What is an IGI certificate and why does it matter?

An IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate is an independent, third-party grading report that documents a diamond's exact cut, colour, clarity, carat, and growth method. It is the most widely used certification for lab grown diamonds globally, with deep infrastructure in India where most lab grown diamonds are cut and polished. The certificate includes a laser inscription on the girdle of the stone, permanently linking your diamond to its paperwork. Every diamond Nivara sells is IGI certified.

How much do lab grown diamonds cost compared to mined diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds typically cost 40Ã¢ÂÂ70% less than mined diamonds of the same cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. This price difference reflects supply chain economics, not quality. The physical diamond you receive is identical. At Nivara, pricing is transparent Ã¢ÂÂ the certificate, stone quality, and metal weight are all itemised so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?

Lab grown diamond prices have decreased over time as production has scaled, similar to how most manufactured goods behave. However, the value of a piece of jewellery is rarely just its resale number Ã¢ÂÂ it is the wearing, the meaning, and the memory. Nivara offers a lifetime buyback and exchange policy, so your piece retains meaningful liquidity over time. For pieces meant to be passed down across generations, which is how most Indian families approach diamond jewellery, the real value is in the wearing.

What is Nivara's buyback policy?

Nivara offers a lifetime buyback and exchange policy on all jewellery. You can return or exchange any Nivara piece at any time. The buyback value is calculated transparently based on current metal and diamond rates at the time of return. This policy applies to all three showrooms Ã¢ÂÂ Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Indore.

Can I customise a ring or jewellery piece at Nivara?

Yes. Bespoke design is one of Nivara's most popular services. You can work with our design team from initial sketch through to the finished piece. The process includes full CAD renderings, wax samples for approval, and in-person reviews at every stage. Customisation is available in all three showrooms and remotely via WhatsApp or virtual appointment.

What metal options are available for Nivara jewellery?

All Nivara jewellery is made in BIS hallmarked gold Ã¢ÂÂ available in 18kt and 14kt, in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Metal weight is disclosed upfront. We do not use plated base metals. Every piece carries a BIS hallmark, which is India's official certification of metal purity.

What is the difference between HPHT and CVD lab grown diamonds?

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) are the two main methods for growing lab diamonds. HPHT mimics the pressure and temperature conditions under which natural diamonds form. CVD grows diamonds layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas in a chamber. Both methods produce genuine diamonds. The growth method is disclosed on the IGI certificate. In practice, the difference is invisible to the eye Ã¢ÂÂ both methods produce stones with the same optical and physical properties.

Will my family accept lab grown diamonds for bridal jewellery?

Most families, once they understand that lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds and come with IGI certification identical to natural stones, accept them without concern. For families unfamiliar with lab grown diamonds, Nivara often spends the first visit educating across generations Ã¢ÂÂ parents, grandparents, and the buyer together. This is one of the parts of our work we enjoy most.

Do you offer bridal jewellery sets?

Yes. Nivara's bridal collection includes necklaces, earrings, bangles, mangalsutras, and matching sets, all designed alongside traditional Indian wedding aesthetics. Lab grown diamonds sit beautifully alongside gold, pearl, and gemstone work. Many Nivara bridal customers design sets that mix Nivara pieces with heirloom family jewellery. Bespoke bridal work is available at all three showrooms.

How do I care for lab grown diamond jewellery?

Lab grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as mined diamonds and require the same care. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pieces with intricate settings or side stones. Store in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent scratching. Remove jewellery before swimming, heavy exercise, or using harsh chemicals. Bring pieces to Nivara annually for a professional clean and prong check.

Can I visit a Nivara showroom without an appointment?

Yes, walk-ins are welcome at all three Nivara showrooms in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Indore. However, for bridal consultations, bespoke design discussions, or if you want uninterrupted time with a specialist, we recommend booking a private appointment. You can book at nivara.diamonds/pages/book-appointment or via WhatsApp at +91 95220 00505.

Does Nivara offer virtual appointments?

Yes. Nivara offers video consultations for customers who want to start their conversation remotely or who are purchasing from outside Hyderabad, Bangalore, or Indore. You can also send diamond specifications via WhatsApp and receive live photos, videos, and certificates before deciding. Bespoke pieces can be designed entirely remotely and shipped securely.

What is the 4Cs grading system for diamonds?

