Choosing a diamond or creating a custom piece should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Our Frequently Asked Questions cover everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds, the 4Cs, shapes, settings, metals, ring sizing, jewelry care, and the Rose & Rae custom-design process helping you make every decision with clarity and confidence.
Frequently asked question
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same crystal structure, chemical composition, hardness, and brilliance as mined diamonds. The difference is their origin: lab-grown diamonds are created above ground in a controlled environment.
How long does it take to create a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are created over a matter of weeks using conditions that replicate how diamonds form underground over billions of years.
Do lab-grown diamonds look different from mined diamonds?
A well-cut, well-graded lab-grown diamond looks and photographs indistinguishably from a mined diamond to the naked eye.
Are lab-grown diamonds less expensive?
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. This may allow you to choose a larger center stone, a better cut grade, or a more detailed setting.
How are lab-grown diamonds graded?
Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the same 4Cs standards as mined diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. They are graded by the same major independent laboratories.
Which of the 4Cs is most important?
Rose & Rae recommends prioritizing cut because it has the greatest effect on a diamond’s brilliance. We recommend choosing a cut grade of Very Good or Excellent.
What diamond color should I choose?
Diamonds are graded from D, which is colorless, through Z, which may show light yellow or brown tones. G–J diamonds generally offer excellent near-colorless value, especially when set in yellow or rose gold.
What clarity grade should I choose?
VS1–SI1 diamonds are typically eye-clean, meaning inclusions are generally not visible without magnification. These grades may provide strong value compared with higher clarity grades.
Does carat weight determine how large a diamond looks?
Carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its visible size. The cut, shape, and setting also affect how large the diamond appears on the hand.
Diamond prices may increase at round-number weights. For example, a 0.95-carat diamond may look very similar to a 1.00-carat diamond while costing less.
Which diamond shape should I choose?
Shape is a matter of personal style rather than quality. However, shape can affect price, apparent size, and how the diamond should be protected.
Rose & Rae works with shapes including:
Round
Oval
Cushion
Emerald
Pear
Princess
Radiant
Marquise
Which diamond shapes appear larger?
Elongated shapes—including oval, marquise, pear, and emerald—tend to appear larger on the hand than round or cushion diamonds of the same carat weight.
Which diamond shapes require additional protection?
Shapes with points or sharp corners, including pear, marquise, princess, and heart-shaped diamonds, are more vulnerable to chipping. These shapes should be placed in protective settings.
What certification should a lab-grown diamond have?
The diamond should include a grading report from an independent laboratory, most commonly the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
The report should:
Clearly identify the diamond as “Laboratory-Grown” or “Man Made”
Include the complete 4Cs
Include the diamond’s measurements
List symmetry, polish, and fluorescence
Match the report number laser-inscribed on the diamond’s girdle
What do HPHT and CVD mean?
HPHT and CVD are the two primary methods used to grow diamonds in a laboratory. The growth method may be listed on the grading report for informational purposes, but it does not determine the diamond’s quality.
What should I consider when choosing an engagement ring?
An engagement ring is usually worn daily, so durability should be considered alongside beauty.
Round, oval, and cushion-cut diamonds generally resist chipping well. An active lifestyle may benefit from a lower-profile or bezel setting rather than a tall prong setting.
Can you help redesign an existing ring?
Yes. When redesigning a ring, you may choose to reuse the existing center stone and metal or begin with a new lab-grown diamond.
If the original stone has sentimental value, it may be incorporated as a side accent. Bringing reference photographs helps Rose & Rae understand the style you want.
Does Rose & Rae create jewelry for occasions other than engagements?
Yes. Rose & Rae creates jewelry for anniversaries, milestones, meaningful gestures, and personal purchases.
Options may include birthstone pairings, colored-diamond accents, unconventional diamond shapes, pendants, and stackable bands.
What setting options are available?
Rose & Rae works with several types of settings:
Prong Setting
Four or six metal claws hold the diamond while exposing more of its surface to light. This classic setting maximizes sparkle.
Bezel Setting
A thin metal rim wraps fully or partially around the diamond’s edge. It is the most protective option and works well for active hands and everyday wear.
Halo Setting
A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, adding sparkle and making the center stone appear larger.
Pavé or Hidden Halo Setting
Small diamonds are placed along the band or beneath the center stone to add sparkle without competing with the center diamond.
Which metal should I choose?
Rose & Rae offers 14K gold, 18K gold, and platinum.
14K Gold
14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold combined with stronger metals. It is more scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday rings and active lifestyles.
18K Gold
18K gold contains 75% pure gold. It has a richer, warmer color—especially in yellow and rose gold—but is softer and more prone to scratching than 14K gold.
Platinum
Platinum is typically 95% pure, naturally white, and hypoallergenic. It holds stones securely and develops a soft patina rather than wearing away over time.
Which metal is best for sensitive skin?
Platinum and higher-purity gold are generally more suitable for sensitive skin. Because 14K gold contains a higher percentage of alloy metals, it may occasionally irritate very sensitive skin.
How do I find my ring size?
You can measure a ring already worn on the correct finger by measuring its inside diameter in millimeters.
You can also wrap a strip of paper or string around the base of the finger, mark where it overlaps, and measure the length. This provides an estimate, but professional sizing is the most accurate method.
For the most accurate everyday fit, measure your finger in the evening because fingers are naturally larger at the end of the day and in warm weather.
How can I find someone’s ring size for a surprise proposal?
You can borrow a ring they already wear on the correct finger and have a jeweler measure it. You may also ask a close friend or family member who knows their ring size.
When uncertain, sizing slightly larger is generally preferable because it is easier to size a ring down than up.
Can Rose & Rae rings be resized?
Most Rose & Rae settings can be resized one to two sizes after the proposal. Resizing possibilities depend on the individual setting.
How durable are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown and mined diamonds have identical hardness and durability. Both rate 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Diamonds are extremely hard, but they are not indestructible. A sharp, direct blow at the right angle can chip a diamond, particularly one with pointed corners.
How should I care for my jewelry?
Keep jewelry away from water, lotion, perfume, and harsh chemicals. Remove rings before swimming, showering, exercising, or cleaning.
To clean your jewelry:
Soak it in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap.
Gently loosen buildup with a soft-bristled brush.
Dry it with a lint-free cloth.
Store jewelry pieces separately in a lined box or pouch because diamonds can scratch other jewelry, including other diamonds.
How often should my jewelry be inspected?
Have your prongs and settings professionally checked every 6–12 months. Most stone loss occurs because of a worn prong rather than a weak stone.
Professional cleaning and inspection once a year can keep your jewelry looking its best and identify wear before it becomes a larger problem.
What is the Rose & Rae custom-design process?
Every custom piece begins with a conversation rather than a catalog.
1. Consultation
We discuss your occasion, personal style, budget, and timeline. Consultations may take place in person, by video, or by email.
2. Stone Selection
We source lab-grown diamond options that match your priorities and provide certified choices for you to compare.
3. Design and Sketch
After you select your stone, we design the setting around it and provide a sketch or rendering for your approval.
4. Handcrafting
Your piece is cast, set, polished, and quality-checked by hand.
5. Final Fitting and Care
We guide you through sizing, cleaning, and proper care. Each piece is provided with its grading report.
How do I begin?
Contact Rose & Rae to schedule a consultation.
Rose & Rae Fine Custom Jewelry Website: roseandraejewelry.com Email:hello@roseandrae.com Instagram: @roseandraejewelry
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