FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about lab-created diamonds, sustainable luxury, and shopping with VerdantLuxe
ABOUT OUR JEWELRY & COLLECTIONS
VerdantLuxe offers two distinct collections of sustainable fine jewelry—both meeting the highest standards for ethics and environmental responsibility. Our VL Diamond Collection features IGI certified lab-created diamonds set in recycled 14K gold, while our VL Gold Collection offers both 14K and 18K gold-plated pieces made with recycled base metals. Every piece is crafted with beauty and responsibility in mind, ensuring luxury without compromise.
Lab-created diamonds (also called lab-grown diamonds) are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They're grown in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology that replicates nature’s diamond‑forming process—faster and without environmental harm. Even expert gemologists require specialized equipment to distinguish lab-created from mined diamonds.
Yes, 100%! Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds. They have:
- The same chemical composition (pure carbon in crystalline form)
- Identical hardness (10 on the Mohs scale)
- The same brilliance, fire, and sparkle
- The same durability and grading standards (cut, clarity, color, carat)
The only difference is origin—grown sustainably in a lab instead of mined from the earth.
Lab-created diamonds are produced using two advanced technologies:
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): Crystallizes carbon into diamond under extreme pressure and heat.
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): Uses a diamond seed and carbon gas to grow the stone layer by layer inside a chamber.
Both yield chemically identical diamonds to mined ones—grown in weeks rather than billions of years.
Environmental Impact:
- Require ~250 tons less earth excavation per carat
- Lower carbon emissions; renewable energy options
- No habitat destruction or water pollution
Ethical Certainty: 100% conflict‑free, traceable, fair labor practices.
Value: 50–70% less expensive than mined equivalents.
Lab‑created diamonds represent the future of sustainable luxury.
Yes! All diamonds in our VL Diamond Collection are IGI (International Gemological Institute) certified. Each certificate verifies carat weight, cut, clarity (VS‑SI), color (F‑G), and includes a laser ID number—your proof of authenticity and quality.
All VL Diamond Collection stones meet premium standards: Clarity VS–SI, Color F–G, Cut Excellent–Very Good, certified by IGI for unmatched brilliance and fire.
Feature comparison:
| Feature | VL Diamond Collection (IGI Certified) | VL Gold Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $500–$1,000+ | $50–$300 |
| Primary Material | Recycled 14K Gold | 18K Gold Plating + Recycled Metals |
| Stones | IGI Lab‑Created Diamonds | Optional Lab‑Created Accent Stones |
| Best For | Engagement rings, bridal jewelry, investment pieces | Everyday wear, fashion jewelry, accessible luxury |
| Sustainability | Lab‑grown diamonds, recycled gold, plastic‑free packaging | Recycled base metals, thick gold plating, plastic‑free packaging |
| Durability | Lifetime heirloom quality | Long‑lasting with proper care |
Both collections meet our rigorous sustainability standards—the difference is in the materials and price point.
Recycled gold is gold reclaimed from jewelry, electronics, or industrial use and refined back to pure gold, then alloyed into 14K or 18K form for new pieces. Chemically identical to mined gold, it’s indistinguishable and far more sustainable.
We use recycled gold to eliminate new mining, reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 99%, prevent ecosystem damage, ensure ethical sourcing, and create luxury without harm.
Recycled gold = new gold. Once refined, both are identical. Most “new” gold jewelry already contains recycled content—we commit to using 100%.
14K gold is 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloy metals (copper, silver, zinc or nickel) for strength and color variety. It’s durable, affordable, and ideal for daily wear.
18K gold plating layers 75% pure gold onto recycled stainless steel using PVD technology—nickel‑free, hypoallergenic, and tarnish‑resistant for long‑lasting shine and sustainability.
Email customerservice@verdantluxe.com for details regarding replating.
Our packaging is 100% plastic‑free and biodegradable—FSC kraft boxes, natural jute and cotton pouches, plastic‑free tape and labels, and compostable botanical accents.
All suppliers are certified for ethical and environmental standards. Our lab diamonds use renewable energy; our recycled gold is fully traceable.
Lab‑created diamonds avoid land disruption, cut energy and water use, protect ecosystems, cut CO₂ emissions, and ensure traceability—making them the most sustainable choice in fine jewelry.
All VerdantLuxe packaging can be reused, recycled, or composted.
Solid 14K gold won’t tarnish and retains its luster for generations with minimal care.
18K gold‑plated pieces are tarnish‑resistant but should be kept away from water and chemicals for maximum life.
Care for lab‑created diamonds: Soak in warm soapy water 20–30 min, brush softly, rinse, dry with lint‑free cloth. Store individually to avoid scratching.
Care for 14K gold: Clean with mild soap, avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals, store separately in a soft pouch.
Care for 18K PVD‑Plated Stainless Steel: Wipe after use, wash occasionally with mild soap, avoid chlorine and abrasives, store dry and separately. No frequent re‑plating required due to durable PVD bonding.
Allergies: 14K gold is nickel‑free and hypoallergenic. 18K gold‑plated pieces use safe metals like stainless steel or silver bases—suitable for most skin types.
Warranty: VL Diamond Collection includes one year of complimentary repairs for normal wear; affordable services after that. Email customerservice@verdantluxe.com for assistance.
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. All transactions are secure and encrypted.
Our site uses 256‑bit SSL encryption and PCI‑compliant payment processing—your data is safe.
Order workflow: confirmation email → processing notice → shipping with tracking → delivery confirmation.
Need to modify an order? Email customerservice@verdantluxe.com within 2 hours of purchase—after processing, use our 30‑day returns for changes.
Once shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number to follow delivery via email or your VerdantLuxe account.
Gift wrapping: Complimentary eco‑friendly packaging and personalized messages available at checkout.
Returns: Free returns within 30 days for undamaged, unworn items. Refund to original payment within 5–7 days after inspection.
Ring Sizing: Get professionally sized or use our ring sizer tool/email request. Measure when fingers are warm for accuracy.
Wrong size? Free exchanges within 30 days—email customerservice@verdantluxe.com.
14K gold rings can be resized ± 2 sizes. Gold‑plated rings should not be resized to protect plating.
Necklace length guide: 16" = choker; 18" = below collarbone; 20" = low neckline; 24" = bust line.
Returns: Free returns within 30 days for undamaged, unworn items. Refund to original payment within 5–7 days after inspection.
Non‑returnable: Earrings, altered items, or those without original packaging/after 30 days.
Damaged item? Email customerservice@verdantluxe.com within 48 hours with photos—we replace immediately free of charge.
Exchanges: Free both ways for different sizes/styles within the same collection.
Currently we don’t offer fully custom jewelry but are developing engraving and bespoke services. Join our email list for updates.
Custom engagement ring program coming 2026—choose carat, cut, clarity, color & setting. Email customerservice@verdantluxe.com to join the waitlist.
Yes—email us for corporate or wedding orders. We offer special pricing, custom packaging, and flexible options.
Shipping Times: Standard 5–7 days (free $100+); Express 2–3 days ($19.95). Orders ship in 1–2 business days with tracking.
Shipping Costs: Free over $100; $5.95 flat under $100; $19.95 express (100% carbon‑neutral & plastic‑free packaging).
We ship within the U.S. and Canada (7–10 days for Canada with customs); international expansion coming soon.
If your package is lost or stolen, contact us within 48 hours at customerservice@verdantluxe.com—we’ll locate or replace it immediately.
Contact us anytime:
- Email: customerservice@verdantluxe.com (24‑hour response)
- Live Chat: Mon‑Fri 9 AM–6 PM EST 202.931.5395
- Instagram: @verdantluxe (DMs welcome)