About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds? +
Yes — completely. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond. Same carbon structure, same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), same brilliance. Independently certified by the IGI, the same institution that certifies mined diamonds.
Can you tell the difference between lab-grown and mined? +
Not with the naked eye — and not without specialised equipment. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a mined diamond visually. Your friends and family will not know unless you tell them.
Why are lab-grown diamonds so much cheaper? +
Mined diamonds are artificially scarce — the supply is heavily controlled. Lab-grown diamonds can be produced consistently using advanced technology. As the technology has scaled, prices have dropped significantly. The saving goes directly to you.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value? +
Honestly — not particularly. But neither do mined diamonds. A mined diamond purchased at retail typically loses 30–50% of its value when you walk out of the store. Diamonds are not investments. Buy jewellery because you love it and will wear it.
What does IGI certified mean? +
IGI (International Gemological Institute) is one of the world's leading independent diamond grading laboratories. Every stone we sell comes with an IGI certificate that independently grades the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. This is third-party assessed — not our own grading.
Ordering & Process
How does the custom order process work? +
1. Submit your order form with your specs and an inspiration photo if you have one. 2. We respond within 24 hours with a quote and photos of available diamonds. 3. You choose your exact stone. 4. Pay a 20% deposit to begin production. 5. We send a 3D render for your approval. 6. Your ring is made and shipped in 3–4 weeks. Balance due on completion.
How long does it take? +
From order confirmation to delivery, typically 3–4 weeks. Significantly faster than traditional jewellers who often quote 10–12 weeks.
Do I have to know exactly what I want? +
Not at all. Many customers just send us an inspiration photo from Pinterest or Instagram. We'll guide you through the rest — stone selection, metal choice, setting style, band width. That's what we're here for.
Is the quote free and non-obligatory? +
Completely free and completely non-obligatory. Getting a quote costs you nothing. You only pay when you're happy with everything.
Can I pay with Afterpay? +
Yes. Afterpay is available on all Paola & Co orders, splitting your payment into 4 fortnightly instalments. No interest. Available on both your 20% deposit and final balance.
Shipping & Returns
Do you ship Australia-wide? +
Yes — free, fully insured shipping to anywhere in Australia. Your ring arrives in a luxury gift box with your IGI certificate, tracked end to end.
What if the ring doesn't fit? +
We offer one free resize within 30 days of delivery. Simply send the ring back and we'll adjust it. We cover the return shipping for resizes.
What's your returns policy? +
We offer a 30-day return policy. Because all pieces are custom-made to your specifications, we ask that you're happy with the design approval before we proceed. If there's a quality issue, we will remake it at no charge.
Pricing
Why are your prices so much lower than jewellers? +
We don't have a showroom. We don't have retail staff. We don't have a Westfield lease. We work directly with our supplier and pass the saving to you. A traditional jeweller selling a 2ct oval lab diamond ring charges $6,570. We charge around $2,990. Same stone, same certification, same gold.
Does the price include the IGI certificate? +
Yes — IGI certification is included in every Paola & Co price. There are no hidden extras.
Are there any import duties or taxes? +
All Australian taxes and duties are included in your Paola & Co price. There are no surprise charges on delivery.