FAQ – The Lotus Diamond

Covid 19 Updated

Are Lotus Diamonds Showrooms Open?

All of our showrooms are open for private in person scheduled appointments. Learn more about how we are opening according to state and local government and health guidelines.

Will COVID-19 Affect My Order?

We may experience intermittent shipping delays due to the impacts of COVID-19. We will continue to update you regarding your order.

About Our Mission

How is Lotus Diamonds Different from Other Retailers that Claim They Offer Conflict Free Diamonds?

The Kimberley Process defines “conflict free” diamonds as diamonds that have not financed a civil war. But many diamonds that are technically “conflict free” are nevertheless tainted by torture, rape, violence, and worker exploitation. Problems such as child labor, forced labor, low wages, dangerous working conditions, corruption, and environmental devastation do not prevent a diamond from earning a “conflict free” label. Brilliant Earth goes above and beyond the current industry standards to offer beyond conflict free™ diamonds with a listed origin. Our select group of diamond suppliers demonstrate a robust chain of custody protocol for their diamonds and have the ability to track and segregate diamonds by origin. These suppliers are required to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operators who follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. We also offer lab created and recycled diamonds, both of which are responsible alternatives. Many retailers make vague claims that their diamonds are ethically sourced. However, few retailers take the time to understand their supply chains.

What is the Kimberley Process? Does it Verify that Diamonds are Ethically-Sourced?

The Kimberley Process certification scheme was created in 2003 to break the link between diamonds and bloodshed. Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process monitors only conflict diamonds – that is, diamonds that fund bloody civil wars. It fails to address much of the violence and human rights abuses facing diamond mining today, such as torture, rape, extrajudicial killings, corruption, child labor, and forced labor. The Kimberley Process suggests that “conflict free” diamonds are ethically sourced. In fact, diamonds receiving “conflict free” certification from the Kimberley Process may have tragic histories.

What is a Conflict Diamond?

Conflict diamonds, according to the most common definition, are diamonds used by rebel groups to finance civil wars. However, besides civil wars, diamond mining today is plagued by a range of shocking ethical abuses. These include violence by governments, child labor, extreme poverty, and environmental devastation. At Lotus Diamonds, we believe that the diamond industry needs to focus on addressing all of these problems, which is why in addition to selling beyond conflict free™ diamonds, 5% of our profits are donated to help communities impacted by the jewelry trade build a brighter future with education, environmental restoration and economic development.

How Does Lotus Diamonds Identify Mines that Meet its Standards?

Our suppliers are required to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operators who follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. Learn more about our responsibly-mined diamonds.

How Does Lotus Diamonds Hold its Suppliers to its High Standards on Sourcing?

Brilliant Earth carefully selects a small number of suppliers who can demonstrate adherence to our high standards on sourcing. We carefully vet and approve each diamond supplier to determine if they have the necessary capabilities to track and segregate diamonds based on origin. Our diamond suppliers are required to demonstrate conformity to these chain of custody protocols in their supply chain and verify documented due diligence of the origin of natural diamonds from Canada, Russia and Botswana Sort.

Can a Diamond Really Be Tracked from Origin to Final Delivery?

Yes! Creating processes to track origin requires effort, and very few retailers do it. But diamonds—like everything from wine to chocolate —can be tracked through the global supply chain using documented chain of custody protocols and robust tracking and inventory systems. In fact, because of their high value, diamond whereabouts are often tracked to prevent loss.

Do Ethically-Sourced Diamonds Cost More?

Our careful sourcing methods do not lead to higher prices. The diamond mines we source from do not add a premium simply because they treat people and the environment with respect. Nor do diamonds mined using shocking labor practices, such as child labor, reach consumers at a lower price point. The market for diamonds is global. Lotus Diamonds offers excellent value by providing our socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price.

Are Your Other Gemstones Ethically Sourced?

We carry a variety of beautiful gemstones ranging from stunning sapphires and emeralds to lustrous pearls. We strive to offer colored gemstones that are sourced in alignment with safe working conditions and environmentally responsible principles. By continually working with our colored gemstone suppliers to improve standards and traceability, we strive to promote higher standards for gemstone sourcing to transform dangerous mining conditions and encourage responsible practices.

What is Recycled Gold and Platinum and How Does Being Recycled Impact Quality?

As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, Lotus Diamonds primarily uses recycled and re-refined precious metals in our fine jewelry. Our precious metals come from numerous sources, including post-consumer materials, such as existing jewelry, industrial-use metals, and electronics components; material from in-house recycling, refining, and product manufacturing or other secondary sources; and investment gold and gold-bearing products. Because our recycled and re-refined silver, gold, and platinum are refined back into their pure elements, they are of the same high quality as newly mined metals, without the level of degradation to our natural resources caused by new mining. Read more about our recycled gold, platinum, and silver.