The 4Cs Ã¢ÂÂ Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Ã¢ÂÂ are the international standard for describing diamond quality, created by GIA and now used by all major grading laboratories including IGI. Cut refers to how well the diamond's facets interact with light (Excellent, Very Good, Good). Colour grades run from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). Clarity describes internal characteristics on a scale from Flawless to Included. Carat is the weight of the stone (1 carat = 0.2 grams). Every Nivara diamond's 4Cs are documented on its IGI certificate.

Where are Nivara's showrooms located?

Nivara has three showrooms in India: Hyderabad at Road No. 92, Journalist Colony, MLA Colony, Jubilee Hills; Bangalore at 311, Kamaraj Road, Commercial Street, Bengaluru; and Indore at Ground and First Floor, Shivaay One, Yeshwant Niwas Road, Shivaji Nagar. All showrooms are open seven days a week, Open 11:00am to 9pm. You can also reach us on WhatsApp at +91 95220 00505.

Have a question?

FAQs

Q: Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure, with the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), the same refractive index, and the same fire and brilliance. The only difference is origin Ã¢ÂÂ lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the earth. Every Nivara diamond comes with an IGI certificate that documents this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every question we've been asked across WhatsApp, showroom visits, emails, and social DMs over the last two years. Grouped, answered honestly, and updated regularly. If something's still unclear, ask us on WhatsApp; we respond personally within the hour during business hours.

About lab-grown diamonds

1. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. 100%. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. Both are pure crystallized carbon. The only difference is where the diamond is grown: one inside a laboratory over 6-10 weeks, the other over millions of years inside the earth. The Federal Trade Commission (USA), IGI, GIA, and every major gemological authority recognise lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds.

2. Will anyone be able to tell my diamond is lab-grown?
No. Not with the naked eye, not with a jeweller's loupe, and not even with most gemological instruments. Only specialised spectroscopy equipment at grading labs can distinguish lab-grown from mined diamonds. Your diamond will sparkle the same, feel the same, and be graded on the same 4Cs.

3. Why choose a lab-grown diamond over a mined diamond?
Three reasons: price (lab-grown cost 60 to 90% less for the same grade), traceability (every stone can be traced from the lab to the final setting), and ethics (no mining, no environmental disruption, no conflict concerns). For customers who care about genuine value over tradition-for-tradition's-sake, lab-grown is the rational choice.

4. What's the difference between CVD and HPHT diamonds?
Both are growing methods. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) layers carbon atoms onto a diamond seed in a low-pressure chamber over 6-8 weeks. HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature) mimics natural diamond formation using intense pressure and heat. The end result, a pure, single-crystal diamond, is identical. For jewellery use, both are visually and structurally indistinguishable.

5. Are lab-grown diamonds as durable as mined diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as natural diamonds, and are the hardest known material on earth. They don't scratch, chip, or lose brilliance with everyday wear.

Quality, grading, and certification

6. What are the 4Cs, and how do they apply to lab-grown diamonds?
The 4Cs, Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight, are the universal grading standard for all diamonds, lab-grown included. Cut measures proportions and polish. Colour is graded from D (colourless) to Z (yellow tint). Clarity measures internal inclusions from FL (flawless) to I3 (heavily included). Carat is weight. Every Nivara stone is graded on the same rigorous scale.

7. Is IGI certification reliable for lab-grown diamonds?
IGI (International Gemological Institute) is the world's largest independent gemological laboratory and grades more lab-grown diamonds than any other lab. An IGI certificate guarantees your stone's 4Cs, includes a unique serial number, and includes a laser inscription on the diamond's girdle so you can verify the physical stone matches its certificate. Any day, from anywhere.

8. Are all Nivara diamonds IGI-certified?
Yes. Every centre-stone lab-grown diamond at Nivara above 0.50 carats carries a full IGI certificate. Smaller accent stones are certified in batches. You receive the physical certificate with your jewellery, and we encourage you to verify your stone using the serial number on the IGI website before or after your purchase.

9. Why are there still doubts about lab-grown diamonds?
Mostly because the category is newer in India and mined-diamond marketing has been running for 70+ years. But every year the science, the certification process, and the global acceptance of lab-grown get stronger. Major global retailers, including Pandora, which now uses exclusively lab-grown in its diamond line, have validated the category. The doubts are shrinking; the buyers are growing.

Pricing, value, and buyback

10. Why are lab-grown diamonds less expensive than mined diamonds?
Because the supply chain is shorter and more efficient. A mined diamond passes through mining, sorting, cutting centres, multiple wholesalers, and retailers. Each adding margin. A lab-grown diamond moves from lab to Nivara to you. No artificial scarcity, no hundred-year marketing spend built into the price. You pay for the diamond, not the supply chain.

