FAQs
Diamonds & Jewelry
Is HauteCarat jewelry stamped?
Yes, all our jewelry pieces are stamped with their gold purity. Every piece is made from high-quality 18K gold, ensuring authenticity and premium craftsmanship.
Can I personalize my HauteCarat jewelry purchase with an engraving?
Absolutely! We offer complimentary engravings for all our jewelry products. Personalize your piece at no extra charge to make it uniquely yours.
Can I insure my HauteCarat jewelry?
Absolutely. All you need is a gemologist-prepared appraisal and certificate from GIA or IGI for the diamond you’ve purchased. Bonus: We can provide the GIA appraisal free of charge.
Can I buy a loose lab created diamond from HauteCarat?
No, we only sell finished jewelry. Our focus is on providing you with exquisitely crafted pieces that showcase the beauty of our lab created diamonds.
What are lab created diamonds?
Lab created diamonds are real diamonds created by chemical synthesis, and the output is identical to a mined diamond.
What is different between a lab created and mined diamond?
ORIGIN: Lab created diamonds come from above the ground, mined diamonds below.
CREATION TIME: Thanks to science, lab created diamonds take just months to grow, while natural diamonds take millions of years. Simply put, we use science to speed up the process of diamond formation.
COST: Their creation makes lab created diamonds cost-efficient and easier on your budget. A HauteCarat diamond costs anywhere from 20 to 40 percent less than a natural stone.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Created in labs rather than dangerous mines, HauteCarat diamonds are safe and conflict-free. Unlike mined diamonds, lab created diamonds have no adverse effects on the Earth and because they’re grown in a controlled environment, they don’t have as many imperfections as you’d find in mined stones.
What is the same between a lab created and mined diamond?
Mined and lab created diamonds are identical in the following ways:
OPTICAL: Their sparkle is indistinguishable.
PHYSICAL: Their shape is the same.
CHEMICAL: Both are comprised of 100 percent carbon.
CREATION: Lab created diamonds are created under the exact same conditions as mined diamonds, when carbon is exposed to intense heat and pressure. The only difference is that lab created diamonds are grown in a chamber in months, speeding up the million-year underground process of natural diamond creation.
What’s the difference between synthetic and simulated diamonds?
The short answer? Everything. Lab created diamonds are absolutely real, whereas simulated diamonds—think cubic zirconia, clear quartz and moissanite—are fakes. HauteCarat diamonds are never fake.
What’s the resale value of a lab created diamond?
If you were to buy a mined diamond today and pay $6,000 for it. Take it back to the same jeweler next year, you’d likely pocket about 40-50% less than you paid. The same applies to lab created diamonds, both have similar resale value from the original purchase prices.
Are lab created diamonds the real deal?
All lab created diamonds above 0.50 carats are certified and graded by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemologist Institute). GIA or IGI lab created diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs as mined diamonds. Like a very sparkly fingerprint, all lab created diamonds have 100% unique characteristics, just like mined diamonds. No two diamonds are alike!
Why are lab created diamonds over mined diamonds?
We use nature as our inspo, then take it up a notch to grow a real diamond from a natural seed in a lab.
NO NEGATIVE SOCIAL IMPACT: There’s zero risk of child labor or corruption in our process, so you can shine with a clear conscience.
ECO-FRIENDLY: We believe in diamonds grown by intelligent minds, not mines. Lab created diamonds leave the earth untouched, unlike mining, which digs huge, damaging craters to extract diamonds.
FAST TRACK TO UPGRADE: We’ve cracked the code on accelerating nature’s million-year growing process into the blink of an eye. That means you can score a bigger cut under budget. Basically, we’ve got diamonds down to a science.
Will my lab createddiamond sparkle like a mined diamond?
Absolutely! Depending on the grade, the lab created diamond will sparkle identically to its mined counterpart. The two most important factors that will determine a diamond’s sparkle include the cut grade and the clarity grade. HauteCarat only sells the highest cut grades; for maximum sparkle.
Are lab createddiamonds flawless?
Just like mined diamonds, lab created diamonds will vary in color, clarity, and cut. Each one is truly unique. Lab created diamonds may contain minor internal or surface inclusions, comparable to high quality natural diamonds. Lab created diamonds are evaluated and graded by independent gemological labs that certify natural diamonds, by using the same strict standards.
Do lab created diamonds get cloudy?
Due to their identical physical and chemical properties as naturally mined diamonds, lab created diamonds do not have a lower durability and will not get cloudy over time.
Will a labcreated diamond change color over time?
HauteCarat lab created diamonds will never get cloudy, fade in brilliance, or change color. In fact, we offer a lifetime warranty on our lab created diamonds to ensure this.HauteCarat diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a mined diamond— thus, our diamonds will never change appearance.
