FAQ

All about lab-grown diamonds and gemstones

Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Lab-grown diamonds are authentic diamonds, crafted through a process that mirrors natural diamond formation in mines. Utilizing cutting-edge technology in top laboratories worldwide, this method produces diamonds with identical physical, chemical, and visual traits as those found underground. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same sparkle, fire, and scintillation as natural ones, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. The sole variance between lab-grown and mined diamonds lies in their origin.

How can a process that can take millions of years occur in a lab? What makes it faster?

Lab-grown diamonds are created using a process that mirrors what occurs in nature, but without the massive environmental and ethical harm. What happens beneath the Earth’s surface is replicated in a lab using advanced technologies. The process takes between six and ten weeks and yields diamonds that are ready to be cut and polished, then graded and certified by the same gemologists at organizations that certify mined diamonds.

How do lab-grown diamonds compare to real diamonds compositionally and aesthetically?

Lab-grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds in every way but free of environmental and ethical harm. Lab and mined diamonds use the same IGI certification and inspection process, which includes grading for carat size, cut quality, color, and clarity. Every Proud Diamond of 1 carat and above is IGI certified. For diamonds under 1 carat, we use diamonds with a minimum clarity of SI and a color grade of H or higher, ensuring visual purity.

About Proud Diamond

Who is behind Proud Diamond & Maison Proud?

Say hi to Virginie.

Like most meaningful stories, hers started decades ago with her grandfather, Marcel Dumontet, a Manufacturer Sales Agent in the gold and diamond industry since 1963. Growing up under his wing, Virginie developed a deep understanding of jewelry — not only as a product, but as something that carries meaning, emotion and legacy.

Proud Diamond was born from this foundation, with a desire to modernize the industry through a more transparent and conscious approach.

In 2026, Virginie acquired the assets of Bijouterie Rivet, a historic jewelry store in St-Lambert, and transformed it into Maison Proud — a space where traditional craftsmanship meets a more accessible and contemporary vision of jewelry.

Today, both houses coexist, each with a distinct role but a shared mission.

Where are you located?

You can visit us in two locations:

Proud Diamond — Old Montreal (by appointment or in-store)
101 De la Commune Ouest
Montréal, Québec H2Y 2C7,
Canada

+1-514-248-0798

Monday to Tuesday By appointment only
Wednesday to Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Maison Proud — St-Lambert (South Shore of Montreal)

668 Avenue Notre-Dame
St-Lambert, Québec
J4P 2L1
+1-450-672-3998
hello@maisonproud.com

You can also book an online virtual appointment here.

Where do your diamonds come from?

There are less than 50 laboratories in the world at this time. Creating diamonds is one of the more complex process in the world. We have found some in United States, Europe, China, Russia and India. After a very deep research to find the best partner with the same values than us, we have decided to buy mainly in India. Their technology is strong, and we have created a strong relationship with our vendors.
BUT, our vision is to have our own laboratory in Canada one day. We are working very hard to make this vision a reality.

Who makes your jewelry?

All Proud Diamond pieces are handcrafted in Montreal, Canada by experienced artisans, ensuring the highest level of quality and attention to detail.

At Maison Proud, we also offer on-site services including jewelry repair, transformations, and restoration, allowing existing pieces to be brought back to life or reimagined.

Who designs your jewelry?

All Proud Diamond designs are imagined by Virginie Roy in collaboration with expert jewelry designers.

For custom projects, we work closely with each client to create a piece that reflects their story, style, and intentions.

Maison Proud complements this approach by offering both custom services and a curated selection of ready-to-wear pieces in-store.

What services do you offer?

We offer a range of services across both locations:

Proud Diamond (Montreal & online):

  • Custom jewelry design (engagement rings and fine jewelry)
  • Lab-grown diamond expertise
  • Private consultations (in-person or online)

Maison Proud (St-Lambert):

  • Jewelry repair and restoration
  • Gemology services (stone evaluation and expertise)
  • Gold buying
  • Selection of ready-to-wear and vintage jewelry
  • In-store consultations

What metals do you work with?

We work with 14K and 18K yellow, white and rose gold, as well as platinum.

These materials are used across both custom creations (Proud Diamond) and services offered at Maison Proud.

What’s the benefit of buying online versus in person?

Proud Diamond was built as a digital-first brand to offer a more accessible, transparent, and personalized experience.