11. What does a 1-carat lab-grown diamond cost at Nivara?
Every Nivara diamond is the same standard: VVS clarity, E colour, ideal cut, hearts and arrows precise. The diamond is ₹50,000 per carat, so a 1 carat stone is ₹50,000, with the setting in 14k or 18k BIS hallmarked gold or platinum additional depending on the design. Browse our collections for published pricing on every design.

12. Do lab-grown diamonds hold their resale value?
The lab-grown resale market is young, so secondary-market pricing is still evolving. That's why Nivara offers a lifetime buyback at 100% of current gold value and 85% of current diamond value on every stone we sell. A written, concrete commitment. If the market shifts, you're protected.

Buying from Nivara

13. How do I place an order at Nivara?
Three ways: (1) Browse nivara.diamonds and check out online. Our most common path. (2) Visit our Jubilee Hills showroom in Hyderabad, Bangalore boutique, or Indore store to see the piece in person before buying. (3) Message us on WhatsApp for a guided consultation. We'll send videos, certificate scans, and recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

14. What payment methods does Nivara accept?
All major payment methods: UPI, credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Amex), net banking, EMI (Bajaj Finserv, bank EMIs), and full-amount NEFT/IMPS. In-store we also accept bank transfers. For high-value purchases we can arrange milestone payments with a written agreement.

15. Do you ship across India? How long does delivery take?
Yes. We ship pan-India with fully insured, signature-required delivery. Standard delivery is 5-7 business days for ready-to-ship designs. Custom orders take 3-4 weeks depending on complexity. Express delivery within 48 hours is available for stock pieces in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Indore at no extra charge.

16. Do I have to visit a showroom to buy a Nivara piece?
Not at all. Most of our customers buy directly online. But for engagement rings or pieces above ₹2 lakh, we strongly recommend a video consultation or in-person visit. You can request high-resolution photos, live video views of the exact stone, and IGI certificate copies before committing. We want you to be completely confident in your diamond.

Design and customisation

17. Do you create custom designs?
Yes. Custom is a significant part of what we do. Our in-house design team in Hyderabad works on everything from entirely bespoke rings to modifications of existing designs (change metal, stone shape, add side stones, resize). Every custom piece includes CAD renders for your approval before crafting begins.

18. What if my ring does not fit?
Every Nivara ring is made to order, so we recommend confirming your size before we begin. If the fit is still not right, we resize free of charge within 30 days of purchase. Resizing after 30 days is chargeable and depends on the design. Some settings, such as full eternity bands, cannot be resized, and we will tell you that before you order.

19. How long does a custom design take?
A fully bespoke design, from first consultation through final delivery, takes 3-4 weeks on average. This includes concept discussion, CAD design review, stone selection, crafting, polishing, certification check, and QC. Rush orders are possible for proposals or time-sensitive occasions; please tell us the deadline up-front.

Care, repair, and policies

20. How do I care for my lab-grown diamond jewellery?
Lab-grown diamonds are extremely durable, but settings and metal bands can still wear. Avoid wearing your jewellery during heavy physical activity, contact sports, or when handling harsh chemicals. Clean with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush once a month. Professional ultrasonic cleaning is free for Nivara customers at any of our showrooms. Bring your piece in any time.

21. What if my jewellery needs repair?
Every Nivara piece comes with a one-year free repair warranty covering manufacturing defects (prong settings, loose stones, clasp issues). Beyond the warranty period, we handle repairs at nominal cost. For customers outside Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Indore, we arrange insured shipping both ways.

22. What is the exchange and buyback policy?
Exchange: 100% of the piece's current gold value and 100% of its current diamond value, for as long as you own it. Exchange within 15 days of your original purchase and your entire invoice value is eligible, with no deduction for making charges or taxes. After 15 days, making charges and applicable taxes are deducted from the exchange value.
Buyback: 100% of the piece's current gold value and 85% of its current diamond value, for as long as you own it, with making charges and applicable taxes deducted, regardless of timing.

Still have a question?

Message us on WhatsApp, email nivara.diamonds, or visit one of our three boutiques in Hyderabad (Jubilee Hills), Bangalore, or Indore. Our team answers personally. No chatbots, no call centres.

What does 'Nivara' mean?

Nivara stands for a Safe Space. At Nivara, the essence of a “safe space” goes beyond a promise: it’s a fundamental belief that shapes everything we do. We understand that for any business to truly thrive, it must be rooted in trust, integrity, and care.

