FAQ

Are lab-grown diamonds real?    

The word “real” applies to things that have physical existence. So yes, lab-grown diamonds are real. The difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural-mined diamonds is their origin. Natural-mined diamonds form deep underground, between 75 to 125 miles below the earth's surface. Lab-grown gems occur under very specific conditions. These processes are where man controls the environment, and the chemistry. 

If both are “REAL” what are the differences?

Since both natural and lab-grown gems have the same chemical, physical and optical properties, the principle difference is earth-made or man-made. Oh yes, prices are also considerably different.

I know 4 C’s apply to natural-mined diamonds. How do they apply to lab-grown diamonds?

The 4C’s are cut, color, clarity, and carat. These are the value factors when purchasing any diamond whether natural-diamond or lab-grown diamond. Clearly, the 4C’s have an impact on price of stone. This is the same impact that it has on natural-diamonds.

— The Cut

The cut of your diamond refers to two factors.

1.) Many people think about the cut when they are referring to the diamond shape---such as oval, pear, emerald, round, and so forth.

2.) The cut of a diamond also refers to the proportion and the precise placement and angles of the diamond facets after they have been fashioned from the rough diamond material. A well-cut diamond has more” life”. The cut is the value factor that has the most potential to affect beauty. 

All Alexa Burke lab-grown diamond proportions are faceted to provide you with optimal beauty, brilliance, dispersion and scintillation.

— The Color

Natural mined diamonds color range is from D-Z on the Gemological Institute of America’s color scale. Colors beyond Z are considered fancy colors. For more information refer to GIA.edu website.

All Alexa Burke lab-grown diamonds are in D-I range on GIA’s scale. Just as in natural-diamonds the rarer the color the more it affects the price.

— The Clarity

The GIA clarity grades are-- flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF),very, very slightly included 1 (VVS1), very, very slightly included 2 (VVS2), very slightly included 1 (VS1), very slightly included 2 (VS2), slightly included 1 (SI1), slightly included 2 (SI2).included 1 (I1), included 2 (I2) included 3 (I3)

At Alexa Burke the lab-grown diamonds we provide you are the following clarities: VVS1,VVS2,VS1,VS2,SI1,SI2.

— The Carat

Carat refers to the diamond’s weight. It is not a specific dimension. For example, a one-carat natural or lab-grown diamond can range from 6.2mm-6.6mm in diameter. The range in millimeters indicates an alteration in the cut proportions of the diamond.

Do you use Recycled Gold?

Alexa Burke uses recycled metal on everything we produce. We feel this makes a positive contribution to the environment, thus also reducing the carbon footprint.

How long does it take to receive my order?

If your order is in stock it will ship out 3-5 business days. If it is not in stock, it will ship in 3-4 weeks

Are the orders you ship insured?

All orders are shipped and insured through FedEx.

Are Alexa Burke’s lab-grown diamonds “certified”? 

The manufacturer of our lab-grown diamonds in excess of 0.70cts provides us with an IGI report.

GIA is also now providing laboratory services for lab-grown diamonds. If you desire a GIA diamond grading report, please contact us directly to get a price quote to do this. 

If I order a loose stone how long does it take to receive my order?

We ship lab-grown diamonds out within 7-10 business days.

I wear a size 8. Can I buy my ring in size 8?

All Alexa Burke rings are made in size 6. Any other size, we will make to your size request. This process takes 3-4 weeks to ship.