Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process. They have identical chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, and physical properties to mined diamonds - same hardness (10 on Mohs scale), same brilliance, same fire, same forever.

The only difference? Origin story. Lab-grown diamonds form in weeks rather than billions of years, and come with complete supply chain transparency.

Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They're not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite - they're genuine diamonds, recognized as such by the Federal Trade Commission and leading gemological institutes worldwide.

A simple test: Take a lab-grown and mined diamond of identical specifications to any jeweler. Without certification paperwork, they're indistinguishable - even to experts with professional equipment.

Yes, identical sparkle. Brilliance and fire depend on cut quality, not origin. A well-cut lab-grown diamond will outsparkle a poorly cut mined diamond every time.

All IVYMOOR diamonds are graded Excellent or Above, ensuring maximum light performance regardless of size or shape. Your IGI or GIA certificate confirms the precise cut grade.

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth (10 on Mohs scale), exactly like mined diamonds. They won't cloud, fade, scratch, or change over time. Your great-grandchildren will inherit the same brilliance you see today.

The "diamond is forever" promise applies equally to lab-grown stones - because they ARE diamonds.

Supply chain efficiency, not quality compromise. Lab-grown diamonds eliminate:

• Mining operations and associated costs
• Multi-layered intermediary markups
• Geographic scarcity pricing
• Conflict zone premiums

The result: 40-60% lower prices for identical quality. This means you can choose a larger diamond, higher clarity, or better color - without increasing your budget. Smart luxury.

Lab-grown diamonds offer radical supply chain transparency - you know exactly where your diamond came from and how it was created. No mining, no conflict zones, no worker exploitation concerns.

However, "ethical" also depends on energy sources and labor practices. At IVYMOOR, we partner with certified suppliers who use renewable energy and maintain fair labor standards. Every diamond comes with complete traceability documentation.

Like all diamonds, lab-grown stones are not investment assets - they're sentimental purchases. Mined diamonds typically retain 20-40% of retail value in the resale market; lab-grown diamonds currently retain 10-30%. However, you're paying 40-60% less initially.

The real question: Would you rather pay £10,000 for a mined diamond that resells for £3,000, or £5,000 for an identical lab-grown diamond that resells for £1,500? Either way, you're wearing the diamond, not liquidating it.

If resale value is the primary concern, diamonds (mined or lab-grown) aren't ideal. If wearing a stunning symbol of your commitment matters most, lab-grown offers exceptional value.

2-4 weeks from order confirmation to delivery.

Average Timeline breakdown:

• Diamond sourcing: 3-5 days
• Setting creation: 7-14 days (made-to-order)
• Quality inspection: 1-2 days
• Shipping: 2-3 days (UK), 5-7 days (EU)
  
  
  Rush production available for proposals with tight timelines - contact us at support@ivymoor.co.uk.
  
  

IVYMOOR rings are available in four precious metal options to suit every style and budget:

9k Gold (37.5% pure gold / 375 fineness)

• Available in: Rose, White, or Yellow gold
• UK hallmarked: "375" stamp
• Most affordable option
• Durable for daily wear

14k Gold (58.5% pure gold / 585 fineness)

• Available in: Rose, White, or Yellow gold
• UK hallmarked: "585" stamp
• Mid-range pricing
• Popular in US/international markets

18k Gold (75% pure gold / 750 fineness)

• Available in: Rose, White, or Yellow gold
• UK hallmarked: "750" stamp
• Premium gold option
• Richer color, hypoallergenic

Platinum (95% pure platinum / 950 fineness)

• UK hallmarked: "950" stamp
• Most durable precious metal
• Naturally white (no plating needed)
• Heaviest, most premium option

All metals are UK hallmarked to certify purity. Choose based on budget, color preference, and desired durability

Three ways to get it right:

Option 1: Free printable ring sizer (DIY)

• Download from our website
• Print at 100% scale (check with test ruler)
• Follow instructions to measure
• Accuracy: Good for rough sizing

Option 2: Local jeweler sizing (Most accurate - RECOMMENDED)

• Visit any jewelry shop (free service at most)
• Professional sizing takes 30 seconds
• Most accurate method
• Get sized on same finger, mid-afternoon (fingers swell/shrink)

Option 3: Ring sizer kit (We can provide)

• Physical ring sizer set
• £5 (refunded with purchase)
• More accurate than printable
• Keep for future reference