For our customers, this safe space means providing not just luxurious jewelry but also a transparent and reassuring experience. We want every individual who engages with Nivara to feel valued, respected, and confident in their choices, knowing that they are part of something meaningful.

For our team members, a safe space is about fostering an environment where creativity flourishes, collaboration is encouraged, and personal growth is supported. We believe that when our people feel secure and empowered, they can bring their best selves to work, driving innovation and excellence.

And for the environment, creating a safe space means operating with responsibility and foresight. We are committed to ethical practices, sustainable sourcing, and minimizing our impact on the planet. By prioritizing the well-being of our natural world, we ensure that the beauty we create today can be enjoyed by future generations.

In essence, building a safe space is crucial for Nivara and any business that aspires to longevity and respect. It’s about doing what’s right (by our customers, our team, and our world) because true luxury is found in the care we take and the trust we build.

What services are included in Nivara Lifetime Promise?

We know how much you cherish your Nivara pieces and want them to shine forever. That’s why we offer a Lifetime Warranty with complimentary services, including:

1. Cleaning

2. Re-polishing

3. Prong tightening

4. Re-rhodium plating

Are lab grown diamonds real?

Both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds possess identical physical and chemical properties. It is impossible to distinguish them with the naked eye. Just like a test tube baby and a naturally born baby!

What is the future of lab grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are a relatively new concept compared to centuries of natural diamond tradition, which naturally leads to curiosity and questions. Some doubts stem from misunderstandings or a lack of awareness about the science behind these diamonds.

At Nivara, we believe in transparency and education. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, identical to natural ones in every way except their origin. They’re graded, certified, and cut with the same precision. They are here to stay for a lifetime, just like your mined diamonds!

We’re here to answer any questions you may have and to provide all the information you need to make an informed and confident choice. Please call us or ping us on +91 9951 000 951 and we will happily clear all your doubts :)

Are Nivara Lab-Grown Diamonds Certified?

Yes. Nivara is a certified Trusted Jeweller of IGI. All our lab diamonds are certified by IGI, and have an inscription that matches the number on the laboratory certificate. To ensure the extremely expedited timeline, they will not come with an additional certification.

How do I find the right ring size?

If you're unsure of your ring size, simply add a note while placing the order. We will post you a ring sizer when your order has been confirmed.

What are the shipping charges?

We offer complimentary shipping on all domestic & international orders, so you can shop with confidence, knowing there are no hidden fees.

Please note that any custom duties for orders placed outside India need to be borne by the customers.

How long does it take for my order to ship?

Our standard shipping time is 2-3 business days for ready stock and 21 business days for made-to-order pieces. Each piece is crafted with precision and care, ensuring it meets our high-quality standards before it reaches you. For customized pieces, please allow additional time for production.

Do you offer expedited shipping?

Yes, we do offer expedited shipping options at an additional cost. If you need your order sooner, please contact our customer support team to discuss available options and pricing.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), net banking, UPI, and popular digital wallets. For your convenience, we also offer EMI options through select banking partners.

Can I pay on delivery (Cash on Delivery)?

Currently, we do not offer Cash on Delivery (COD) as a payment option. However, our secure online payment methods are designed to provide a seamless and safe shopping experience.

What is your return policy?

At Nivara, every piece carries a lifetime exchange at 100% of the current gold value and 100% of the current diamond value. Exchange within 15 days of purchase and your entire invoice value is eligible, with no deduction for making charges or taxes. After 15 days, making charges and applicable taxes are deducted.

But we do not stop there. We also provide an upgrade option. If you find a piece that suits you even better, we’ll buy back your original item and help you choose something that truly aligns with your taste and desires. It’s all part of our commitment to your complete satisfaction.

How long does it take to process a return or exchange?

Once we receive your returned item, we typically process refunds or exchanges within 5-7 business days. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience.

Do you offer exchange & buyback of the product?

Absolutely! At Nivara, we offer a lifetime exchange policy, giving you 100% of the current gold value and 100% of the current diamond value when you decide to exchange your piece for something new, with making charges and taxes waived within 15 days of purchase and deducted after that. We also offer a lifetime buyback at 100% of the current gold value and 85% of the current diamond value, with making charges and applicable taxes deducted.

Our goal is to ensure that your investment in Nivara is as flexible and rewarding as possible.

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Please email us at care@nivara.diamonds and we will get back to you within 24 hours.