However, with Maison Proud, we also embrace the value of in-person interactions — whether it’s for guidance, repairs, or exploring jewelry in a more tactile way.

Today, clients can choose the experience that suits them best: online, in Montreal, or in St-Lambert.

How much more affordable is a lab-grown diamond from Proud Diamond compared to a mined diamond?

The price differential varies depending on the size and quality of the stone, but Proud Diamond is 40% to 60% less than a comparable mined stone. Proud Diamond has sold the largest lab-grown diamond ever in America. Why? Because the mined equivalent would sell for millions at the big auction houses. The larger or more rare the stone, the higher the "discount" from mined pricing.

What's next?

The future is bright for Proud Diamond. Awareness and demand for lab-grown diamonds have grown significantly over a short period of time. Proud Diamond owns one of the largest selections of lab-grown diamonds, making us a leader in the category for developing and customizing products for our consumers. In 2023, we will be launching more fashion-based jewelry categories, exploring retail concepts, and expanding beyond sales in North America.

Our Process

How do I figure out my ring size?

Are you unsure of your ring size? No worries at all! You can easily order a ring sizer here. Plus, we have a handy guide to help you figure out your perfect fit.

Does Proud Diamond offer complimentary ring sizing?

Yes, we offer complimentary ring sizing for adjustments within one size.

Adjustments greater than one size incur a $CAD 75.00 fee.

Additional fees of $CAD 75.00 apply for a second ring sizing. 

Can Proud Diamond create a custom jewel?

Of course! On top of all of the pieces you see on our website, we offer a custom design service that gives the opportunity to our customer to design the jewel of their dream.

We use the CAD Design technology to simulate exactly what our customers have in mind and we change every detail until it is perfect.

What are the steps to create a custom jewel?

Creating a custom jewel has never been easier!

STEP 1: FILL OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Send us a photo or inspiration and answer a short questionnaire so we can better understand your vision.

STEP 2: GET A QUOTE

Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, we’ll then provide an approximate price.

STEP 3: MEET YOUR DIAMOND EXPERT

We’ll arrange a virtual meeting with you to discuss your design in detail and address any questions you may have.

STEP 4: MAKE A DEPOSIT

If you're happy with the proposed design and pricing, we'll send you an invoice for a deposit to proceed with your order.

STEP 5: SEE A VIDEO OF YOUR DESIGN

Within 2-4 days after payment, you'll receive a high-quality 3D design and video created by our master designers using CAD Design technology.

STEP 6: GIVE YOUR FINAL APPROVAL

Once you've reviewed the design, provide your final approval. We'll then confirm the final price and send you the invoice directly to your inbox. If further adjustments are needed, we'll schedule another private appointment with one of our experts.

STEP 7: APPROVE YOUR DIAMOND

Approve the Proud Diamond stone that will be handpicked by our experts for your creation, with your budget as our top priority.

For diamonds weighing 1 carat and above, we'll send along a certificate of authenticity.

STEP 8: A LITTLE GOLDSMITHING

We manufacture your design entirely by hand ensuring that every step is perfect. Casting, setting, welding and polishing are carried out on site in our Montreal workshop by our team of certified jewelers.

STEP 9: YAY! DELIVERY

Your finished piece will be ready within 4 weeks depending on complexity.

Start customize your piece now.

Can you help me keep my purchase a surprise?

With pleasure! Send us an email at hello@prouddiamond.com and we'll work out a plan together.

Fun fact, we've already planned a helicopter delivery for a client in the past! Anything is possible ;)

Does my jewelry order include a certificate of authentification?

We provide a free certificate from renowned international organizations such as IGI or GIA with all our diamonds of 1 carat or more. For smaller diamonds, certification is available for an additional fee.

What does an IGI or GIA certification mean?

An IGI or GIA certification signifies that a diamond has undergone a rigorous evaluation process by either the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This evaluation includes an assessment of the diamond's characteristics such as its carat weight, cut, color, clarity, and overall quality. Diamonds with these certifications are considered to have been graded accurately and reliably by experts in the field, providing assurance to buyers regarding the diamond's quality and authenticity.

Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all secure payments, including credit cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, and GPay. We also accept bank transfers (email us at hello@prouddiamond.com).

Are your prices listed in usd?

