True Smith Jewelers
The Art of Fine Diamonds
Everything you need to know to choose, understand, and care for your jewelry — from our Miami studio to your hands.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
The answer is an unequivocal yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds. They are composed of the same pure carbon crystal structure, possess the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and display the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
The only meaningful difference is their origin. Natural diamonds form deep within the earth over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. Lab-grown diamonds are created in advanced facilities that precisely replicate those conditions — producing a stone that is, in every measurable way, a real diamond.
At True Smith Jewelers, we work exclusively with IGI and GIA certified lab-grown diamonds, ensuring every stone we set meets the highest standards of quality and transparency.
Why Choose Lab-Grown
Four Reasons to Choose Lab
Same Quality, Significantly Lower Price
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural ones in brilliance, hardness, and durability — yet cost 30–70% less. Their production is more efficient and does not depend on mining, making them an exceptional value for discerning buyers.
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing
Lab-grown diamonds carry no risk of originating from conflict zones. Their production has a significantly smaller environmental footprint than traditional mining, making them the responsible choice for the conscious luxury buyer.
Greater Availability & Customization
Because lab diamonds can be produced to specification, we have access to a wider range of sizes, shapes, and color grades. This allows us to find the perfect stone for your custom design without compromise.
Certified & Verified Quality
Every lab-grown diamond we source carries an IGI or GIA certificate. This independent grading report verifies the stone's cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — giving you complete confidence in your purchase.
Side by Side
Lab Diamond vs. Natural Diamond
Diamond Grading
Understanding The 4Cs
The 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat — are the universal language of diamond quality, established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Together, they determine a diamond's beauty, rarity, and value. Understanding the 4Cs empowers you to make an informed decision when selecting your stone.
At True Smith Jewelers, our Miami studio team will walk you through every grade and help you prioritize the characteristics that matter most for your specific piece and budget.
The Four Characteristics
Each C Explained
The First C
Cut
Cut is widely considered the most important of the 4Cs. It refers not to the diamond's shape, but to how well its facets interact with light. A masterfully cut diamond will reflect light internally from one mirror-like facet to another, dispersing it through the top of the stone as brilliance and fire.
The Second C
Color
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is. Colorless diamonds (D–F) allow the purest white light to pass through, producing exceptional brilliance.
The Third C
Clarity
Clarity refers to the absence of internal inclusions and external blemishes. Nearly all diamonds contain microscopic imperfections formed during their creation. The clarity grade reflects how visible these characteristics are under 10× magnification. Eye-clean diamonds (VS2 and above) are ideal for most jewelry.
The Fourth C
Carat
Carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond's weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams. While carat weight directly influences value, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values depending on their cut, color, and clarity. A well-cut 1.0ct diamond will appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut 1.2ct stone.
Shape Guide
Finding Your Perfect Shape
A diamond's shape is one of the most personal choices in jewelry. Unlike cut grade, which measures light performance, shape is purely a matter of aesthetic preference. Each shape carries its own character — from the timeless brilliance of the round to the bold geometry of the emerald cut.
At True Smith Jewelers, we source every major diamond shape and can custom-set any stone into a bespoke design crafted in our Miami studio. Browse the shapes below to discover which resonates with you.
All Major Shapes
The Diamond Shape Collection
Round Brilliant
The most popular shape. Maximum brilliance and fire. 58 precisely calculated facets.
Princess
Square silhouette with exceptional sparkle. A modern classic for engagement rings.
Cushion
Soft rounded corners with a vintage romantic appeal. Exceptional light dispersion.
Oval
Elongated silhouette that flatters the finger. Brilliant-cut facets for maximum sparkle.
Emerald
Step-cut facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect. Bold, architectural, and sophisticated.
Pear
A teardrop silhouette combining round and marquise. Elegant and uniquely feminine.
Marquise
Football-shaped with pointed ends. Maximizes carat weight appearance and elongates the finger.
Radiant
Combines the elegance of the emerald with the brilliance of the round. Trimmed corners add versatility.
Heart
The ultimate symbol of love. A technically demanding cut that requires exceptional craftsmanship.
Diamond Certifications
IGI vs. GIA Explained
A diamond certificate — also called a grading report — is an independent, unbiased assessment of a diamond's quality characteristics. It is issued by a gemological laboratory and serves as the diamond's official "passport," documenting its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and other attributes.
