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Natural diamonds explained

A natural diamond is a record of deep time: pure carbon, crystallised far below the earth's surface over hundreds of millions of years before volcanic activity carried it toward the surface. That rarity, and that long journey, are part of what a natural stone carries onto the hand.

Sourced to your brief

We do not keep loose stock to browse. You tell us the shape, size and budget you have in mind, we source natural diamonds to that brief, and we go through the grading of each option with you before you choose. Recycled and heirloom stones are a further responsible route, and we are glad to design a new ring around a family diamond.

Where the budget goes furthest

Cut is the quality we protect first, because it governs how much light the stone returns. Our guide to the 4Cs of diamonds explains how to balance cut against colour, clarity and carat weight, and a lab-grown diamond is worth comparing if size matters more to you than origin.

Bespoke engagement rings start from £2,000. To search natural stones with live prices, start with a diamond, or book a free consultation to talk it through first.

Jeweller's hands holding a round brilliant diamond in a silver coloured pronged holder beside a blurred tool
Diamond education guide

The four measures that shape a diamond: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.

DIAMONDS 4Cs

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Book a private appointment at our Hatton Garden studio, or begin by phone or WhatsApp.

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Common questions

How are natural diamonds formed?

Natural diamonds form roughly 150 kilometres below the earth's surface, where extreme heat and pressure crystallise pure carbon over hundreds of millions, sometimes billions, of years. Volcanic activity then carries them toward the surface.

What makes a natural diamond valuable?

Rarity and the 4Cs. Cut governs how the stone returns light, while colour, clarity and carat weight describe its purity and size. A larger, well-cut, near-colourless stone with few inclusions is rarer and so commands a higher price. We help you balance these four against your budget so you spend where it shows most.

Are your natural diamonds ethically sourced?

Our diamonds are sourced through established suppliers operating under the Kimberley Process, and we seek documented provenance and traceability wherever it is available. If a documented origin matters to you, tell us at the outset and we will source accordingly.

Do natural diamonds come with certification?

Independent GIA or IGI certification is available on centre stones, documenting cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, so you can compare like with like and know precisely what you own. Each certificate can be verified online with the lab that issued it: GIA Report Check or IGI report verification. The finished piece is hallmarked at the London Assay Office.

Should I choose a natural or lab-grown diamond?

Both are real diamonds and both can be certified. IGI grades lab-grown diamonds on the full 4Cs, while GIA now describes them as Premium or Standard rather than giving colour and clarity grades. A natural diamond carries geological rarity and holds its value better; a lab-grown diamond offers more size or quality for the same budget. The right choice depends on your priorities, and we will talk both through with you before you decide.