About Diamonds
What's the difference between lab and natural diamonds?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond grown in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that replicates the earth’s natural diamond-growing process.
A natural diamond forms underground over billions of years.
Both are identical in beauty and durability (they’re both pure carbon). The only difference is origin, never quality.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds. They’re graded using the same 4Cs and certified by IGI or GIA.
Do lab-grown diamonds test as real diamonds on a diamond tester?
Yes. A diamond tester will show the same result for both lab-grown and natural diamonds because both are made of pure carbon.
Will a lab-grown diamond lose its value?
All diamonds—natural and lab-grown—are luxury goods, not investments. Lab-grown diamonds offer beautiful, high-quality stones at a more accessible price, but resale value is generally lower. Engagement rings are emotional purchases, not financial investments.
What are the 4Cs?
The 4Cs are the global standard for grading diamonds:
- Cut: How well the diamond is shaped and how brilliantly it sparkles
- Colour: How white the diamond appears
- Clarity: How clean it is from flaws or inclusions
- Carat: The weight of the diamond
A balance of all four is what gives a diamond its beauty.
What’s the most important “C”?
Cut matters the most. A beautifully cut diamond will sparkle intensely, even if the colour or clarity isn’t perfect.
Do lab diamonds look different from natural diamonds?
No. To the naked eye—and even under magnification—they look identical. Only advanced lab equipment can tell the difference.
Which shapes sparkle the most?
Brilliant-cut shapes like Oval, Round, Pear and Marquise give the most sparkle. Step-cut shapes like Emerald and Asscher give off a clean, mirror-like flash instead of a glitter sparkle.
What causes an oval diamond to have a bow-tie effect?
The bow-tie is caused by light leakage due to certain proportions in the cut. A well-cut oval will have a minimal or soft bow-tie.
Do diamonds scratch?
Diamonds are the hardest natural material (10 on the Mohs scale). They’re very resistant to scratching but can chip if knocked on a hard edge—so care is important.
What is a diamond certificate?
A certificate (IGI or GIA) is an official grading report that details your diamond’s Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat and unique characteristics. It’s your diamond’s “birth certificate”.
Does a bigger carat weight mean a bigger diamond?
Not always. Millimetre measurements determine how big a diamond looks. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different depending on how they’re cut.
Why do some diamonds look “dull”?
Usually because of poor cut quality, excess fluorescence, or surface dirt/oils. Cut is the biggest factor in sparkle, not carat or colour.
Is an IGI certificate trustworthy?
Yes. IGI is the global leader for lab-grown diamond grading, known for consistency and reliability. For natural diamonds, GIA is the global gold standard.
Ring Settings & Metals
What is a ring setting?
The bezel and six-prong solitaire are the most secure. They protect the diamond from knocks and are ideal for people with active lifestyles.
What is the difference between a 4-prong and 6-prong setting?
4-prong: Shows more of the diamond and lets in more light.
6-prong: Offers extra security and creates a subtle round frame around the stone.
What is a cathedral setting?
A cathedral setting has arches that lift the diamond higher, giving the ring a classic, graceful appearance. It can make the centre stone look more prominent.
What is a hidden halo?
A hidden halo is a circle of tiny diamonds placed beneath the centre stone, only visible from the side. It adds sparkle and elevation without changing the top view of the ring.
Does a halo make the diamond look bigger?
Yes. A halo adds a ring of sparkle around the diamond, making it appear up to 1–1.5mm larger visually.
What is a low-profile vs high-profile ring?
Low-profile: Sits closer to the finger, great for everyday wear and comfort.
High-profile: The diamond sits higher, allowing more light and pairing well with wedding bands.
What is a bezel setting and is it safe?
A bezel wraps a thin band of metal around the diamond’s edge. It’s extremely secure and protects the stone from chips—perfect for active hands.
What is pavé?
Pavé is a band style where small diamonds are set closely together using tiny beads of metal. It adds sparkle while still feeling delicate.
What metals do you offer?
At Lailah & Co, we offer:
- 9K Yellow Gold
- 9K White Gold
- 9K Rose Gold
- 14K Yellow Gold
- 14K White Gold
- 14K Rose Gold
- 18K White Gold
- 18K Yellow Gold
- 18K Rose Gold
- Platinum 950
What is rhodium plating and why is it used?
White gold is coated with rhodium, a precious metal that gives it a bright, icy-white finish. You can re-plate every 12–24 months if needed (depending on wear).
What is the difference between platinum and white gold?
Platinum is denser, naturally white, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable.
White gold is lighter and more affordable, with rhodium plating for brightness.