Frequently Asked Questions
Purple Carats Shopping
What makes Purple Carats unique compared to other jewellers?
Our bespoke design service empowers you to create a more personalised engagement ring than an off-the-shelf piece. Our complimentary design service means there’s no commitment to purchase until you love the design.
Guided from beginning to end by your personal design consultant, you’ll be involved in creating something unique that requires your input just as much as it requires our gemstones, metal, and craftsmanship.
Plus, Our Promise ensures that you will receive the following things:
- A personal service from your design consultant
- The ability to return the ring within 90 days if you’re not 100% happy
- Ethically sourced materials and transparency in our sourcing and process
- Exceptional value and options – with over 150,000 GIA graded diamonds, all backed by our “Price Match Promise”
How does the bespoke process work?
Our bespoke design service is what makes Purple Carats unique.
To start, you’re assigned a personal design consultant, who will bring your ideas to life in the form of a 3D CAD (computer-aided design). Based on your requirements and price point, they’ll help you select a centre gemstone or diamond.
The design can be amended up to three times. A further three amendments will incur a cost of £100, although 95% of customers do not need more than three iterations. Once you’re happy with your design and final quotation, you can go ahead and place your order online.
If you entirely change your mind on a design that you’ve already iterated and want to go in a totally new direction, you’ll incur a charge of £175 before going ahead with a new design.
How do I start the process?
Once you’re ready, you can browse our site for inspiration and then schedule a consultation or submit an enquiry here.
You’ll then be asked to share a little more on your ideas and requirements. You’ll be assigned a personal design consultant who will review your enquiry and get in touch.
You can speak with your design consultant via email, phone call or Skype. Alternatively, you can schedule a consultation at our London showroom to meet with your consultant in person, from 10am-6.30pm Monday – Sunday.
How can I purchase one of your rings?
There are two ways to purchase your ring.
You can browse through our customisable products online, and once you find a design you like, you can choose your centre gemstone the ring will be set with. Your personal design consultant will be in touch with you to discuss your gemstone choice and any personalisations you want to add before you complete your order.
Alternatively, you can create an entirely one-of-a-kind ring by speaking with our designers who will work with you to design a custom engagement ring. Whether you’ve seen a design you like elsewhere or you’re looking for some inspiration, your design consultant will offer their insight and guidance throughout the process.
How quickly can you create and deliver a bespoke piece?
Most designs take between 2-5 days to complete. Once you have approved the final design, we’ll create and deliver your bespoke-designed ring in around one month. The exact time frame will be confirmed with you once we know more about your requirements and the complexity of your design. You’ll be updated via email on the status of your ring at every stage of the process.
Can I see my ring before buying?
As an online jeweller, we’re able to offer exceptional value compared to traditional jewellers by not holding stock and not having the high retail rent costs these jewellers often have.
Still, for such a valuable purchase, you’re probably keen to touch-and-see the ring before buying, so here’s what we can offer you:
- If you’re considering one of our collection designs, you can visit our London showroom to view a replica of your collection design in person.
- If you want to get an idea of how your bespoke design might look, we can make a resin of the design you’ve created. This adds an additional five working days to your design process, but if you’re unsure of the design and have time to play with, we recommend you order the resin to get a feel for the design and its scale in person.
Memorial Diamonds Process
Does Purple Carats perform any quality checks during the diamond creation process?
Yes, each diamond undergoes multiple quality checks, including carbon analysis, visual inspections, and GIA certification, to ensure a high standard of craftsmanship and authenticity.
Why does Purple Carats use high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) for diamond growth?
HPHT mimics the natural formation of diamonds in the Earth, creating a durable and beautiful diamond with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a mined diamond.
How is a memorial diamond different from other lab-grown diamonds?
Memorial diamonds contain personal carbon from your loved one, making each one entirely unique. Unlike standard lab-grown diamonds, memorial diamonds represent a deeply personal and one-of-a-kind connection.
