (less scratch-resistant). Lower karat gold is more durable (harder) but more prone to tarnish and allergy reactions (due to higher alloy content, particularly nickel). For fine jewellery and diamond settings, 18k gold is widely considered the superior choice.

What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

Both metals appear bright white, but they are fundamentally different. White gold is a yellow gold alloy (75% gold in 18k) combined with white metals and coated with rhodium plating to achieve its white appearance. Platinum is a naturally white metal that requires no plating — its colour is permanent. Platinum is denser and heavier than gold, more durable for stone settings, hypoallergenic, and more expensive. White gold requires periodic rhodium re-plating (every 1–2 years with daily wear); platinum does not. Platinum develops a patina over time; white gold retains its finish between re-platings.

Is rose gold durable?

Yes. Rose gold is actually one of the more durable gold alloys because of its higher copper content — copper is a hard metal that strengthens the alloy. 18k rose gold (75% gold, 25% copper) is a practical, everyday-wear metal. Its colour is inherent to the alloy and permanent — it will not fade or require re-plating. Over time, the copper content may cause the rose tone to deepen very slightly as the metal develops a subtle patina.

Can I wear gold in the shower?

Technically, solid gold (18k or higher) will not be harmed by water alone. However, regular shower exposure is not recommended for any gold jewellery because: soap, shampoo, and conditioner residue builds up in settings and on stones; hot water and steam can affect lower karat alloy metals over time; and chlorine in tap water gradually affects rhodium plating on white gold. The best practice is to remove all fine jewellery before showering.

Ring Sizing FAQs

How do I find my ring size at home?

The most accurate home method is to use a piece of string or a thin strip of paper wrapped around the base of your finger, marked where it overlaps, then measured in millimetres. Divide this by 3.14 to get the inner diameter, then use a ring size conversion chart. Alternatively, measure the inner diameter of a ring that already fits your target finger in millimetres and convert using a size chart. For the most accurate result, have your finger measured by a professional jeweller using a ring gauge.

Does finger size change throughout the day?

Yes, significantly. Fingers are typically at their largest in the evening and in warm weather, and at their smallest in the morning and in cold weather. For the most accurate sizing, measure your finger at the end of the day when it is at its largest. This ensures your ring is comfortable throughout the day in all conditions.

What if I am between ring sizes?

If you are between sizes, the general recommendation is to go up to the larger size — a ring that is slightly loose is safer and easier to resize than one that is too tight and cannot be removed. The exception is if you have particularly large knuckles relative to the base of your finger — in that case, sizing to fit over the knuckle with a ring stop or sizing bead added inside the shank is a better solution.

How wide does a band need to be before I need to size up?

Wider bands fit more snugly than narrow bands because they cover more of the finger surface and create more friction. As a general rule: bands wider than 6mm should be sized half a size larger than your standard measurement; bands wider than 8mm may need to be a full size larger. Always mention the intended band width when having your ring size professionally measured.

Jewellery Care FAQs

How often should I professionally service my fine jewellery?

For engagement rings and daily-wear pieces, professional servicing every six months is ideal — annually at minimum. This allows a jeweller to inspect settings for looseness, re-tip worn prongs before stones are lost, perform a thorough clean, and re-polish or re-plate as required. For pieces worn occasionally, annual servicing is sufficient.

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner at home for my jewellery?

Home ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for solid gold, platinum, and diamond jewellery without delicate or porous stones. However, they are not safe for: emeralds (often have natural fractures that can worsen), opals (may crack), pearls (extremely delicate), tanzanite, or any stone set in a pavé, micro-pavé, or tension setting where the stone is held by friction or very fine prongs. When in doubt, stick to the mild soap and soft toothbrush method and leave ultrasonic cleaning to the professionals.

How do I clean an engagement ring?

The safest home method for a diamond engagement ring is: soak in warm water with mild dish soap for 20–40 minutes; gently scrub with a soft toothbrush around prongs and under the stone; rinse thoroughly; pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Repeat weekly for best results. Have it professionally cleaned and inspected every six months to check for loose prongs and structural wear.

Will my jewellery tarnish?

Whether your jewellery tarnishes depends on the metal. Platinum does not tarnish. High-karat gold (18k) has very low tarnish susceptibility. Lower-karat gold (9k) and silver-alloyed gold are more susceptible. Rose gold may develop a patina from its copper content. Sterling silver tarnishes readily. The best prevention is regular cleaning, avoiding chemical exposure, and storing pieces properly when not in use.

Purchasing and Policy FAQs

What is the difference between a jewellery warranty and jewellery insurance?

A warranty is provided by the retailer and covers manufacturing defects for a specified period — it does not cover loss, theft, or accidental damage. Jewellery insurance is a separate policy that covers those risks. For significant pieces, both a manufacturer's warranty and dedicated jewellery insurance are recommended.

Can all rings be resized?

Most rings can be resized by one to two sizes in either direction. Exceptions include: eternity rings and full-pave rings (stones set all the way around the band, which makes resizing complex); rings made from titanium, tungsten, or ceramic (these metals cannot be resized); and some rings with intricate designs where structural integrity would be compromised. Always consult a professional jeweller before attempting to resize any ring.

How should I store fine jewellery long-term?

For long-term storage, each piece should be stored individually in a soft, fabric-lined pouch or compartment to prevent scratching. Keep jewellery in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use anti-tarnish strips in the storage box to slow oxidation of metal alloys. For silver pieces, consider airtight storage bags to minimise air exposure. Check stored pieces every few months and clean if necessary before extended re-storage.