Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • About Affinity Diamonds

  • Shipping and Delivery

  • Returns and Exchanges

  • Payment

  • Customisation, Production, and Materials

  • Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds

  • Repairs, Resizing and Cleaning

  • Ring and Jewellery Sizing

  • Jewellery Care and Maintenance

About Affinity Diamonds

Yes, Affinity Diamonds is a proudly Australian-owned and operated jewellery brand, founded by Sam Rahme in 2001. With showrooms in Sydney and Brisbane, we specialise in handcrafted diamond engagement rings and fine jewellery made right here in Australia.

Learn more about Our Story.

Yes, you can book a personalised, obligation-free consultation with one of our diamond jewellery experts at our Sydney or Brisbane boutiques. We offer a tailored experience to help you design your perfect engagement ring or fine jewellery piece.

Click here to book your appointment.

Yes, in addition to our online e-boutique, you can purchase Affinity Diamonds jewellery in person at our Sydney and Brisbane showrooms, available by appointment. Experience our handcrafted pieces up close and receive expert guidance from our diamond specialists.

Book your appointment here.

No, Affinity Diamonds does not have external stockists. All of our handcrafted diamond jewellery is exclusively available through our official website or by appointment at our Sydney and Brisbane boutiques. This ensures every piece is made to the highest standards and delivered with a personalised experience.

Shipping and Delivery

No, Affinity Diamonds does not ship to PO Boxes, as all deliveries require a signature upon arrival for security and insurance purposes. Please provide a residential or business address at checkout to ensure safe and reliable delivery of your jewellery.

All Affinity Diamonds jewellery is made to order by our expert jewellers and typically takes 2–3 weeks to craft, depending on the design. You will receive an estimated completion date at the time of purchase, and our team will keep you updated throughout the process.

Yes, Affinity Diamonds offers international shipping to select countries, including New Zealand, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All international orders are securely packaged and fully insured for safe delivery.

You can track your Affinity Diamonds order by requesting a tracking number from our team. Once your piece has been dispatched, we’ll provide tracking details upon request so you can monitor your delivery every step of the way.

Returns and Exchanges

For information on returns and exchanges, please refer to our full Returns & Exchange Policy. Affinity Diamonds is committed to customer satisfaction and will work with you to ensure your experience is seamless and supportive.

If you receive a faulty or damaged item from Affinity Diamonds, please contact our team immediately on +61 2 9221 0717. We are committed to resolving issues promptly and ensuring the quality and craftsmanship of every piece meets our high standards.

Payment

Affinity Diamonds accepts VISA, Mastercard, and American Express for all in-store purchases. All transactions are processed securely to ensure a seamless shopping experience.

Customisation, Production and Materials

Absolutely. At Affinity Diamonds, we specialise in bespoke jewellery, working closely with you and our expert diamond merchants to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether it's a unique engagement ring or a custom design, we’ll bring your vision to life with precision and care.

All Affinity Diamonds jewellery is proudly accredited Australian Made and handcrafted in our Sydney in-house workshop. Each piece is created with exceptional care by our master jewellers. When visiting our Sydney CBD showroom, you can even view the in-house workshop and see our craftsmanship in action!

Yes, Affinity Diamonds specialises in custom engagement rings handcrafted in our Sydney workshop. Our diamond merchants will guide you through every step of the design process to create a bespoke piece that reflects your personal style and love story.

Most custom diamond engagement rings take 2–3 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the design. Each piece is made to order in our Sydney studio with careful attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Yes. Our Brisbane boutique offers full access to Affinity Diamonds’ bespoke jewellery design services. You can meet with a diamond consultant to create your own custom piece, just as you would in our Sydney location.

Absolutely. All our jewellery is proudly Australian Made, handcrafted by skilled jewellers in our Sydney-based workshop. We’re committed to quality, authenticity, and local craftsmanship.

We use only ethically sourced diamonds and precious metals, including 18K gold (yellow, white, and rose) and platinum. All materials are sourced from suppliers accredited by the Responsible Jewellery Council, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.

Platinum is a naturally white, hypoallergenic metal known for its durability and density, while white gold is slightly harder but may require occasional re-plating over time. Both are popular for diamond engagement rings, and our consultants can help you choose the best metal for your lifestyle and preferences.

Yes, we can customise any existing Affinity Diamonds design to suit your preferences - whether that’s changing the diamond shape, metal, or setting. We’re here to ensure your ring is as unique as your love story.

Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds

The main difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond lies in their origin and formation process. Natural diamonds are formed naturally in the Earth's mantle over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory within a matter of weeks or months.