If your ring doesn't fit perfectly:

• Contact us within 30 days
• Return for free resizing (we cover shipping)
• Adjusted and returned within 7-10 days
• First resizing completely free

Sizing tips:

• Measure mid-afternoon (fingers change size throughout day)
• Consider knuckle size (ring must pass over it)
• Wider bands fit tighter (consider half-size up for 4mm+ bands)
• UK sizes typically: J-N for women, S-W for men

Yes - complimentary engraving included free with every ring! What's included: Up to 20 characters (letters, numbers, symbols)Inside band engraving (hidden, personal)

Yes - every IVYMOOR diamond over 0.50ct includes independent certification

Both are internationally respected, independent grading authorities. The choice depends on your diamond:

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

• Founded 1931, invented the 4Cs grading system
• Considered "gold standard" in diamond grading
• More common for natural diamonds historically
• Increasingly grading lab-grown diamonds
• Generally stricter on color/clarity borderline cases
• Premium positioning

IGI (International Gemological Institute)

• Founded 1975, largest independent lab network
• Leading authority for lab-grown diamond grading
• Faster turnaround times
• Widely accepted globally
• Majority of lab-grown diamonds use IGI
• Equivalent reliability to GIA

Which is "better"?
Both provide accurate, trustworthy grading. For lab-grown diamonds, IGI is industry standard and perfectly reliable. If a diamond comes with GIA certification, that's excellent - but IGI is equally valid.

What matters most: That your diamond IS certified by a reputable third-party lab. Both IGI and GIA meet this standard completely

Yes - all IVYMOOR rings are UK hallmarked in accordance with UK Hallmarking Act 1973.

Every ring containing precious metal displays official hallmarks certifying metal purity:

9k Gold: "375" (37.5% pure gold)
14k Gold: "585" (58.5% pure gold)

18k Gold: "750" (75% pure gold)
Platinum: "950" (95% pure platinum)

What hallmarking guarantees:
✓ Independently tested metal purity
✓ Legal compliance with UK standards
✓ Protection against fraud
✓ Accurate insurance valuations
✓ Verified quality assurance

Where to find hallmarks:
Look inside your ring band - you'll see small stamps showing:

• Fineness mark (375/585/750/950)
• Assay office mark (where it was tested)
• Date letter (year of hallmarking)
• Maker's mark (manufacturer identifier)

Hallmarking is included in your ring price - no additional cost.

Complete transparency: Your certificate clearly states your diamond was created in a laboratory, not mined from earth.

Why it's disclosed:

• Legal requirement (FTC regulations)
• Ethical transparency
• Accurate product description
• Insurance documentation

What it means for you:

• Same chemical composition as mined diamonds (pure carbon)
• Same physical properties (hardness, brilliance, durability)
• Same optical characteristics (fire, sparkle, light performance)
• Lower price (40-70% less than mined equivalent)

What it doesn't mean:

• NOT a simulant (like cubic zirconia or moissanite)
• NOT lower quality
• NOT visibly different
• NOT "fake" or "imitation"

The "lab-grown" designation is a badge of modern ethics and transparency - your diamond is real, and you know exactly where it came from.

Simple weekly maintenance keeps your ring brilliant:

Weekly cleaning (5 minutes):

1. Fill bowl with warm water + 2 drops mild dish soap
2. Soak the ring 15-20 minutes
3. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush (behind diamond, under prongs)
4. Rinse under warm running water
5. Dry with lint-free cloth
6. Sparkle restored!

What to avoid:
❌ Harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine damage metal)
❌ Abrasive cleaners (scratch gold/platinum)
❌ Ultrasonic cleaners at home (can loosen stones)
❌ Extreme temperature changes
❌ Wearing during heavy manual work

When to remove your ring:

• Sleeping (prevents prong catching/bending)
• Swimming (chlorine damages metal; risk of loss)
• Gym/exercise (protect prongs from impact)
• Cleaning with chemicals
• Applying lotions/perfumes (causes buildup)

Professional maintenance schedule:

• Every 6-12 months: Jeweler inspection (check prong tightness) - £10-30 at local jewelers
• Every 18-24 months: Rhodium replating (white gold only) - £40-60
• Every 5-10 years: Prong retipping (normal wear) - £40-80

Your ring is built to last generations - basic care ensures it does.