Why does Purple Carats partner with GIA for diamond certification?
We choose GIA because they are the world’s most respected gemological institute, known for their rigorous and unbiased grading standards. This partnership allows us to provide trusted, third-party certification.
What happens if there is a mistake during the process?
Although we take every possible step to avoid mistakes, if an error does occur, we’ll take full responsibility and work to resolve it promptly, including redoing any part of the process needed to ensure your satisfaction.
How does Purple Carats test for carbon in ashes and hair?
Purple Carats partners with TDI Brooks International and B&B Labs, forensic and carbon analysis labs, to confirm the carbon content in ashes and hair. This analysis ensures that each memorial diamond contains carbon from your loved one.
Why is third-party grading important for memorial diamonds?
Third-party grading by GIA confirms the authenticity and quality of your diamond independently, offering added reassurance that your diamond meets high standards for cut, clarity, and carat.
What’s the largest diamond you can make?
Our diamonds can grow up to 5 carats or more, but it depends on the carbon content and desired color. Larger diamonds take longer to grow.
How much carbon do you need to grow a diamond?
A small amount goes a long way—just a half-cup of ashes or a packed cup of hair is sufficient. This can also be enough to make multiple diamonds if desired.
Can I change my mind about the diamond’s size or color after the process starts?
We’ll do our best to accommodate changes, but it depends on where we are in the process. Just let us know as soon as possible!
What happens if the diamond doesn’t come out the way I imagined?
Every diamond is unique, just like your loved one. If there are any issues, we’ll work closely with you to make sure your diamond meets your expectations.
Are Living Diamonds different from memorial diamonds?
Living Diamonds and memorial diamonds are created with the same level of care and expertise. The difference is that Living Diamonds are made from hair collected during a person’s life, making them a celebration of life rather than a remembrance.
What happens if my Blueprint arrangements need to be used sooner than expected?
If the Blueprint plan needs to be activated, our team will be here to help guide the process. We’ll follow all preferences you’ve outlined to ensure your diamond is created with respect and accuracy.
Can I transfer my Blueprint pre-planning arrangements to another person?
Yes, you can update your Blueprint plan to reflect another person’s wishes. We’re here to help with adjustments and ensure they’re honored with the same care.
What are the benefits of pre-planning a memorial diamond?
Pre-planning with Blueprint provides peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be respected. It also eases the decision-making burden on family members and ensures all arrangements are in place.
Shipping & International Orders
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We currently ship to the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, Switzerland. and Mexico. 🌍 Additional fees may apply for international orders.
What happens if my welcome kit gets lost in the mail?
No need to worry—we’ve got everything tracked and insured. If something happens along the way, we’ll send you a new kit right away, at no extra charge.
Standards & Transparency
Does Purple Carats have any affiliations with external experts?
Yes, we collaborate with experts in the fields of forensic analysis, carbon testing, and diamond certification, ensuring that our processes meet industry standards and our customers receive high-quality, verified diamonds.
Sustainability
How does Purple Carats ensure memorial diamonds are environmentally friendly?
Purple Carat's lab-grown diamonds require fewer resources than mined diamonds and are created in controlled settings to minimize environmental impact, making them a more sustainable choice.
What are the environmental standards for Purple Carat's lab-grown diamonds?
Purple Carat's lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled setting, using significantly fewer natural resources than traditional mining. Our process is designed to be both eco-friendly and respectful of environmental standards.
Verification
How can I be sure my diamond contains my loved one’s ashes?
Through our unique chain of custody and the documentation provided at every stage, you’ll have complete peace of mind. Purple Carats uses secure tracking, quality controls, and third-party grading to ensure your diamond is truly from your loved one’s ashes.
How do I know the diamond truly contains my loved one’s ashes?
We maintain a strict chain of custody, tracking every step through unique identifiers and our Salesforce system. When your diamond arrives, it comes with complete peace of mind.
Don’t see your question? Reach out to our team and we’d be happy to help!
