Quick answers about shopping certified diamonds with Carat Mate.
Is the diamond I see the one I receive?
Yes. Each listing is a specific certified stone. After you request it and complete payment, we secure that diamond and ship it with the matching lab report.
Do you sell coloured gemstones?
Yes. Browse certified coloured gemstones on gemstone search — ruby, sapphire, emerald, and more. The catalog is separate from diamonds. Request a stone for viewing and purchase. See our coloured gemstone buying guide.
Are gemstone treatments disclosed?
When the supplier provides treatment data, we show it on the gemstone detail page. Prefer the certificate PDF when linked. Heat and oil are common for many coloured gems — see gemstone treatments.
Do you hold inventory in a store?
Carat Mate is an online storefront. We do not keep a traditional retail showcase of every stone. When you buy, we secure that specific diamond and arrange delivery with its lab report. See how it works for the full path.
What if the diamond becomes unavailable after I pay?
Availability can change until the stone is confirmed after payment. If we cannot secure the exact diamond, we will contact you promptly to offer a comparable option or a refund. Email hello@caratmate.com with your order number if you have questions.
What’s included with my order?
You receive the specific loose diamond you purchased and its matching lab report (certificate). Settings and finished jewelry are not included unless listed separately. Detail pages may also include photos, 360° video, or a certificate PDF when available.
Do you sell engagement rings or only loose diamonds?
Carat Mate sells certified loose diamonds, not finished rings or settings. Pages labeled for engagement rings are center-stone searches. Many customers take their stone to a local jeweler for setting. If you need help choosing a diamond for a ring, request a diamond or schedule a meeting.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically the same as natural diamonds — both are real diamond (carbon crystal). They are created in controlled conditions instead of forming in the earth, and are typically graded by labs such as IGI or GIA. See our lab-grown vs natural guide.
What is the difference between lab-grown and natural?
Both are real diamonds with the same crystal structure. Lab-grown stones are created in controlled conditions; natural stones formed in the earth. Lab-grown often offers more size or quality for the same budget. See our lab-grown vs natural guide.
Are diamonds certified?
Listings include lab information (such as GIA or IGI) when available. Many detail pages link to a certificate PDF. Learn more on our certifications page.
Where do you ship?
We ship to the United States, Canada, the UAE, London, and Australia. Catalog prices are always in USD. Customs duties, if any, are the recipient’s responsibility unless we state otherwise before you pay. See shipping for details.
How long does shipping take?
Timing depends on the stone and destination. Shipping begins after payment succeeds and the diamond is confirmed. Detail pages may show an estimated delivery window when provided. See shipping for current guidance.
Are taxes, duties, or shipping included in the price?
Listing prices are for the diamond in the currency shown. Applicable sales tax, duties, or shipping fees depend on your destination and may be collected at checkout or by customs. Questions before you buy? Email hello@caratmate.com.
How do payments work?
Checkout is processed securely by Stripe. After payment you receive a Stripe receipt by email and we begin securing your diamond for delivery.
Can I return a diamond?
Subject to review, we will take a return if we ship the wrong item, within 3 days after delivery. Change-of-mind returns are not accepted. Email hello@caratmate.com within that window with your order number. See our returns policy for details.
What if I can’t find the diamond I want?
Use Request a diamond to send your budget, shape, carat, and preferences — we’ll follow up with matching options. You can also schedule a meeting.
