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.
29th September 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.
In a world where sustainability and ethical choices matter more than ever, understanding what is a lab-grown diamond and the truth about these gemstones is paramount to those seeking both beauty and conscience in their jewellery selections.
The Common Myths About Lab Created Diamonds
Join us as we delve into the prevailing misconceptions surrounding lab-grown diamonds, shedding light on the truth behind these popular myths and revealing why they've become a preferred choice.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are Fake or Synthetic
Myth: One common misconception about lab-grown diamonds is that they are fake or synthetic, lacking the authenticity of natural diamonds.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, just like natural diamonds, with the same chemical composition and physical properties. They are created in controlled environments, replicating the natural diamond-growing process. In fact, they are often referred to as "cultured" or "created" diamonds to emphasise their genuine nature.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are of Lower Quality than Natural Diamonds
Myth: Some believe that lab-grown diamonds are of lower quality than natural diamonds, assuming they lack the brilliance and sparkle associated with natural diamonds.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are available in various qualities, just like natural diamonds. They can exhibit exceptional brilliance, clarity, and colour, rivalling the finest natural diamonds. The quality of a lab-grown diamond depends on its growth process and the standards set by the manufacturer. Many are created to meet or exceed the quality of natural diamonds and are used for pieces like lab-grown engagement rings, demonstrating that ethical and sustainable beauty can coexist seamlessly with elegance and sophistication.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are Easily Distinguishable from Natural Diamonds
Myth: It's a common lab-grown diamond myth that they can be easily distinguished from natural diamonds, making them less desirable.
Fact: Without specialised equipment, it is virtually impossible to differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same optical and physical characteristics as their natural counterparts. They can only be identified through specialised testing conducted by gemological laboratories.
Lab-grown diamonds are not as durable as natural diamonds
Myth: Some believe that lab-grown diamonds are less durable and prone to damage compared to natural diamonds.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds share the remarkable hardness and durability of natural diamonds, making them suitable for everyday wear. They can withstand the rigours of daily life and are equally scratch-resistant and long-lasting.
Lab-grown diamonds are not as valuable as natural diamonds
Myth: There's a misconception that lab-grown diamonds are less valuable than natural diamonds due to their origin.
Fact: The value of a diamond, whether natural or lab-grown, is determined by its quality, size, and market demand. High-quality lab-grown diamonds can hold significant value, especially when they exhibit exceptional characteristics. Their value is also influenced by ethical and environmental factors, making them an appealing choice for many consumers.
Lab-grown diamonds are not a good investment
Myth: Some believe that lab-grown diamonds are not a wise investment choice and won't retain their value.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds can be a sound investment, especially when considering their growing popularity and ethical appeal. Like natural diamonds, their value can appreciate over time, and they can be a valuable addition to one's portfolio. However, it is also important to consider the availability of lab grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds as this plays a significant role in the reselling value.
Lab-grown diamonds are not ethical
Myth: Another myth is that lab-grown diamonds are not ethical and may be associated with unethical practices.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are often considered a more ethical choice than natural diamonds. They are produced with minimal environmental impact, do not involve conflict or "blood" diamonds, and support fair labour practices. Many people are drawn to the ethical and sustainable aspects of lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are only available in small sizes
Myth: It's a common myth about lab-grown diamonds that they are limited to smaller sizes and not suitable for larger, more impressive jewellery pieces.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are available in a wide range of sizes, from small accent stones to large centrepieces. They are suitable for various jewellery styles and can be used to create stunning, eye-catching pieces.
Lab-grown diamonds are bad for the environment
Myth: Are lab-grown diamonds sustainable? Some believe that the production of lab-grown diamonds harms the environment.
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are often considered more environmentally friendly than their natural counterparts. Their production consumes fewer natural resources, creates fewer carbon emissions, and minimises habitat disruption. Many manufacturers prioritise sustainable practices in their diamond production processes.
Lab-grown diamonds are a passing trend
Myth: There's a misconception that lab-grown diamonds are just a passing trend and won't have a lasting presence in the jewellery market.
Fact: A lab-grown diamond fact is that they have gained significant traction and are here to stay. They offer consumers an ethical, sustainable, and affordable alternative to natural diamonds, making them a long-term choice for many jewellery enthusiasts. As technology advances and awareness grows, the popularity of lab-grown diamonds is expected to continue rising.
Conclusion
In the world of ethical and sustainable choices, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling alternative to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are real, durable, and indistinguishable from natural diamonds without specialised equipment. They also hold significant value and are a sound investment. More importantly, they are an ethical and environmentally friendly choice.
Ready to explore lab-grown diamonds? Choose brilliance, ethics, and value while making an informed choice that aligns with your values and style. Discover lab-grown diamonds today for a brighter, more sustainable future in fine jewellery.