Price match guarantee
For orders up to $2,000 you can use Afterpay’s payment option. Through AfterPay, your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks with absolutely no interest or extra fees
STEP 1:
At check-out, select the Afterpay payment option. You will be directed to AfterPay’s website to confirm the option. Afterpay will confirm your eligibility through a soft credit check which does not affect your credit score. There is no need for card details to complete the order.
STEP 2:
The agreed payment period starts once we ship your order. This means you have 30 days after shipment to complete your payment.
STEP 3:
Once you’re ready, proceed to extra-secure payment on ClearPay’s app or website, and use either credit or debit card.
If you’re not entirely happy with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of receipt. Once we receive your purchase, we shall cancel your flexible payment option with ClearPay, and you will be refunded any amount that you have already paid.
For any queries about Afterpay, including payments, declined orders, or queries about your Afterpay account, please visit the contact us section on the Afterpay website.
4th December 2023 | by Admin
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It is law within the UK that every item of precious metal sold such as Platinum, Gold, Silver is stamped labelling the item with the type of metal it is. Platinum pieces which weigh less than 0.5 grams, 18ct Gold and Palladium pieces weighing less than 1.0 gram and Silver pieces weighing less than 7.78 grams are except from hallmark.
At Diamonds Factory all our products are hallmarked as per UK hallmarking law from London Assay Office (The GoldSmith Company)
The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office is the oldest assay office in the United Kingdom. It has provided hallmarking services since The Goldsmiths' Company was founded in the 1300s. The company received its royal charter in 1327 and ranks 5th in order of precedence of the 12 Great Livery Companies of the City of London.
Hallmarking dates back to the 1300s when Edward I of England passed a law requiring any item made of silver, which was offered for sale, to be at least of equal quality as that of the coin of the realm (silver currency). The wardens of The Goldsmiths' Company were tasked with visiting workshops in the City of London to assay (test) silver articles. If these articles were found to be below standard they were originally destroyed and the metal forfeited to the King. If they passed, each article received the King's mark of authentication - the mark of a leopard's head. By 1478, there were several hundred workshops and merchants manufacturing silver articles in the City of London. It was not possible for the wardens to visit them all so the merchants were ordered to bring their items to Goldsmiths' Hall for testing and marking and a permanent Assay Office was established in the building. This is the origin of the term hallmark - struck with the King's mark at Goldsmiths' Hall.
In 1544 the Goldsmith's Company adopted the King's mark as their town mark and the mark of the leopard's head is now internationally recognised as the mark of this assay office.
The Goldsmiths's Company Assay Office is still based at Goldsmiths's Hall and remains the oldest company in Britain to be continually trading from the same site. However, it also has two satellite offices; at Greville Street in Hatton Garden in the heart of the London jewellery quarter and within a high security complex near London's Heathrow airport. It now has a new off-site facility within the Dalston-based jewellery manufacturer, Allied Gold. This is the first time in the Assay Office's 700 year history that it has opened permanent hallmarking services on a customer's premises.
In addition to hallmarking, the office has now expanded its range of services to support the jewellery trade and enforcement authorities. It offers a variety of specialist analytical services including nickel, lead & cadmium testing, antique silver dating, non-destructive compositional analysis, plating thickness measurement and a melt and assay service for scrap precious metal carried out in their fully independent on-site laboratory. Other services offered are a jewellery valuation service, laser marking, trading standards assistance, high quality photography and a comprehensive range of training and educational seminars, lectures and specialist events.
Lab-grown diamonds vs real diamonds
In the world of exquisite gems, the choice between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is becoming increasingly prevalent. Many wonder whether lab-grown diamonds are indeed real diamonds or just imitations.
Lab-grown diamonds ARE real diamonds
One of the most common questions that arise in the lab-grown vs. natural diamond debate is, "Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?" The resounding answer is yes. Lab-grown diamonds are, in fact, real diamonds. These gems are not merely diamond simulants; they possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts.
To substantiate this, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a renowned authority in gemology, certifies lab-grown diamonds with the same stringent standards applied to natural diamonds. This certification includes the famous "4Cs'' of diamonds: Carat weight, Cut, Clarity, and Color. Whether a diamond is grown in a laboratory or mined from the earth, it undergoes the same evaluation process.
How lab diamonds are formed
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds, are created through a controlled and highly advanced scientific process. The most common methods for producing lab-grown diamonds are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT).
In the CVD method, a tiny diamond seed crystal is exposed to a hydrocarbon gas mixture in a vacuum chamber. This gas is then ionised, causing carbon atoms to adhere to the seed crystal, layer by layer. Over time, this process forms a complete diamond. The HPHT method, on the other hand, simulates the conditions deep within the Earth's mantle, forcing carbon atoms to crystallise into a diamond structure.
If you are curious to discover more lab grown diamond facts, there are lots of interesting things to learn about these precious gems.
How natural diamonds are formed
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, take shape deep within the Earth's mantle over millions of years. They are formed under immense pressure and high temperatures as carbon atoms bond together to create the coveted gem. These diamonds are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or other geological processes, where they can be mined.
Mined natural diamonds come in various types, each with its unique characteristics. For example, the term "conflict-free diamonds" is often used to describe diamonds that are ethically sourced, ensuring they do not contribute to civil conflicts. Additionally, there are fancy coloured diamonds, such as blue, pink, and green diamonds, prized for their rare hues.
It's important to note that not all gemstones that share similarities with diamonds are, in fact, diamonds. Moissanite, for example, is not a lab-grown diamond; it's a mineral composed of silicon carbide. While moissanite boasts brilliance and durability akin to diamonds, it is distinct in its composition. So, it's crucial to be aware of these differences when exploring the world of gemstones and their alternatives. If you're interested in learning more about whether moissanite is a lab-grown diamond, you can explore the topic here.
Differences between lab-grown diamond and natural diamonds
While both lab-grown and natural diamonds share the same beauty and sparkle, there are some key distinctions between the two:
Origin
The most obvious difference is their origin. Lab-grown diamonds are created by humans in a controlled environment, while natural diamonds are the result of geological processes deep within the Earth.
Cost
Lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than their natural counterparts. The controlled growth process and reduced environmental impact contribute to their cost-effectiveness.
Environmental Impact
Lab-grown diamonds have a significantly lower environmental footprint. The traditional diamond mining industry can have negative effects on ecosystems, while lab-grown diamonds use fewer resources and produce fewer emissions.
Inclusions
Natural diamonds may contain imperfections or inclusions that are unique to each gem. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds often have fewer inclusions due to the controlled growth environment.
Size and Availability
Lab-grown diamonds are more readily available in larger sizes and various shapes, providing a wider range of options for consumers.
Buy the best natural and lab-grown diamonds at Diamonds Factory
At Diamonds Factory, we understand that choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds is a matter of personal preference. Both options offer stunning beauty and elegance, and the decision ultimately comes down to your values, budget, and environmental considerations.
Whether you opt for a lab-grown diamond, a natural one, or a pair of lab-grown diamond earrings, you can trust that we provide the highest quality and craftsmanship to make your jewellery dreams come true. Shop our extensive collection, including a wide range of diamonds, from classic natural diamonds to brilliant lab-grown alternatives.