At Diamond Lab Boutique, custom jewellery is our specialty, and it's a process we’ve perfected over more than 30 years. We own every element of the journey, from the very first conversation to the final polish. This means absolute control over quality, timeline, and cost, and it allows us to deliver beautifully personal pieces that last a lifetime.
1. First Contact — Book your complimentary consultation
What it is: A relaxed, no-pressure meeting with one of our experienced design consultants. Consultations can be in-store, by video call, or over the phone.
What we cover:
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Your brief: style, lifestyle, budget, and any sentimental elements to include.
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Inspiration: bring photos, Pinterest boards, magazine clippings or sketches.
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Education: options for diamonds (lab-grown vs mined), gemstones, metals and settings.
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Timeline & budget: realistic expectations and initial pricing guidelines.
Why it matters: This is where we listen. Our decades of experience mean we can translate inspiration into practical designs that wear beautifully every day.
2. Design Brief & Quotation
What we deliver: After the consultation we prepare a written design brief and a detailed, transparent quote. This includes:
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Estimated project timeline
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Itemised costs (stone, metal, labour, CAD & rendering fees, any extras)
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Suggested alternatives to meet budget without compromising look
Why it matters: Transparency keeps the process stress-free. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for — and why.
3. Concept Sketches & Moodboards
What we create: Hand-drawn or digital concept sketches and a moodboard showing stones, finishes and proportions. We usually present 2–4 concept directions so you can see different interpretations of your brief.
Client input: You’ll select your favourite direction and request any refinements.
Why it matters: This stage turns ideas into tangible possibilities and helps us refine proportions before committing to 3D.
4. CAD Design & Photorealistic Renders
What we create: A precision CAD model of your chosen concept, plus photorealistic renders from multiple angles. These renders show accurate proportions, stone placement and metal finishes.
Technical precision: Our in-house CAD technicians ensure exact tolerances for stone fit and overall durability.
Client approval: You get to review the CAD files and renders and request small alterations. We won’t proceed to manufacture until you’re delighted.
Why it matters: CAD eliminates surprises — you’ll see exactly how your ring will look before it’s made.
Timing: CAD & renders usually take 5–10 business days depending on complexity.
5. Stone Selection
What we offer: Full access to our curated inventory of certified lab-grown and mined diamonds and gemstones, hand-graded for cut, colour and clarity.
Support we provide: Guidance on choosing stones that match your budget and optical goals (sparkle, size illusion, colour tone).
Certification & traceability: Every diamond is accompanied by certification and our internal reporting so you can trace provenance and specifications.
Why it matters: The stone is the soul of the piece — selecting the right one is critical to beauty and value.
6. Prototype (Optional) — 3D Printed Wax or Silver Sample
What we can do: For complex designs we offer a physical prototype made via 3D printed wax or cast silver. This helps assess comfort, scale and finger fit before final casting.
When it’s recommended: Intricate halos, multi-stone settings or non-traditional silhouettes.
Why it matters: A prototype reduces risk and ensures you love how the design feels and looks in real life.
7. Casting & Hand-Finishing
What happens: Once approved, the piece is cast in your chosen metal (14k/18k gold, platinum, etc.). Our master goldsmiths then hand-set stones, refine finishes, and apply any special texturing or engraving.
Quality control: Every joint, prong and polish is inspected under magnification.
Why it matters: This is where craftsmanship transforms concept into heirloom-quality reality.
Timeline: Production time is typically 3–6 weeks depending on complexity and stone sourcing.
8. Certification, Hallmarking & Final QA
What we provide:
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Independent diamond or gemstone certification (where applicable)
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Metal hallmarking and internal quality certificate
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Final inspection checklist (stone security, symmetry, finish)
Why it matters: Guarantees durability and value, and provides peace of mind for resale or insurance.
9. Professional Photography & Presentation
What we include: High-resolution product photography suitable for social media and your personal keepsakes. The finished piece is presented in our signature packaging with care instructions and certificates.
Why it matters: Beautiful imagery makes the moment memorable and gives you shareable photos for announcing your ring.
10. Delivery, Sizing & Aftercare
Delivery options: In-store collection, insured courier, or international shipping with full tracking.
Sizing policy: Complimentary resizing within a specified period (e.g. 90 days) depending on the design.
Aftercare & warranty: We offer complimentary inspections and cleanings and a clear warranty policy covering manufacturing defects.
Why it matters: Our relationship doesn’t end at delivery — we support the piece for life.
Pricing Transparency & Payment
Deposit: A deposit (often 30–50%) secures the project and initiates CAD and stone reservation. The remainder is payable on completion.
Layby & financing: We can offer staged payment plans — enquire during your consultation.
Why it matters: Clear payment terms protect both client and maker and keep the project moving.
Typical Timelines (Summary)
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Consultation & quote: 1–3 days
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Concept & sketches: 3–7 days
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CAD & renders: 5–10 days
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Prototype (optional): 5–7 days
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Production & finishing: 3–6 weeks
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Final QA, photography & delivery: 3–7 days
Total typical turnaround: 4–10 weeks, depending on complexity and stone availability.
FAQs — quick answers to common questions
Q: Can I use my own diamond or heirloom stone?
A: Absolutely. We’ll assess the stone and design to ensure suitability and safety when re-setting.
Q: Do you work with lab-grown diamonds?
A: Yes — we offer both certified lab-grown and mined diamonds and will help you choose the best option for your style and budget.
Q: What if I want changes after production starts?
A: Minor tweaks can sometimes be accommodated during the CAD stage. After casting, changes may require remaking certain elements and will affect cost/time.
Q: How do you guarantee quality?
A: We control design, production, and finishing in-house, and provide certificates, hallmarking and a lifetime inspection policy for workmanship.