All our prices are in Canadian dollars, US dollars, or Euros. Prices are displayed based on your country of residence.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

We use the Affirm financing platform. For more information, click on "Learn more" located below the price of each product. Payment options through Affirm Canada Holdings Ltd. (“Affirm”). Your rate will be 0–31.99% APR (where available and subject to provincial regulatory limitations). APR offered is based on creditworthiness and subject to an eligibility check. Not all customers will be eligible for 0% APR. Payment options depend on your purchase amount, may vary by merchant, and may not be available in all provinces/territories. Actual payment option terms will be shown at checkout. A down payment (or a payment due today) may be required. Affirm accepts debit cards and PAD as forms of repayment on payment options. Select payment options may be eligible for repayment in the form of credit cards. Please review the terms and conditions of your credit card when using it as a form of repayment. Sample payment options may be: a $800 purchase could be split into 12 monthly payments of $72.21 at 15% APR, or 4 interest-free payments of $200 every 2 weeks. For more information, please see How It Works.

Shipping and delivery

Where do you ship to?

We ship worldwide. If you are outside of United States or Canada, please contact us directly, we will make this happen hello@prouddiamond.com

What is the delivery time?

All our jewelry is handcrafted and carefully inspected before shipping. Therefore, the usual delivery time is typically 2 to 4 weeks.

However, if you can't wait to receive your jewelry, we have expedited shipping options available.

For last-minute gifts, upcoming holidays, or just because you're super impatient (haha!), check out our "Last-Minute Gifts" page. We offer delivery within 2 to 5 business days. If you need your order even faster, please call us at 514-442-6058.

What is your shipping process?

Once we verify the quality of the product, we will send you your shipping information via email with your tracking number.

All orders require a signature upon delivery.

It may take up to 2-4 weeks to receive your order.

What comes with my Proud Diamond jewelry purchase?

Every Proud Diamond jewel comes in our signature eco-friendly packaging, accompanied by the Proud Diamond shopping bag. Additionally, depending on your purchase, it may include a certificate of authenticity.

Returns and exchanges

What is your returns and exchanges policy?

Your satisfaction is our priority. Returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days from the date of delivery. Beyond this period, all sales are final. 

Items not eligible for return or exchange include: 

  • Custom-made jewelry ;
  • Improperly packaged items, damaged or used items ; 
  • Altered, engraved, or resized items ; 
  • Custom or personalized items that have been altered ; 
  • Items previously exchanged ;
  • Items over $CAD 10 000.00 ;
  • Sales items;
  • Gift cards.

Loose diamonds bought for a piece are non-returnable or exchangeable once the deposit on the diamonds has been paid.

Limited edition jewelry items are not eligible for return or exchange. Deposits or payments made towards these items are non-refundable.

Jewel Care

How do I clean my jewelry?

For simple cleaning, you can clean your jewelry with mild dish soap and warm water. Fill a bowl with warm water, add dish soap and your jewelry, let it soak for 30 minutes, and then air dry it.

For an extra clean, use an unused toothbrush and gently brush your jewelry.

For a deeper clean, consider using a Magnasonic cleaner. You can easily purchase one on Amazon or support a local store, which we always recommend.

What are the complimentary services offered by Proud Diamond?

When you purchase your Proud Diamond jewel, we offer a complimentary annual prong inspection paired with a thorough cleaning service. For ring owners, we suggest having the prongs checked at least once a year. It's a perfect chance to get your jewelry sparkling clean at the same time!

Warranty

Does my proud diamond jewelry come with a warranty?

At Proud Diamond, we stand behind the quality and craftsmanship of our jewelry and offer a free 5-year warranty against craftsmanship defects on engagement rings and wedding bands purchases.

We also extend a 1-year warranty, valid in Canada only, for all jewelry other than engagement rings and wedding bands.

Should you encounter any damage attributable to craftsmanship, please reach out to us at hello@prouddiamond.com with images, a brief video, and a description of the damage so we may evaluate your piece.

See our full warranty policy here.

Legal and security

Is shopping with Proud Diamond secure?

Yes. We guarantee that every online transaction you make will be 100% safe.

Will I be charged sales tax?

Yes, taxes are added at checkout.

Does Proud Diamond offer insurance?

Unfortunately, we do not offer insurance currently, but we strongly recommend securing appropriate insurance coverage for your jewelry through a third-party provider.

Collaboration and press

How can I collaborate with proud diamond?

Just email us: hello@prouddiamond.com

How can I get in contact with proud diamond?

There are several ways to connect with us. Email us at hello@prouddiamond.com or send us a DM on Instagram @prouddiamondofficial. You can also call us directly 1.514.442.6058