How do I know that Carats is a reputable seller of diamonds?

We are affiliated with a number of agencies to protect your privacy and ensure a safe transaction. We use GeoTrust to process online credit card payments using encryption technology. We are members of the Better Business Bureau and of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee that sets the jewelry industry standards that we stringently uphold.

Why should I choose Canadian, over an American company?

Carats is proudly Canadian! As Canada's first and largest retailer of certified diamonds we offer substantial savings to all of our clients worldwide. Friendly world class customer service sets Carat apart from the rest. More info about Carats.

Why are your prices in US dollars when you're a Canadian company?

Diamonds are an international commodity. As such, they are sold in US dollars, the currency that is used for international trade. To give you our best possible value, we price our diamonds based on what we pay for them in US dollars, we don't need to account for the constant flux of the Canadian - American exchange rate and you don't need to worry about having to pay the higher mark-up rates that would be necessary to compensate for this.

Do you work on commission?

No, at Carats we don't work on commission, we are all full-time employees of the company. Our pricing is relative of the fact that there is just no room for commission.

Do you offer financing, a payment plan or a layaway plan?

We do not offer any plans at this time. However, we accept many forms of payment, including all major credit cards, Amex and wire transfers.

What forms of payments do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, VISA, MasterCard, Amex, & Paypal. We also can accept wire transfers directly to our bank, as well as money orders and certified cheques. Call 1-888-9CARATS for details.

Do you offer discounts or do you ever have sales?

We strive to offer the best value at the lowest prices whenever you shop with us. We don't usually offer additional discounts, other than the 2% discount we provide if you pay using the wire transfer option. That being said, we occasionally have special offers for American Express cardmembers through our affiliate program with the company.

Do you sell Conflict Diamonds?

No, we do not sell them and make every effort to ensure that we do not. Carats is committed to working with suppliers that abide by the Kimberly Process Act that guarantees that each and every single purchase is documented as a diamond from a legitimate source and is conflict-free.

How do I know I'm getting a real diamond?

Our entire loose diamond inventory comes with one of the following lab reports, GIA, AGS, HRD, EGL, or IGI More about certifications. These are the most reputable diamond grading laboratories in the World. They are respected worldwide. We also supply you with an independent appraisal from a GIA Gemologist to further verify your purchase.

Is the quality of the diamond guaranteed?

All of our diamonds are graded by gemological laboratories recognized and respected throughout the industry and are accompanied by official certification. We're confident that these laboratories will ensure that every diamond is examined and graded accurately. If you're not satisfied for any reason, you can return the diamond within 30 days for a full refund.

What are synthetic diamonds?

Synthetic diamonds are grown in a laboratory and have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and physical/optical properties as natural diamonds. The majority of synthetic diamonds are made for industrial purposes. Diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia only look like diamonds. Diamond simulants, which can be natural or synthetic, have chemical compositions and physical and optical properties that are different from those of diamond. They can be readily identified by a trained gemologist or jeweler.

Are all of your diamonds natural?

Yes, we only carry natural diamonds and do not sell laboratory or man-made diamonds. The certification that we provide you will guarantee the diamond is natural.

How do I insure the certificate that comes with my diamond is the correct match?

Much like snowflakes, no two diamonds are alike. Each diamond has a number of different types of imperfections that are fully mapped out on the diamond's certificate. You can verify your diamond by looking at it through a magnifying loupe and matching the imperfections to the map on your certificate. If you contact us, one of our GIA trained gemologists would be happy to explain this process in more detail.

What is fluorescence? Is it something I should be concerned about?

Fluorescence is a common phenomenon in diamonds and other gemstones. The fluorescence that occurs naturally in a diamond arises from submicroscopic structures within the diamond when it is exposed to UV light. Blue is the most common color of fluorescence, but other colors are also possible. Some jewelers believe that fluorescence is an undesirable characteristic. However, the gemological institute of gemology's research indicates that fluorescence is not necessarily negative and, in some cases, actually has a positive effect by making a diamond appear whiter.

How do I clean my diamond?

Following these simple steps will ensure that your diamond remains sparkling always:

1. Prepare a bowl of warm, sudsy water with Mr. Clean (yes, Mr. Clean!) since diamonds have a great affinity to grease and oil, you need a soapy agent to cut through the grime.
2. With a pair of tweezers (your eyebrow tweezers are fine, but make sure the tips are covered in cheesecloth or a rubber band so it doesn't scratch the metal) and swish your jewelry in the warm sudsy water.
3. Using an "Ultra-Sonic Toothbrush" (ultra sonic technology is a jeweler's secret) gently brush only around the diamond or diamonds ensuring that you get under the settings to clean out all of the built up grime. Try not to brush the gold it can easily scratch, rinse off soap with warm water.
4. Rinse under warm running water (make sure the water is always warm). And don't forget to plug the sink! Repeat the steps to ensure a sparkling diamond.
5. Now hold the piece in the steam of a boiling kettle for about 30 seconds or under a hair dryer to insure that water marks are off your diamond. Wait until it cools, and then enjoy your beautiful clean jewelry.

What are HPHT-treated diamonds?

HPHT, which stands for high pressure/high temperature, is a laboratory process that can permanently alter the color of some diamonds. Scientists began to experiment with this technique in the 1990s. HPHT treatment can decolorize certain types of diamond or give others a variety of attractive colors such as pink, blue, green, or yellow.

Is the color in champagne diamonds natural?

