Everything you need to choose a natural diamond with confidence.
Plain-language answers to the questions our customers ask most, from how a diamond forms to how to check your certificate.
What is a natural diamond?
A natural diamond is pure carbon crystallised deep inside the earth, roughly 150–200 km below the surface, under immense heat and pressure. Most natural diamonds are between one and three billion years old. Volcanic eruptions carried them up towards the surface, where they are mined, then cut and polished by skilled craftspeople.
No two natural diamonds are alike. Each carries its own tiny internal characteristics, a fingerprint formed over millions of years. That rarity and individuality is why natural diamonds are our speciality at Elyra.
Natural vs lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are made in a factory in a few weeks. They are chemically the same as natural diamonds, but their origin, rarity and long-term value are very different.
| Natural | Lab-grown | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Formed in the earth over millions to billions of years | Grown in a factory in weeks |
| Rarity | Finite and rare; every stone is unique | Mass-produced in growing volumes |
| Hardness & sparkle | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Long-term value | Holds value far better; resale depends on the stone and its certificate | Low; prices have fallen sharply as production has grown |
| Certificate | States "Natural Diamond" | States "Laboratory-Grown" |
At Elyra you choose: natural diamonds are our speciality, and lab-grown diamonds are available as a lower-cost option. Every stone is clearly identified on its listing, certificate and invoice.
The 4Cs, simply
Cut: the most important for sparkle
Cut grades how well the diamond's angles return light to your eye, from Excellent down to Poor. If you prioritise one C, make it cut.
Colour
Graded D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). D–F are colourless; G–H look colourless to most people once set, especially in yellow gold, and cost noticeably less.
Clarity
Measures tiny natural marks inside the stone. From best to lowest: FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1–I3. VS1–VS2 diamonds look clean to the naked eye and are excellent value.
Carat
Carat is weight, not size (1 carat = 0.2 g). Prices rise steeply at "magic" weights such as 0.50 ct and 1.00 ct, so a 0.90 ct stone can look almost identical to a 1.00 ct for much less. "Total carat weight" (ct total) adds up every diamond in a piece.
Popular diamond shapes
The shape and cut of a diamond strongly influence its look and brilliance. These are the six we are asked about most.
Round
The most popular and classic cut, known for its exceptional brilliance.
Princess
A square shape with brilliant facets, known for its modern look and sparkle.
Cushion
A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, loved for its vintage appeal.
Emerald
A rectangular step cut that shows off clarity and colour with a hall-of-mirrors effect.
Pear
A teardrop that combines the best of the round and marquise cuts.
Marquise
An elongated shape with pointed ends, designed to make the carat weight look larger.
How to read your certificate
Our natural diamonds of 0.30 ct and above come with an independent grading report from GIA or IGI. Check these points:
- Report number: enter it on the lab's website (gia.edu or igi.org) to confirm the report is genuine.
- Origin statement: the report identifies the stone as a natural diamond.
- The 4Cs: shape, carat weight, colour, clarity and cut grade should match your invoice.
- Polish, symmetry and fluorescence: extra detail on how well the stone is finished.
- Laser inscription: many certified diamonds carry the report number laser-inscribed on the girdle (edge). We will show it to you under magnification.
Smaller accent diamonds are not individually certified anywhere in the industry. For these, your Elyra quality certificate lists the total diamond weight, colour and clarity range, and metal purity.
Metals & hallmarks
| Metal | Purity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 14K | 58.5% gold | Everyday rings and earrings: harder-wearing, holds diamonds securely |
| 18K | 75% gold | Fine and bridal diamond jewellery: richer colour, the most popular choice |
| 22K | 91.6% gold | Traditional jewellery; softer, so used less for diamond settings |
| Platinum PT950 | 95% platinum | Naturally white, heavy and hypoallergenic; holds diamonds very securely |
| 925 silver | 92.5% silver | Lighter budgets and fashion pieces; rhodium- or gold-plated |
Checking a gold hallmark
Gold jewellery sold in India must carry a BIS hallmark with three marks: the BIS logo, the purity grade (for example 18K750) and a unique 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code. Enter the HUID in the official BIS CARE app ("Verify HUID") to see the purity and the jeweller who registered it.
Caring for your jewellery
- Clean gently with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft toothbrush; dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Remove jewellery for the gym, swimming, cleaning and applying perfume or lotion.
- Store each piece separately in its Elyra box. Diamonds can scratch other jewellery.
- Have prongs and settings checked periodically, especially on rings worn every day.
Buying checklist
- Is the diamond clearly described as natural or lab-grown on the certificate and the invoice?
- Does the certificate number verify on the lab's website?
- Does the invoice carry a Kimberley Process System of Warranties statement?
- Does the gold carry a BIS hallmark with a HUID?
- Is the price final and inclusive of GST?
- Are return, exchange and resizing terms written down before you pay?
We are happy to walk you through any of this on a call. Book a free consultation.