The diamond. Our expertise. Your choice.
Choosing a diamond means choosing a stone that will become part of a story.
An “I love you”, a promise, a commitment, a moment you want to hold on to forever. So naturally, the choice matters.
Carat weight, brilliance, clarity, origin, budget, personal values… Everyone places importance on different things. There is no single way to choose a diamond. There is only the one that feels right for you.
At ODACE, we take the time to listen, guide you and share our expertise, so you can choose with confidence, in line with what matters most to you.
Natural or Lab-Grown Diamond?
Today, an ODACE creation can begin with one of two stories: that of a natural diamond or that of a lab-grown diamond.
Both are real diamonds, with the same chemical composition and exactly the same physical and optical properties.
Their only difference: their origin.
A natural diamond forms deep within the Earth through geological processes that take place over hundreds of millions of years.
A lab-grown diamond is created through technology and human ingenuity, by recreating the conditions required for a diamond to grow.
One standard of excellence. Two origins. Two stories.
Our role is to help you choose the one that feels right for you.
What is a diamond, after all?
For centuries, diamonds have fascinated us with their brilliance, strength and unique ability to play with light.
They are among the precious stones with the simplest chemical composition: whether formed deep within the Earth or grown in a laboratory, a diamond is made of a single element: carbon.
This composition gives diamonds their exceptional hardness and remarkable brilliance. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material known and has a particularly high refractive index, allowing it to capture and reflect light with unique intensity.
This wonder can come to life in two ways: deep within the Earth or in a laboratory, through human ingenuity.
Two origins, two stories. One equally fascinating stone: the diamond.
The Natural Diamond
A story written by nature.
Around 100 million years ago, diamonds formed more than 150 km beneath the Earth’s surface, from pure carbon subjected to extremely high temperatures and pressures.
Over time, volcanic eruptions brought these diamonds closer to the surface. Millions of years later, humans discovered these deposits and began extracting them to reveal the treasures they held.
Every natural diamond carries a story shaped by time, long before our own. A story that has always been part of its enduring fascination.
Choosing a natural diamond means being drawn to this origin: a stone born deep within the Earth and shaped by time.
The Lab-Grown Diamond
A story written by science.
Thanks to technological advances, it is now possible to grow a diamond in a laboratory, without the need for mining.
The principle is fascinating: recreating the conditions required for a diamond to form within a controlled environment. Starting with pure carbon, subjected to pressure and temperature conditions similar to those found 150 km beneath the Earth’s surface, the diamond gradually grows in the laboratory.
The result: a real diamond with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond, but with a lower human and environmental impact. Once the rough stone has formed, it is cut and polished by skilled hands to reveal its full brilliance.
Choosing a lab-grown diamond means being drawn to this origin: a stone born from innovation, traceable and created without mining. It also offers the opportunity, for the same budget, to choose a larger or higher-quality stone.
Your diamond deserves the time to be chosen with care.
Natural or lab-grown, there is no single right way to choose a diamond. There is only the one that reflects your story, your desires and what matters to you today.
At ODACE, we are here to give you the time, information and expertise you need to make your choice with confidence.
Compare, ask questions, look closely, understand, change your mind: take your time.
Because a diamond is much more than a stone. It is a choice that becomes part of a story, a moment, an emotion.
At ODACE, we are here to help you find yours.
Time to understand. Time to choose.
Your questions about diamonds (FAQ)
Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?
We meticulously select the laboratories with which we work. Our selection criteria: excellence , environmental sustainability and fair labor practices .
Although the laboratories are state-of-the-art, growing a diamond remains extremely difficult. Production capacities around the world are limited. This is why we are diversifying our partnerships and turning to several laboratories located in France, the United States and Asia.
The sourcing of our lab-grown diamond is certified carbon neutral , meaning that the energy consumed to produce our diamonds is reduced wherever possible and offset by funding carbon capture projects.
Why is it called a “synthetic diamond” in France ?
The term “lab-grown diamond.” is actually a misnomer. The word “synthesis” is often associated with that which appears artificial. Unlike moissanite, zirconium oxide, or what is commonly called “rhinestone”, there is nothing artificial about lab-grown diamonds. This is not a fake or imitation gem. It is a real diamond composed of a pure body: carbon . Not only does this name confuse our minds, but it is also scientifically false. Scientifically we cannot synthesize a pure body, we can only extract it or grow it.