Lab-grown diamonds often have fewer internal flaws or inclusions compared to natural diamonds, which can enhance their clarity. However, both natural and lab-grown diamonds can vary in terms of clarity. Regarding sustainability, the mining of natural diamonds can have significant environmental and social impacts, whereas lab-grown diamonds have a lower carbon footprint. 

It's important to note that both natural and lab-grown diamonds possess the same chemical and physical properties, and they can be visually identical to each other. They are both made of carbon and have the same crystal structure, hardness, and brilliance. The choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds ultimately depends on personal preferences, budget, and ethical
considerations.

In most cases, it is challenging for a jeweller to visually distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond without specialized equipment. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them visually indistinguishable to the naked eye.

To accurately determine whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, jewellers use specialised equipment and techniques such as spectroscopy, advanced microscopy, or diamond verification instruments. These methods can detect specific features or trace elements that are indicative of a diamond's origin.

Affinity Diamonds is transparent about the source of all their diamonds and provide appropriate documentation for the diamonds they offer.

Purchasing a lab-grown diamond has its own set of pros and cons. The advantages of purchasing a lab grown diamond is that they can typically be more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. They are regarded as a more ethical and environmentally friendly choice, as well as offer a consistent quality and can have fewer inclusions or flaws compared to natural diamonds.

The disadvantages of purchasing a lab-grown diamond include the potential of facing some challenges in terms of perception and resale value. Lab-grown diamonds, while still precious, lack the same level of geological rarity as natural diamonds.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond depends on individual preferences, budget, and ethical considerations. It's important to research and understand the advantages and potential limitations of both options before making a purchase.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) are two well-known and respected diamond grading laboratories that provide diamond certification services.

GIA is one of the most renowned and trusted diamond grading laboratories in the world. GIA and IGI diamond certification provide detailed information about the diamond's characteristics, known as the 4Cs (carat, colour, clarity and cut), along with fluorescence, symmetry, polish, measurements, and a diagram illustrating the diamond's clarity characteristics.

While GIA is generally considered the industry standard for diamond grading, IGI is also recognized and respected. However, it's worth noting that there may be slight differences in grading standards and practices between the two laboratories.

When purchasing a diamond, having a certificate from either GIA or IGI can provide assurance about the diamond's quality and characteristics. It's advisable to choose diamonds with reputable certification from either of these laboratories to ensure transparency and confidence in your purchase.

A "natural" diamond is a diamond that is formed naturally deep within the Earth over millions of years. Natural diamonds are mined from diamond-rich regions such as Canada, Australia, and Russia. Once extracted, these diamonds are cut, polished, and used in various ways. The allure of natural diamonds lies in their rarity, unique characteristics, and the long geological journey that leads to their formation.

"Natural" diamonds are graded based on aset of standardised criteria known as the 4Cs: carat weight, colour, clarity,and cut. These factors help assess the quality and value of a diamond.

In addition to the 4Cs, somegrading laboratories may also consider other factors such as fluorescence anddiamond symmetry. Independent gemmological laboratories, like the GemologicalInstitute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI),provide diamond grading reports that detail these characteristics.

By evaluating and combining thesegrading factors, professionals can determine the overall quality and value of a"natural" diamond, assisting consumers in making informed decisionswhen purchasing diamonds.

The Four C's of a diamond refer to the universally recognised criteria used to assess and describe a diamond's quality. They are:

1. Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. It affects how effectively the diamond interacts with light and determines its brilliance, sparkle, and overall beauty. A well-cut diamond allows light to reflect and refract in the most desirable way.

2. Colour: The colour grade of a diamond determines its presence of colour. The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is too colourless, the higher its grade and value.

3. Clarity: Clarity assesses the presence of internal and external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. These are natural characteristics that formed during the diamond's creation. Clarity grades range from Flawless (no visible imperfections under 10x magnification) to Included (noticeable flaws).

4. Carat Weight: Carat weight is a measure of a diamond's size and weight. Larger diamonds generally have a higher carat weight, but it's important to consider the other C's as well since the value is determined by a combination of all factors.

It is important to note that each ‘C’ carries its own significance, and finding the right balance among them is key to selecting a diamond that meets individual desires and requirements.

Repairs, Resizing and Cleaning

If your Affinity Diamonds jewellery requires repair, please book an appointment with our Sydney or Brisbane boutique for assessment. Our expert jewellers will inspect your piece and provide advice on the best repair solution.

Book an appointment here or contact us on 02 9221 0717 for more information.

