The main difference between lab and natural diamonds is lab diamonds are man made in a controlled environment using heat and pressure to simulate the creation of diamonds whereas natural diamonds were created when the earth began and mined from the ground. You should buy whichever one appeals to you the most.

In terms of rarity, natural diamonds are inherently rare as they are mined from the earth, but since lab diamonds are created in a lab it is easier to create a diamond with near perfect features and therefore makes them less rare. In the end it’s all up to personal preference, that’s why at Appelt’s we offer both natural and lab created diamonds to leave the choice and control in your hands.

Yes, lab grown diamonds are just as real as mined diamonds. They are chemically identical to a natural diamond. The most significant difference between the two is how they are created. Natural diamonds were formed billions of years ago deep within the earth whereas lab diamonds are formed in a lab using controlled heat and pressure. 

No, lab diamonds do not hold their resale value. Unlike natural diamonds, lab diamonds are man made, meaning they can be replicated, which significantly decreases their resale value.

The best choice depends on your priorities. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds and typically offer greater size and quality for your budget. Moissanite is an affordable, durable gemstone with exceptional sparkle, while sapphires provide a timeless look and are available in a range of beautiful colours.

At Appelt's Diamonds, we carry both natural and lab-grown diamonds and can help you compare your options based on your budget, style, and preferences to find the perfect stone

Choosing diamond shape really depends on personal preference, but the two most popular are round and oval. Round is designed to sparkle more than any other shape as the light refracts best. However, elongated shapes have become increasingly popular due to a couple benefits. The biggest benefit is they can appear larger in carat as the surface area is longer rather than deeper. They can also make the finger appear longer, which some people prefer. In terms of trends, oval has been trending and highly desired for years, but more recently there has been a shift towards elongated cushion cuts, especially as recent celebrities have ventured into less common shapes.

A diamond doesn't have to be larger to make a big impression. Choosing an excellent cut helps maximize sparkle, while shapes like oval, pear, and marquise often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. A halo setting can also create the illusion of a larger centre stone.

Another smart option is choosing a diamond just below a popular "magic" carat weight, such as 0.90 ct instead of 1.00 ct. The size difference is barely noticeable, but the price can be significantly lower.

At Appelt's Diamonds, we'll help you find the best combination of cut, shape, and setting to maximize both beauty and value.

Buying a diamond online can be cheaper than buying a diamond in store however it comes with its own set of risks. When buying a diamond online you are basing your decision on a digital photo rather than seeing the diamond in person up close. Diamonds can look a lot different in person than they can online so it is much safer to buy in person or with a trusted jeweller. At Appelt’s Diamonds we give you the choice and control to hand select your own diamond so you never have to worry if you made the wrong decision.

A diamond certificate is an independent grading report that evaluates a diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. While not required, it gives you confidence that you know exactly what you're buying.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is widely recognized as the gold standard for grading natural diamonds, while IGI (International Gemological Institute) is highly respected and commonly used for lab-grown diamonds.

At Appelt's Diamonds, we offer both GIA- and IGI-certified diamonds and will explain the grading report so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Almost all diamonds to this day have to go through the Kimberly Process to be certified. Ever since the development of this certification, blood diamonds are near extinct. The Kimberly Process checks the entire journey the diamond had to go through to get to the retailer, ensuring at each stage it was ethically sourced and did not participate in illegitimate working conditions or treatment. At Appelt’s Diamonds all our natural diamonds come from Canada or are hand selected in Belgium, so there is never a worry of the legitimacy of the nature of the diamond.