About Our Products

Can I Buy a Setting Without Buying a Diamond?

We do not sell or create settings unless the customer is also purchasing a center stone from Lotus Diamonds. Our settings are made-to-order with each one handcrafted for a center gem with unique characteristics to ensure the quality of the finished piece. For this reason, we do not provide stand-alone settings or semi mounts. Please let us know if we can assist you with selecting a center gem from Brilliant Earth.

Are Your Sapphires Treated?

All sapphires purchased from Lotus Diamonds are of natural origin and have not been chemically treated to alter their natural beauty. Most of Lotus Diamonds sapphires are heat-treated, which is an accepted industry standard. Heat treatment improves color, clarity, and overall appearance. No radiation, chemicals, or health risks are involved in this process.

Can I Buy a Loose Sapphire?

Yes, we do provide loose sapphires for purchase. Our ethically sourced loose sapphires are beautifully presented in a sustainably harvested wood box. View our colored gemstone gallery, or contact us at to inquire about our loose sapphire options.

Can I Propose With a Temporary Setting?

Yes! If you are confident about your choice of diamond, but would prefer that your partner participate in choosing the mounting, we offer a temporary solitaire setting.

Do You Offer Lab Grown Diamond Ring Settings?

For most styles, we match the type of accent diamonds with the type of selected center diamond. If you select a lab created center diamond, then the accent diamonds on your setting may also be lab created, as indicated in the product details.

Are Lab Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes. Lab created diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, as well as the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle. They are real diamonds. Lab created diamonds are nearly impossible to differentiate from natural diamonds with the naked eye.

Are Lotus Diamonds Lab Diamonds Certified?

Yes. Lotus Diamonds lab diamonds are certified by independent diamond grading labs, and have an inscription that matches the number on the laboratory certificate.

Do You Offer Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lotus Diamonds offers an extensive collection of stunning white lab created diamonds, which have the same physical, optical, and chemical characteristics as our natural diamonds.

Is My Diamond Laser Inscribed?

Diamonds currently graded by GIA and IGI are laser inscribed on the girdle with an identification number and/or a unique symbol. Laser inscriptions provide peace of mind when making a diamond purchase since they are an easy way to identify a diamond.

Can I Upgrade My Lotus Diamonds?

Lotus Diamonds is proud to offer free lifetime diamond upgrades. View our diamond upgrade policy.

How Can I Find a Diamond that is Not in Your Inventory?

Our inventory is constantly being updated and we may have additional inventory of ethical origin diamonds not listed on our website. Please contact us so we can help you find a diamond that is perfect for you.

Can I Put a Diamond or Estate Piece on Hold?

We are happy to extend a formal hold for you, for a limited time, to remove the item from the website. Please contact us for more information.

Are Your Sapphires Treated?

Placing an Order

Can I See Your Jewelry in Person?

We currently have appointment only showrooms centrally located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston. Please call us or schedule an appointment online. Although we do not have retail stores elsewhere, we are experienced in working with customers remotely and have shared in thousands of engagements and weddings around the world.

Are Your Prices in US Dollars?

All of our prices are in US dollars unless “CAD”, “£”, or “AUD” is clearly marked to the left of the price, i.e. CAD 1,050, £1,050, or AUD 1,050. As a courtesy to our Canadian, UK, and Australian customers, we display our prices in Canadian dollars (CAD) if you visit the site from Canada, British pounds (£) if you visit the site from the United Kingdom and Australian dollars (AUD) if you visit the site from Australia.

Are Your Prices Flexible?

We offer excellent value by providing our socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price, generally lower than many traditional jewelry retailers offer for standard jewelry. As a result, we cannot offer additional discounts or negotiated prices.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Brilliant Earth accepts all major US, Canadian, UK, and Australian credit cards, bank wire payment, financing, layaway, Affirm, and PayPal. View our flexible payment options.

Do You Offer Financing or Layaway?

For our US customers, we offer Wells Fargo special 18-month financing with approved credit as well as Affirm financing with interest rates from as low as 0% APR with approved credit. We also offer a layaway option which allows customers to pay for their purchase with 20% down and monthly installments. View our flexible payment options.

Who Do I Contact Regarding Payment Status and Financing Terms for Affirm?

Since Affirm is a Brilliant Earth financing partner, all questions regarding payment status and financing terms will need to be addressed by Affirm directly. Please email Affirm at help@affirm.com or contact them on their website.

Can I Expedite My Order to Receive it Sooner Than the Date Given?

Due to global logistical challenges, we are currently unable to offer expedited production services. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we create your piece of jewelry. Please contact us at with any questions.