Your Guide to Diamonds
Explore natural and lab-grown diamonds, understand the 4Cs, compare diamond shapes, and gain the confidence to choose the perfect diamond.
Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years before being brought to the surface for grading, cutting, and polishing.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process. In approximately 8–12 weeks the diamond crystal is ready for grading, cutting, and polishing just like its natural counterpart.
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties, making them visually indistinguishable without specialized equipment. Both are graded using the 4Cs.
The primary difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds is how they're formed, allowing you to choose the diamond that best fits your preferences, priorities, and budget. Our diamond educated team is here to explain the differences, answer your questions, and help you confidently choose the diamond that's right for you.
Understanding the 4Cs
The 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight—are the foundation of diamond quality and value.
Understanding these characteristics helps you compare diamonds and select a stone that balances beauty, performance, and budget.
Cut
How well a diamond is proportioned and polished, affecting its sparkle, brilliance, and overall light performance.
Color
The presence or absence of body color within a diamond. While many diamonds appear colorless, others occur naturally in beautiful hues such as yellow, pink, blue and green.
Clarity
The number, size, and position of natural internal and external characteristics that make each diamond unique.
Carat Weight
A measurement of a diamond's weight (1 carat = 0.2 grams), which influences its size and overall value.
Diamond Shapes & Styles
From timeless round brilliants to today's popular ovals, radiant, cushions, marquise, emerald, pears, and more, every diamond shape has its own unique personality, proportions, and brilliance.
Modern diamond cutting offers an incredible variety of shapes and sizes, making it easier than ever to find a diamond that reflects your personal style.
Global Diamond Sourcing
Through decades of relationships with trusted diamond suppliers and importers, we have access to an extensive network of diamonds from around the world. Whether you're searching for a specific shape, size, quality, or rarity, our sourcing capabilities help us find exceptional diamonds tailored to your needs.
Diamond Buying in Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium has long been recognized as one of the world's premier natural diamond trading centers. Our experience purchasing natural diamonds in Antwerp and working with international suppliers provides access to a broad selection of natural diamonds and valuable industry relationships that benefit our customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will start by learning about your style, preferences, and budget. Your consultant will explain the 4Cs, show you examples of different diamond qualities, and help narrow the options that best fit what you're looking for. You'll be able to compare a selection of diamonds available in our showroom, and if we don't have the perfect match, we'll bring in additional diamonds selected specifically for you to view in person.
Not at all. Whether you're buying your first diamond or adding to your collection our diamond educated team will explain the 4Cs, answer your questions, and help you compare diamonds so you can make a confident, informed decision.
No. There is no deposit or obligation required to view diamonds during your consultation. We simply ask that you schedule an appointment so we can prepare a personalized selection of showroom diamonds and, when appropriate, bring in additional options just for you.
That's perfectly fine. If none of the diamonds are exactly what you're looking for, we'll continue the search and bring in additional options. Our goal is to help you find the diamond that's right for you and not rush your decision.
Yes. Through our trusted network of diamond suppliers, we can source thousands of natural and lab-grown diamonds in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and qualities to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
There isn't a single "best" diamond only the one that's right for you. We'll help you understand how the 4Cs affect a diamond's appearance and value then guide you toward the combination that best matches your style, priorities, and budget.
Every project is different. During your consultation, we'll provide an estimated timeline based on your selected diamond, setting, or custom design so you'll know exactly what to expect.
Absolutely. Whether it's a family heirloom or a diamond you already own, we can help incorporate it into a new engagement ring, pendant, earrings, or another custom design. Visit our Custom Design page to learn more about the process.
Yes. We offer a diamond trade-in program for diamonds originally purchased from Pickett Brothers Jewelers.
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Natural diamonds: Receive your original purchase value toward a natural diamond of greater value.
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Lab-grown diamonds: Receive your original purchase value toward a lab-grown diamond with a purchase price of at least twice the original lab-grown diamond.
Our team will be happy to explain the program and help you find the perfect upgrade.
Yes. We offer a complimentary evaluation of diamonds purchased elsewhere. If your diamond qualifies, its trade-in value can be applied toward the purchase of a new diamond. To ensure you're receiving a meaningful upgrade the trade-in value may not exceed 50% of the price of the new diamond.
Many of our diamonds are accompanied by an independent grading report from a gemological laboratory. Your consultant will explain the grading report, review it with you, and help you understand how it relates to your diamond's quality and value. If a grading report is available for the diamond you select, we'll make sure you receive it with your purchase.
Yes. We offer several financing options, including interest-free financing, to help make it easier to choose the diamond you want while staying within your budget. Ask our team for details during your consultation.
Yes. Every diamond purchased from Pickett Brothers Jewelers includes a professional appraisal prepared by our on-staff GIA Graduate Gemologist. Your appraisal provides a detailed description of your jewelry and is valuable for insurance purposes and future reference.