Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
The difference lies in how they are created. Mined diamonds form naturally underground over millions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments that replicate the same conditions.
In terms of appearance, durability, and structure, they are identical. Lab-grown diamonds are typically more accessible in price than mined diamonds of the same size and quality, without sacrificing beauty or integrity.
No. ORÉA works exclusively with lab-grown diamonds. This is a deliberate choice aligned with our commitment to modern fine jewellery, transparency, and thoughtful sourcing.
All ORÉA diamonds are certified. Diamonds of 0.5 carat and above are independently graded by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and meet our minimum standards:
Cut: Excellent or Ideal
Clarity: VS and above
Colour: D to F
Each certificate verifies the diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, and is recognised internationally. If you have particular requirements for diamonds below 0.5 carat, please contact us.
IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute — one of the world's leading independent diamond grading laboratories. An IGI certificate confirms a diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight to an internationally recognised standard. At ORÉA, all diamonds of 0.5 carat and above come with a separate individual IGI certificate.
The 4Cs are Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat — the four internationally recognised measures of diamond quality. Cut determines how brilliantly a diamond reflects light and has the greatest impact on sparkle. Colour refers to how colourless the stone is, graded from D (colourless) to Z. Clarity measures the presence of inclusions or blemishes. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. At ORÉA, our minimum standard for IGI-certified stones is Excellent or Ideal cut, VS clarity and above, and D to F colour.
Yes. Because lab grown diamonds are physically and optically identical to mined diamonds, they have exactly the same refractive index, dispersion, and brilliance. A well-cut lab grown diamond will sparkle identically to a well-cut mined diamond of the same grade.
ORÉA offers lab grown diamonds in a range of shapes including Round, Oval, Pear, Marquise, Princess, Emerald, Radiant, Asscher, Cushion, and Heart. For bespoke pieces, additional shapes can be sourced on request.
For diamonds of 0.5 carat and above, ORÉA applies a minimum standard independently graded by IGI: Cut must be Excellent or Ideal, Clarity VS and above, and Colour D to F. All ORÉA diamonds are certified regardless of carat weight.
ORÉA jewellery is crafted to high standards, and we stand behind the quality of our workmanship.
• Rings are covered by a lifetime manufacturing warranty.
• All other fine jewellery pieces (including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants) are covered by a two-year manufacturing warranty.
This warranty covers manufacturing faults but does not include general wear and tear, accidental damage, or misuse.
For clients based in Christchurch, you are welcome to visit our studio by appointment for professional ring sizing. For online clients, we recommend contacting us for guidance or visiting a local jeweller for professional sizing to ensure accuracy before ordering.
We offer one complimentary resize for all engagement and wedding rings, available within three months of your ring's completion.
If you believe a resize may be required, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll advise on the best next steps.
The difference between 14k and 18k gold is the percentage of pure gold in the alloy — 14k has 58% and 18k has 75%.
This percentage affects the colour, hardness and durability of the piece. Since pure gold is a soft and malleable material other metals have been added to it to increase the material's durability — making it a great fit for everyday fine jewellery.
Absolutely! We understand many of our pieces are purchased for meaningful moments such as proposals or special gifts. If you have specific concerns or requests to help maintain the surprise, feel free to let us know and we're happy to assist where possible.
Lab-grown diamonds are more accessibly priced than mined diamonds of comparable size and quality, and therefore they typically do not retain resale value in the same way.
This allows you to prioritise size, quality, ethical sourcing, and design at the time of purchase, rather than paying a premium associated with traditional diamond pricing structures.
OREA pieces are crafted in solid 14k or 18k gold or platinum — precious materials with intrinsic value — designed to be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime.
The full bespoke process typically takes 4 to 10 weeks from initial consultation to completion, depending on the design and diamond selection. This includes consultation and design development, diamond sourcing, and final craftsmanship.
More intricate designs or custom sourcing requests may extend the timeline slightly. If you are working towards a specific date, we recommend getting in touch early so we can plan accordingly.
The ORÉA Concierge Service is an optional aftercare plan designed to keep your piece in excellent condition over time.
For NZD $249 per item, it includes up to 3 years of professional care, such as cleaning and polishing, stone resetting, engraving removal, and broken chain repairs. Shipping within New Zealand is included both ways.
The service must be added within 30 days of your original purchase and applies to one piece per plan.
If you have a question that isn't covered here, we'd love to hear from you. You can reach us at hello@orea.co.nz or through our Contact page.