The two most widely recognized and trusted certification authorities in the world are the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). At True Smith Jewelers, we work primarily with IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, though GIA-certified stones are available on request.
Side by Side
Comparing the Two Authorities
IGI
International Gemological Institute
- Established in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium
- World's largest certification lab for lab-grown diamonds
- Faster turnaround — typically 1–2 weeks
- More affordable certification costs
- Comprehensive grading for both natural and lab-grown diamonds
- Specialized expertise in lab-grown diamond grading
- Our primary certification partner at True Smith Jewelers
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
- Established in 1931 in the United States
- Creator of the 4Cs grading system
- Longer turnaround — typically 2–3 weeks
- Higher certification costs
- Historically focused on natural diamonds
- Began certifying lab-grown diamonds in 2020
- Available on special request at True Smith Jewelers
Key Differences
What Sets Them Apart
GIA is often considered to apply stricter grading standards, particularly for color and clarity. IGI may grade diamonds slightly more generously, which can result in a marginally higher grade for the same stone compared to GIA. However, both labs are internationally respected and their certificates are accepted worldwide.
IGI has established itself as the global leader in lab-grown diamond certification, with decades of specialized experience and dedicated processes for these stones. GIA only began certifying lab-grown diamonds in 2020, and labels them as "laboratory-grown" rather than using their traditional natural diamond grading report format.
IGI certification is generally more affordable and offers a faster turnaround time compared to GIA. For lab-grown diamonds — where the certification cost must align with the stone's overall value — IGI provides the most practical and cost-effective solution without compromising on credibility or accuracy.
Both IGI and GIA certificates include: shape and cutting style, measurements and weight, natural or lab-grown origin, cut/color/clarity grades, fluorescence intensity, polish and symmetry grades, a plotting diagram of inclusions, a proportions diagram, and security features such as a laser-inscribed report number on the diamond's girdle.
Metal Guide
Choosing Your Metal
The metal you choose for your jewelry is as personal as the stone itself. It affects the piece's appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and how it complements your skin tone. At True Smith Jewelers, we work with 10K and 14K gold in three color options — each with its own distinct character.
Our Miami craftsmen can advise you on the best metal choice for your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences during a complimentary consultation.
Your Options
The Three Gold Colors
Karat Guide
Understanding Karat Purity
Karat measures the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. Pure gold (24K) is too soft for everyday jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals to increase durability. The karat number indicates how many parts out of 24 are pure gold.
Jewelry Care
Caring for Your Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry is built to last a lifetime — and with proper care, it will be passed down through generations. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth, but the gold settings and overall piece require thoughtful maintenance to preserve their brilliance and structural integrity.
Follow these guidelines to keep your True Smith Jewelers pieces looking as extraordinary as the day you received them. All pieces come with a lifetime warranty — and we offer complimentary professional cleaning at our Miami studio.
Care Instructions
Eight Steps to Lasting Brilliance
Store Properly
Store each piece separately in the provided jewelry pouch or box. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones and metals. Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Clean Regularly at Home
Soak your piece in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 20–30 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Remove your jewelry before using cleaning products, bleach, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals. These can damage gold alloys, erode prong settings, and dull the surface of your stones.
Remove Before Swimming
Saltwater and chlorinated pool water are particularly damaging to gold alloys and can weaken prong settings over time. Always remove fine jewelry before swimming, bathing, or entering a hot tub.
Apply Cosmetics First
Perfume, hairspray, lotions, and cosmetics can leave a film on diamonds and gold that dulls their brilliance. Always apply these products before putting on your jewelry — the last thing on, the first thing off.
Remove During Physical Activity
Remove fine jewelry before exercising, gardening, or any activity that could expose it to impact, abrasion, or excessive perspiration. Even diamonds can chip if struck at the right angle.
Professional Cleaning Annually
We recommend bringing your True Smith Jewelers pieces in for a professional ultrasonic cleaning and inspection once a year. We will check prong integrity, polish the metal, and restore your piece to its original brilliance — complimentary for all our clients.
Inspect Prongs Regularly
Prong settings can loosen over time with everyday wear. Inspect your stone settings every 6 months by gently pressing on each prong. If any feel loose or a stone moves, bring the piece in immediately for re-tipping before a stone is lost.
True Smith Jewelers — Miami
Ready to Find Your Perfect Piece?
Visit our Miami studio for a complimentary consultation. Our team will guide you through every choice — from diamond selection to custom design.