FAQs on Choosing a Diamond: A Guide from a UK Jewellery Designer

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💎 Hello, I’m Sian — a UK-based jewellery designer and maker, specialising in bespoke pieces crafted from recycled solid gold. Many of my clients come to me with questions about diamonds when they’re commissioning a unique piece, such as an engagement ring or heirloom remodel. Understandably, diamonds can feel a little overwhelming at first, so I’ve put together this guide to help you understand the essentials — from how diamonds are formed, to the difference between lab-grown and natural stones.

Whether you're selecting a diamond for a bespoke commission or simply exploring your options, I hope this provides some clarity.

✨ A Brief History of Diamonds

Diamonds have fascinated people for centuries, but the modern diamond industry as we know it really began in the late 19th century. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa led to increased global supply, and through clever marketing — most notably the De Beers campaign in the 1940s — diamonds became the traditional symbol of engagement and enduring love.

In more recent decades, questions about the ethical and environmental impact of diamond mining have led many people to seek more sustainable alternatives, including recycled or lab-grown stones — which I’m proud to offer through my bespoke jewellery service.

🌍 How Are Diamonds Formed?

Natural diamonds are created deep within the Earth’s mantle, under intense heat and pressure over millions, sometimes billions, of years. They’re composed entirely of carbon and are brought closer to the Earth’s surface via volcanic activity.

Lab-grown diamonds, by contrast, are cultivated in high-tech environments that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form. There are two main methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): mimics the natural geological process.

• CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): creates a diamond from a carbon-rich gas.

The result? A diamond that is chemically, optically, and physically identical to one that occurs naturally.

💠 Understanding the 4 Cs

When choosing a diamond, you’ll likely come across the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. These are the key factors that determine a diamond’s quality and value.

✂️ Cut

The most important of the four. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully and maximises sparkle. It refers to the diamond’s proportions and symmetry — not its shape.

🎨 Colour

Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Most people choose diamonds in the D–H range, which appear bright and white to the eye.

🔍 Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions or blemishes within the stone. These are often microscopic and don’t detract from the stone’s beauty. For most clients, a clarity grade between VS1–SI1 offers an excellent balance between appearance and value.

⚖️ Carat

Carat is a measure of weight, not necessarily size. One carat equals 0.2 grams. A round 1-carat diamond is approximately 6.5mm in diameter — more on this below.

📏 How Big Is a One Carat Diamond?

While carat refers to weight, many people are more interested in the diamond’s visible size. The size depends on the shape and the cut, but here’s a helpful guide to round brilliant cuts:

💡 How to Choose the Best Size for You

Choosing the right size depends on several things:

• Your hand size: A petite hand may suit a smaller stone beautifully, while larger fingers can balance something a bit bolder.

• Your lifestyle: If you work with your hands or prefer low-maintenance jewellery, you may prefer something less raised or snag-prone.

• Your setting: A halo, bezel, or cluster design can visually enlarge a smaller stone without increasing the budget.

• Your budget: We can work together to find the best combination of size, cut, and sparkle within your price range.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and that’s the joy of bespoke. I’ll help you visualise how different sizes look in real life so you can choose with confidence.

🔬 What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds are cultivated using scientific processes that replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form. They are real diamonds, with the same brilliance, hardness, and longevity as their natural counterparts.

Benefits of lab-grown diamonds include:

• Lower environmental impact (especially when produced using renewable energy)

• Full transparency and traceability

• Typically 30–50% more affordable than natural diamonds

• Free from the complex mining supply chains associated with natural stones

Many of my clients opt for lab-grown diamonds as part of their commitment to sustainable, ethical jewellery — a value I wholeheartedly share.

⚖️ Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a natural and a lab-grown diamond is a very personal decision. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

If you’re drawn to the idea of a rare, naturally formed gemstone, a natural diamond may be ideal. If sustainability and value are priorities, a lab-grown stone could be the perfect fit. I’m happy to help you compare options based on your preferences and budget.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse a diamond from an old piece of jewellery?
Yes — I love working with recycled stones. It’s a beautiful way to preserve personal or family history and breathe new life into a treasured piece. There are always risks to removing and reusing any gemstones from an existing pieces of jewellery but I'll always explain this fully before you decide to go ahead!

Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as natural ones?
Absolutely. Both are rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear, including engagement rings.

What’s the difference between a diamond and moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that resembles a diamond but is not chemically the same. It has excellent sparkle and is more affordable, but has a slightly different brilliance. I can show you both to help you compare in person.

What diamond shape should I choose?
There’s no right or wrong — it depends on your personal taste. Round is timeless and brilliant, while shapes like oval, emerald, pear, and cushion each offer their own character and proportions. During the design process, I’ll help you visualise what each shape would look like in your final piece.

💍 Commissioning a Bespoke Diamond Piece

If you're considering a bespoke diamond ring, necklace, or any unique piece of fine jewellery, I’d be delighted to work with you. All my jewellery is designed by me in my UK studio, using recycled gold and responsibly sourced stones (where possible). Whether you’re choosing a diamond for the first time or redesigning a cherished heirloom, I’ll guide you through every step.

✉️ Ready to Begin?

If you'd like to talk more about designing your own bespoke diamond piece, feel free to get in touch sian@sianelizabethhughes.co.uk