Do lab createddiamonds easily get damaged?
The simple answer is NO. Lab created diamonds have a 100% carbon composition just like mined diamonds, making them the strongest material on earth. A lab created diamond could be damaged the exact same way that a mined diamond could be damaged under unusual circumstances: by cutting it against another diamond or smashing the stone with EXTREME force.
Can a gemologist tell the difference between lab created and mined diamonds?
No, they cannot. Due to the fact that lab created diamonds have the same properties, physically and chemically, as mined diamonds, a trained gemologist will only be able to identify a lab created diamond as a real diamond. Without additional machinery or an accompanying certificate, there is no way to differentiate the two.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
We ship domestically to all 50 states and internationally, all complimentary shipping.
How long will it take to receive my order?
At HauteCarat all products leave our manufacturing facility within 14-21 business days of receiving your order. Once the order is complete it will ship FedEx Standard Overnight domestically and via FedEx International Priority for international orders. Most International shipments arrive within 3 business days after the package has left our facility.
Do I need to be home to receive my order?
Yes, all shipments require a signature upon delivery. However, for your convenience, you can choose to have your order held at a FedEx location for pick up, contact us at concierge@hautecarat.com.
Do you offer Saturday delivery?
Yes, we offer Saturday delivery for all domestic shipments to ensure you receive your order as quickly as possible.
What happens if my order is lost in shipment?
HauteCarat ships all orders fully insured and takes responsibility for your order until it is delivered to you. If your order is lost in shipment, we will investigate with the carrier to determine the responsible party and open a claim if necessary. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving any issues promptly. Please contact us at concierge@hautecarat.com if your order is indicating as delivered but nothing has been received.
Can I choose a specific ship date for my purchase?
It may be possible for early delivery. Please contact us at concierge@hautecarat.com, and our team will work flexibly to accommodate your schedule.
Will I be charged duties and taxes for an international order?
No, all prices displayed on our website are inclusive of all duties and taxes. There are no additional charges, allowing you to have peace of mind when making an international purchase.
Returns, Warranties, Repairs
What is your return policy?
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. All products returned in their original condition have a 100-day unconditional money-back guarantee, without any restocking fees. All items must be in unworn and unused condition. Learn more about our policy here (hyperlink: https://hautecarat.com/pages/returns).
Do you offer warrantyon your jewelry?
Yes, we offer a comprehensive lifetime warranty on all our jewelry. For more details, please visit our Lifetime Guarantee Page (hyperlink: https://hautecarat.com/pages/guarantee).
Can I resize my ring?
Yes, non-eternity band rings can be resized free of charge for one size up or down from the original size purchased, excluding all sale items.
Do you offer repairs if something happens to my jewelry?
Yes, we offer repair services. Please reach out to concierge@hautecarat.com for assistance. Include your order number, several photos, a short video, and a description of how the damage occurred. If the repair is covered by our warranty, we will gladly repair it at no cost to you.
Is my item returnable if it is engraved?
Yes, our standard return policy applies to all products including engraved items. For more details, please visit our Exchanges + Returns Page (hyperlink: hyperlink: https://hautecarat.com/pages/returns).
Order & Payments
Are your prices in US Dollars?
Yes, all our prices are displayed in US dollars, including taxes and shipping fees.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
HauteCarat accepts payment through Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, ApplePay, PayPal and bank wire transfer.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
We collect taxes from customers where required by law. Any applicable taxes will be calculated and clearly displayed during checkout.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we offer financing through Affirm. If qualified, you may be eligible for low monthly payments with rates as low as 0% APR. At checkout, select Affirm as your payment method, create an account, and answer a few questions. You will be notified immediately if you’ve been approved. All future payments and financing terms will be managed through your Affirm account.
Do you offer appraisals for jewelry purchased from HauteCarat?
Yes, we do. Contact us at concierge@hautecarat.com to get your appraisal from a GIA certified gemologist.
What can I expect during my fine jewelry appointment?
During your appointment, you will meet one-on-one with one of HauteCarat's diamond concierges via video call or in-person. You’ll have the opportunity to explore our collections, learn about the 4Cs, and review available metal options. Feel free to attend alone or invite a partner, family member, or friend.
Does my order come with a diamond certificate?
Yes, your HauteCarat jewelry purchase will include a diamond certificate for any diamond that is 1 carat or larger. Finished jewelry with smaller diamonds can come with a GIA certificate upon request at an additional cost.
Does HauteCarat offer discounts, promotions, or coupons?
No, we do not offer discounts. We pride ourselves on our craftmanship and experience, ensuring our jewelry maintains consistent, honest pricing to deliver exceptional value.