Diamond guide
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are both real diamonds with the same chemical, physical and optical properties. The difference is origin: natural diamonds formed in the earth, lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory. Colour (D is the highest) and clarity (VVS2 is higher than VS2, which is higher than SI) describe quality.
Our diamond options
| Grade | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| D / VVS2 | Natural | Colourless (D is the highest colour grade); very, very slightly included — inclusions are extremely difficult to see even under 10× magnification. |
| F / VS2 | Natural | Colourless; very slightly included — inclusions are minor and typically not visible to the naked eye. |
| G / VS2 | Natural | Near colourless; very slightly included. A popular balance of brightness and value. |
| G / SI | Natural | Near colourless; slightly included — inclusions may be visible under 10× magnification. The most accessible natural option. |
| D / VVS2 | Lab-grown | The top colour and a very high clarity grade at a more accessible price. |
| Black | Natural | Opaque black diamonds with a bold, modern look. Colour and clarity grades are not used for black diamonds. |
Carat and size
Carat measures weight, not size, but for round brilliant diamonds the two go together. As a guide: 0.10 ct is about 3.0 mm across, 0.30 ct about 4.2 mm, 0.50 ct about 5.1 mm, 0.70 ct about 5.7 mm and 1.00 ct about 6.5 mm. Each Azure Chic product page lists the diamond size alongside its carat weight.
Shapes
Round brilliant is the most popular shape and returns the most sparkle. Oval and marquise shapes look longer on the finger; cushion has softly rounded corners; emerald is a step cut with long, clean facets that show clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon with the same crystal structure as natural diamonds, so they have the same hardness, brilliance and fire. Only their origin is different.
What do D, F and G colour mean?
Diamond colour is graded on a scale starting at D. D, E and F are colourless; G, H, I and J are near colourless. The difference between D and G is very hard to see once a diamond is set.
What do VVS2, VS2 and SI clarity mean?
Clarity describes tiny natural characteristics called inclusions. VVS (very, very slightly included) inclusions are extremely hard to see even under magnification; VS (very slightly included) are minor; SI (slightly included) may be visible under 10× magnification.
What does carat weight mean?
Carat is a unit of weight: 1 carat = 0.2 grams. A 1 ct round diamond measures about 6.5 mm across. For pieces with several diamonds we state the total carat weight (ct tw) and the breakdown.
Natural or lab-grown — which should I choose?
Choose natural if rarity and origin matter most to you; choose lab-grown for a larger or higher-grade diamond for the same budget. On every Azure Chic Fine Jewellery piece you can pick either, and the type is always shown on your order.
Ready to choose?