Frequently Asked Questions
Product-Specific Questions
What are lab grown diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology, with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative at a more accessible price, and our lab-grown melee provides exceptional quality in calibrated sizes perfect for fine jewellery.
What's the difference between HPHT and CVD lab grown diamonds?
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) recreates the natural diamond-forming conditions deep in the Earth using extreme heat and pressure, resulting in stones that closely mimic mined diamonds. CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) grows diamonds from a carbon-rich gas in a vacuum chamber; while both produce genuine diamonds, we use the HPHT method at The Carat Club for its proven quality and consistency in our calibrated melee.
What is the difference between your natural and lab grown melee diamonds?
Natural diamonds are mined while lab grown is synthetically grown but share the same physical and optical properties but are more sustainable and affordable. Both deliver identical brilliance in calibrated sizes, allowing you to choose based on preference or budget.
Are your lab grown diamonds eco-friendly or sustainable?
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that drastically reduces carbon footprint and eliminates mining. They offer a sustainable choice without sacrificing quality or beauty.
What are blood diamonds and how can I avoid them?
Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are rough diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict. You can avoid them by choosing suppliers like The Carat Club who only stock Kimberley Process certified natural diamonds or lab grown diamonds, both guaranteed conflict-free and ethically sourced.
Are your diamonds ethically sourced?
Yes – natural diamonds are Kimberley Process certified and conflict-free, sourced responsibly, while lab grown stones are produced with minimal environmental impact. Ethical practices are at the core of everything we offer.
What sizes do you offer for melee diamonds?
We stock tightly calibrated melee diamonds in sizes ranging from 0.8mm up to 10mm, covering both natural and lab grown options. This precision sizing ensures a perfect fit for everything from delicate pavé work to larger accent stones in custom designs.
Do you sell round brilliant melee diamonds?
Yes, round brilliant is one of our most popular cuts, available in precisely calibrated sizes across natural and lab grown ranges. Their exceptional fire and brilliance make them perfect for halo settings, eternity bands, or channel designs.
What colours and clarities are available for your lab grown melee diamonds?
Lab grown melee is primarily D-E colour (completely colourless) with clarity grades of VVS, VS, and SI for outstanding sparkle. These stones provide a premium, consistent quality that's ideal for fine jewellery without the higher cost of natural equivalents.
Do you offer fancy shape melee?
Absolutely – in addition to rounds, we carry fancy shapes including princess, baguette, marquise, and others in calibrated melee form. These are offered in both natural and lab grown diamonds, giving designers versatile options for unique pieces.
What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade. It requires all rough diamonds to be accompanied by a government-issued certificate confirming they are conflict-free, ensuring ethical sourcing across the supply chain.
Can you custom cut diamonds for me?
Yes, we offer custom cutting services for both natural and lab grown diamonds to meet your exact specifications. Simply get in touch with your requirements, and our expert team will work with you to create precisely calibrated stones tailored for your jewellery designs.
Are your melee diamonds suitable for engagement ring halos or pavé settings?
Yes, they're designed for exactly that – consistent calibration and high quality make them excellent for halos, pavé, eternity bands, and other detailed settings.
Do you supply diamonds for jewellery repair or setting?
Our calibrated melee is widely used by bench jewellers for repairs, stone replacements, and precise setting work. The tight sizing ensures seamless matches every time.
Can hobbyists or individuals buy from The Carat Club?
Definitely – we welcome everyone, from professional jewellers to hobbyists and individual buyers. No trade account needed; just order what you require for your personal projects.
Do you offer trade or wholesale pricing for melee diamonds?
We provide competitive trade pricing with automatic discounts on larger orders, and custom quotes available for 1ct+ parcels. Get in touch for tailored deals suited to your business.
Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ) for melee diamonds?
No – we have no minimum order, so you can buy just a few stones or larger parcels as needed. Automatic bulk discounts kick in for bigger quantities, making it flexible for everyone from hobbyists to professionals.
Are your natural diamonds conflict-free or Kimberley Process certified?
Every natural diamond we supply is fully conflict-free and certified under the Kimberley Process, with complete traceability from ethical sources. This guarantees peace of mind for jewellers and customers alike.
Delivery & Returns
Where do you ship to?
We are dedicated to serving customers worldwide and offer international shipping to a wide range of destinations. Our goal is to make our products accessible to customers globally, ensuring that you can enjoy our offerings, no matter where you are located. During the checkout process, you will typically have the option to select your preferred shipping destination from a list of available countries and regions. If you have any specific questions about shipping to your location or if you encounter any difficulties during the ordering process, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What shipping method do you use?
UK Customers: Orders under £200 are sent via Royal Mail First Class Signed For and require a signature. Orders over £200 are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed (Next Day Service) which is tracked, signed for & fully insured.
International Customers: All orders are sent via Royal Mail International Tracked & Signed. Typical delivery time is 3-5 business days but can vary on location.
How long will it take to get my order?
UK orders will arrive next day after dispatch. Dispatch times can be 1-3 days depending on the order.
International orders can take between 3-5 days after dispatch.
How do I return an order?
Returning an order is easy:
- Contact Us: Get in touch with our customer support team via email and provide your order details.
- Prepare and Ship: Package the item in its original condition, label it with our return address, and use a trackable shipping method.
- Processing: We'll inspect the return and process your refund or exchange.
- Confirmation: You'll receive confirmation once the return is completed.
How long do I have to change my mind on an order?
If you wish to return or exchange your order, please let us know within 14 days of receiving it.
My order has not arrived as expected, what should I do?
If your order has not arrived within the expected timeframe, please follow these steps:
- Check Tracking: First, check the tracking information provided for your order. Verify the current status and expected delivery date.
- Contact Carrier: If the tracking information indicates an issue or delay, reach out to the shipping carrier for further details and updates.
- Contact Us: If you need additional assistance or have concerns about your order, contact our customer support team here. We'll work to resolve the issue promptly and keep you informed.
Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring your order reaches you as expected, and our customer support team is here to assist you throughout the process.