So why do we continue to call it that? French law currently requires us to use the term “synthetic diamond”. We are mobilizing so that the French government changes its legislation as other pioneering countries, such as the United States, have done. The latter have banned the term “synthetic diamond” and today recommend the name “ lab grown diamond ” “ cultured diamond ” or even “ man-made diamond ”.
Is my lab-grown diamond. unique?
It is impossible to distinguish a natural diamond from a lab-grown diamond with the naked eye or even with a loupe. Both are composed of 100% carbon atoms and possess exactly the same physical and optical properties.
Identifying their origin requires specialized gemological analysis and equipment, which allow for a deep-level study of how the carbon atoms assembled during growth.
The gemological certificate issued by the IGI or GIA clearly specifies whether the diamond is of natural or lab-grown origin.
Why is a lab-grown diamond less expensive?
Natural diamond is a
limited resource and its journey to the jeweler generally
involves 5 to 10 intermediaries.
For our lab-grown diamonds, we source directly from laboratories, without any intermediaries. Combined with a resource that is not naturally limited, this more direct supply chain allows us to offer significantly lower prices.
The higher the carat weight, the greater the price difference: at comparable quality, the price of the finished piece of jewelry is on average 50% lower with a 0.50-carat lab-grown diamond and 75% lower with a 1.50-carat diamond.
How do we choose our diamonds?
We select each diamond based on its gemological characteristics, proportions, and brilliance.
For our natural diamonds, we offer three quality levels: H-SI, G-VS, and D-VVS, to allow for different balances between the stone's characteristics and budget.
For our lab-grown diamonds, we have chosen an exclusively D-VVS selection.
From 0.40 carats, our diamonds are accompanied by an individual gemological certificate issued by a recognized independent laboratory, GIA or IGI.
Two origins. The same
ODACE standard.
What are the 4Cs?
Whether it comes from the depths of the earth or a high-tech laboratory, every diamond is unique in its weight, purity, color, and cut.
Every diamond is thus evaluated and valued based on 4 criteria, the 4Cs:
Carat (weight): The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat equals 0.20 grams. Two diamonds of the same weight will not necessarily have the same value, as this will also depend on the evaluation of the other three criteria: the diamond's purity, color, and cut.
Clarity (purity): Every diamond contains inclusions, small impurities that are unique to it. These are largely diamond crystals or foreign bodies trapped in the stone during the formation process. The fewer impurities a diamond has, the more precious and rare it is. The purity grade of a diamond is defined on a scale ranging from "Flawless" (FL) to "Included" (I), where inclusions are visible to the naked eye. A VVS diamond has inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification. Next come the VS and then SI grades, where the inclusions become progressively more present. When they are significant enough, they affect the stone's transparency and the way light travels through it.
Color: For white diamonds, the color is evaluated on a scale ranging from D (exceptionally colorless) to Z (a light yellow or brown diamond). The further one moves from D, the more a slight yellowish tint may gradually become perceptible. At ODACE, we only select diamonds graded between D and H.
Cut: This is the only one of the 4Cs directly influenced by human hands. From the rough diamond, the artisan gives it a shape (round, pear, emerald...), and the ideal proportions and facets that will allow light to enter the stone and reflect optimally. This extremely precise cutting work is an art in its own right. A well-cut diamond will create spectacular plays of light and reveal all its fire and brilliance.
The purer, whiter, and better cut a diamond is, the more it will reflect light and reveal exceptional brilliance.
How do I read my diamond certificate?
The gemological certificate is the identity card for your diamond.
Issued by an independent laboratory, it provides details such as its weight, color, clarity, dimensions, and cut characteristics. It also indicates whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown.
The most recognized independent laboratories are the GIA and the IGI.
In-store, we review the certificate with you and explain the information useful for understanding and comparing the stones presented to you.
Does a diamond retain its value?
The future value of a diamond cannot be guaranteed.
It depends in particular on its origin, its characteristics, its rarity, as well as the evolution of supply and demand.
At ODACE, we therefore present the diamond primarily as a stone intended to accompany a piece of jewelry and a story, and not as a financial investment.