Yes. Diamonds are naturally found in more colors than most other gemstones. The formation of natural color diamonds requires unimaginable heat and pressure exerted on the carbon crystals in rocks and the presence of trace elements in the crystal's lattice structure.
Tremendous heat and pressure on a diamond deep in the earth can abnormally compress and distort its structure, creating red, pink, purple or brown stones. If nitrogen, boron, hydrogen or another element interacts with carbon atoms during a diamond's creation, the diamond's color can change. Radiation during creation can also affect a diamond's color.

Where do champagne diamonds come from?

Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia is the world's largest producer of champagne diamonds. The East Kimberley is a land of rugged mountain ranges, deep gorges and arid savannah within which lie pipes of lamproite, diamond-bearing ore.

The Australian Aborigines who are traditional owners of the land in the East Kimberley believe that the diamonds were formed when a barramundi fish escaped through a spinifex net. According to that myth, the colors of the diamonds mined from the red earth of the region come from different parts of the barramundi.
Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine operates in partnership with local communities within this region, ensuring that it provides a legacy of stronger, healthier communities, and that the rights of traditional owners are observed and respected.

For more information about the Argyle Diamond Mine.

How are champagne diamonds graded?

When selecting a champagne diamond, consider the 4 C's. The particular combination of color, clarity, cut and carat determines the value of a diamond. More info about the 4 C's.

What jewelry designs best complement champagne diamonds?

The subtle, neutral tones of champagne diamonds make them a perfect choice for timeless and contemporary jewelry. Champagne diamonds are perfect complements to white diamonds, pearls, all precious metals such as white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, silver and platinum.

Are champagne diamonds suitable for men's jewelry?

The neutral, earthy tones of champagne diamonds evoke stylish and sophisticated masculinity, and are ideal accompaniments for any contemporary man. Champagne diamonds are perfect for men's rings, cufflinks and even lapel pins. Champagne diamond jewelry can make for great gift ideas for Father's Day, birthdays and graduations.

What is the difference between 19K gold and 18K gold?

19K white gold is a bit of an innovation in the jewelry industry; the metal was really developed about 8 to 10 years ago and like in a lot of industries including the computer industry there has been true advances in metal technology. The benefit of 19K white gold is that it is the hardest metal and that it retains its color. When comparing this metal to Platinum or 18Kwhite there really is no comparison. Platinum over time defaults to silver. It also dents and scratches quite easily and it will not polish out brand new like the 19K white gold does. 18K white tends to default to yellow, over time the ring will look like a light shade of yellow gold. However, whatever metal you desire we are totally comfortable providing with the one that you desire.

Do you work with Platinum?

We do work with Platinum but we do not recommend it. We work with a metal called 19K white gold. The reason we recommend 19K white gold is the durability and the wear ability of the 19K because it is so much whiter than Platinum, it also does not default to grey. Because of its maintenance and appeal and that you can actually re-polish the 19K and bring back its original luster, which is something that is not possible with Platinum.

I am interested in a certain ring, but would it be available in another type of metal?

Even though it may not be shown, many of the items are available in various metals such as 14 karat yellow or white gold, 18 karat yellow or white gold or platinum. Please contact our Customer Service department 1-888-9CARATS to determine if it is available in the metal you want.

How can I figure out what ring size to order?

Please refer to our section on ring size selection. You will find exact instructions to determine your ring size and an explanation of our policies regarding ring sizing.

Can I come in and see the diamond before I decide to make the purchase?

We are not a retail store although we do show our merchandise to customers in our office. Simply call our office to make an appointment 1-888-9CARATS and our diamond and jewellery consultants have the knowledge to help you make the right decision.

Do you have a catalog that I can request?

We do not produce a catalog. We are constantly expanding our jewelry and diamond inventory and always include our new selections online.

I recently saw an item on your website which is no longer there. Can I still order the item?

As our inventory is dynamic and constantly changing, some items may be discontinued and are no longer available. In any case, we encourage you to contact us and we can to help you locate that item or find another one that resembles it as closely as possible.

What if the diamond that I am looking for is not in your inventory?

Our data base is constantly being updated with new diamonds. If you don't find exactly what you are looking for please contact us and our experienced Customer Service Representatives will be glad to help you in meeting your specific requirements. We will do everything we can to help you locate that item or find another one that resembles it as closely as possible.

Do you have a trade-up or buy-back program if we purchased a diamond from you and want to get a larger diamond?

Unless the purchase is returned and upgraded during the initial 30-day period of our return policy, we do not offer a buy- back program.

Can I place the order by phone and not online if I want to speak to a customer service representative?

Absolutely. You can place your order online or call us toll-free at 1-888-9CARATS.

What are your shipping charges?

We offer free shipping on purchases $100 or more within the United States and Canada. Shipping on items less than $100 is $30. Please contact us for more info on our shipping options and rates on international orders

Is it safe to receive a diamond in the mail?

Carats only uses insured carriers, specifically FedEx. All shipments are insured for the full value of their contents until signed for by the recipient. The incident of loss is no greater than any other purchase you may make over the Internet. If in fact the shipment is lost, we will provide a replacement or a full refund.

Is it possible to have my order shipped to an address other than my billing address?

We are happy to ship to any address you wish after we have verified your billing address. However, if you are paying by credit card that address will need to be registered with your credit card company. If you're paying by a money wire, then we can ship anywhere. Call us toll-free at 1-888-9CARATS to insure your order is shipped to the appropriate address.

What about taxes?

The prices that you see online are exclusive of tax. Depending on where you reside and there are different tax considerations Call our customer service representatives toll free for detailed information. If you're located in Canada, we're required to collect all applicable sales taxes. When you sign in to your account the cart will automatically update taxes to your province, or state. We do not charge any taxes on shipments for international orders. This can amount to considerable savings.