Natural or Mined diamonds form underground over billions of years. Lab grown diamonds are produced in controlled laboratory conditions that replicate how natural diamonds form. Both are real diamonds with the same crystal structure, physical and optical properties. The differences are origin, rarity and price.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made from carbon and have the same crystal structure as natural diamonds.

Look for a hallmark such as 375 for 9ct, 585 for 14ct, 750 for 18ct or 999 for pure gold. A hallmark alone does not prove an item is genuine. Troy O’brien Jewellery tests gold using methods such like XRF analysis and acid testing for the most precise and accurate results.

9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, while 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold. The remaining metal consists of alloys such as silver, copper, palladium or other metals. 18ct has a higher gold content, richer colour and higher material value. 9ct contains more alloy and usually costs less.

Regular cleaning, every 6-12 months is a good practice depending on how often you wear your jewellery. Engagement rings and frequently worn pieces should also receive professional inspections once a year. Troy Obrien Jewellery checks claws, settings, stones and other areas for wear while cleaning the piece.

Stop wearing the ring until we check it. Continuing to wear a ring with a loose stone increases the risk of losing the stone. Troy Obrien Jewellery will inspect the claws or setting and determine whether tightening, rebuilding or replacement work is needed.

Platinum is a naturally white precious metal, White gold is gold mixed with white coloured alloys and is rhodium plated to create a brighter white finish. Platinum is denser, while white gold generally feels lighter for a similar-sized piece. Although platinum is softer than white or yellow gold alloys, Platinum withstands wear over time far better.

Yes, Troy Obrien Jewellery can absolutely use old gold to make a brand new piece of jewellery for you. We have an on-site workshop where we can melt your old gold into a bar of gold, ready to make a new special piece of jewellery.

A manufacturing jeweller like us, works directly on making, modifying and repairing jewellery. A jewellery store might mainly sell finished pieces made elsewhere. Troy Obrien jewellery has an on-site workshop where the team repairs jewellery, custom makes special pieces, cleans and polishes jewellery, all without leaving the shop, while also selling magnificent pieces.