All products are inspected by one of our sales consultants prior to repairing. The repair cost of each piece is dependant on the item and the degree of damage.

Yes, all Affinity Diamonds pieces are entitled to one complimentary polish, plate, and diamond check per year as part of our commitment to long-term care and quality. Additional cleaning or maintenance services requested within the same year may incur a fee.

To keep your jewellery looking its best between professional cleanings, we recommend using our Affinity Diamonds Cleaning Kit. Specifically created to care for bespoke and handcrafted diamond jewellery, it helps maintain a longer-lasting shine and is safe for use on both gold and platinum pieces. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless recommended, as they may loosen stones in delicate settings. Always dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Purchase an Affinity Diamonds Jewellery Cleaning Kit here.

For everyday wear, we recommend a professional clean and diamond check at least once a year. You can also clean your engagement ring at home using our Affinity Diamonds Cleaning Kit, designed to safely restore sparkle between visits. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless recommended, as they may loosen stones in delicate settings. Always dry your jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Yes, our in-house team provides jewellery polishing and rhodium plating services for white gold engagement rings and fine jewellery. This helps restore the bright white finish and brilliance of your piece over time.

All Affinity Diamonds pieces are entitled to one complimentary polish, plate, and diamond check per year as part of our commitment to long-term care and quality.

We offer a full range of jewellery repair services, including claw tightening, stone replacement, ring resizing, replating, and general restoration. All repairs are performed in-house by our master jewellers to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship.

To maintain your diamond’s brilliance, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and store it in a fabric-lined jewellery box. Use a specialist jewellery cleaning solution like our Affinity Diamonds Cleaning Kit, and schedule regular inspections to check for loose stones or worn prongs.

Ring and Jewellery Sizing

You can visit our Sydney or Brisbane boutique to have your ring or bracelet size professionally measured by one of our expert Diamond Merchants. Prefer to measure at home?

Use our easy-to-follow online size guide to check your finger or wrist size accurately. View our size guide here to measure accurately.

For Rings:

  • Measure at the end of the day when your fingers are warm, as cold can cause your fingers to shrink slightly.
  • Ensure the ring size allows the band to slide over your knuckle comfortably but fits snugly at the base of your finger.
  • If you're between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size.
  • There may be a slight difference between left and right hand side size, depending on dominance.
  • View our Ring Size Guide here.

For Bracelets:

  • Use a soft measuring tape or string and wrap it around your wrist just above the wrist bone.
  • Add 1–2 cm for comfort, depending on how loose or snug you prefer your bracelet.

Yes, we offer ring resizing services at both our Sydney and Brisbane boutiques. Whether you’ve experienced a change in finger size or need a better fit, our expert jewellers will resize your diamond engagement ring with precision and care.

Book an appointment here or contact us on 02 9221 0717 for more information.

Jewellery Care and Maintenance

Yes, Affinity Diamonds jewellery is crafted for everyday wear, using high-quality materials designed to last. However, to maintain the brilliance and longevity of your pieces, we recommend removing them during active outings, when applying makeup, aerosols, or creams, and while sleeping. Proper care helps preserve the beauty and integrity of your jewellery over time.

We recommend avoiding wearing your diamond jewellery while swimming, as salt water and chlorine can damage the metal over time and may affect the integrity of the setting or alloy. To preserve the beauty and longevity of your piece, always remove your jewellery before entering the ocean or pool.

While occasional exposure to water is fine, we recommend avoiding prolonged water exposure—especially in salt water or chlorinated pools. Over time, moisture can affect the metal alloy and dull the appearance of your jewellery.

Store your diamond jewellery in a fabric-lined box or soft pouch, separate from other pieces to avoid scratching. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity to maintain its brilliance and structural integrity.

To protect your diamond or gold jewellery, avoid contact with chemicals, abrasive surfaces, and harsh environments. Remove pieces before using cleaning products, gardening, cooking, or working out. Store your jewellery in a soft pouch or fabric-lined box when not in use.

It’s best to remove your jewellery before sleeping. Movement during sleep can loosen settings, bend delicate bands, or cause chains to tangle. Removing your pieces at night helps preserve their shape and shine.

We recommend removing your ring before showering, as soap, shampoo, and conditioner can cause residue build-up, dulling the diamond’s sparkle. Over time, water and product exposure may also weaken the setting or wear down plating on metals like white gold.

We suggest checking your diamond ring regularly for loose stones, bent claws, or changes in fit. Bring your ring to our Sydney or Brisbane boutique for a professional inspection and clean once a year, which is complimentary with every Affinity Diamonds piece.