Frequently asked questions
AVA Diamonds has manufactured and matched natural diamonds for the trade since 1946. The questions below cover how we cut, match, certify and ship matched pairs, side stones and calibrated diamond layouts for jewelers, designers and manufacturers worldwide. If you do not see your question here, we are glad to help directly.
Do you offer lab-grown diamonds, or only natural?
AVA works exclusively in natural diamonds. We do not manufacture or supply lab-grown stones. Every matched pair, side stone and calibrated layout we cut is a natural diamond, sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Are your diamonds conflict-free and ethically sourced?
Yes. AVA is fully Kimberley Process compliant and a member of the World Diamond Council, following its System of Warranties covering conflict-free sourcing, human and labor rights, and anti-money-laundering. We verify origin at every stage, rough to polished.
What does it mean when a diamond is calibrated?
Calibrated diamonds are cut to precise, consistent millimeter dimensions, so they arrive ready to be set. We calibrate side stones and layouts to strict tolerances, ±0.05mm on pairs and ±0.10mm on layouts.
What is the difference between a matched pair and a layout?
A matched pair is two stones cut to mirror each other, most often set either side of a center stone but equally used for earrings. A calibrated layout is a set of stones, uniform or graduated, supplied ready to set: the rows in a three-stone ring, eternity bands, tennis bracelets, necklaces and more. We cut and match both to order, holding strict tolerances so the set fits precisely.
How do you match a pair of side stones?
Matched pairs are cut and selected to agree in color, clarity, cut and millimeter dimensions, so they read as a true mirror pair on either side of a center stone. Pairs are held to roughly ±0.05mm and calibrated layouts to about ±0.10mm, so stones set cleanly without extra work at the bench.
Can you match side stones to a center stone I already have?
Yes. Send us the center stone's shape, dimensions and color and clarity, and we will cut or select a matched pair or a calibrated layout to complement it within tight tolerances.
What color and clarity ranges do you supply?
We regularly supply side stones and layouts in the D to J color range and VVS to SI clarity, and we can cut to a specific target when a project calls for it. Color and clarity are matched across a pair or layout so the set stays consistent face-up.
Can I search your live inventory online?
Yes. You can search our live inventory for singles, matched pairs and calibrated layouts across more than 25 shapes, filtered the way the trade buys. If a stone or pairing is not listed, we can cut or source it to your spec.
Do you work with memo?
Yes. Memo is available to active trade accounts within the US, typically 14 to 30 days, so you can present a stone to a client or confirm a match before purchasing.
How is pricing quoted?
Pricing is quoted per carat and as a total for the pair or layout. The figure depends on shape, size, color, clarity and any matching requirements.
Do you offer lab-grown diamonds, or only natural?
AVA works exclusively in natural diamonds. We do not manufacture or supply lab-grown stones. Every matched pair, side stone and calibrated layout we cut is a natural diamond, sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Are your diamonds conflict-free and ethically sourced?
Yes. AVA is fully Kimberley Process compliant and a member of the World Diamond Council, following its System of Warranties covering conflict-free sourcing, human and labor rights, and anti-money-laundering. We verify origin at every stage, rough to polished.
What does it mean when a diamond is calibrated?
Calibrated diamonds are cut to precise, consistent millimeter dimensions, so they arrive ready to be set. We calibrate side stones and layouts to strict tolerances, ±0.05mm on pairs and ±0.10mm on layouts.
What is the difference between a matched pair and a layout?
A matched pair is two stones cut to mirror each other, most often set either side of a center stone but equally used for earrings. A calibrated layout is a set of stones, uniform or graduated, supplied ready to set: the rows in a three-stone ring, eternity bands, tennis bracelets, necklaces and more. We cut and match both to order, holding strict tolerances so the set fits precisely.
How do you match a pair of side stones?
Matched pairs are cut and selected to agree in color, clarity, cut and millimeter dimensions, so they read as a true mirror pair on either side of a center stone. Pairs are held to roughly ±0.05mm and calibrated layouts to about ±0.10mm, so stones set cleanly without extra work at the bench.
Can you match side stones to a center stone I already have?
Yes. Send us the center stone's shape, dimensions and color and clarity, and we will cut or select a matched pair or a calibrated layout to complement it within tight tolerances.
What color and clarity ranges do you supply?
We regularly supply side stones and layouts in the D to J color range and VVS to SI clarity, and we can cut to a specific target when a project calls for it. Color and clarity are matched across a pair or layout so the set stays consistent face-up.
Can I search your live inventory online?
Yes. You can search our live inventory for singles, matched pairs and calibrated layouts across more than 25 shapes, filtered the way the trade buys. If a stone or pairing is not listed, we can cut or source it to your spec.
Do you work with memo?
Yes. Memo is available to active trade accounts within the US, typically 14 to 30 days, so you can present a stone to a client or confirm a match before purchasing.
How is pricing quoted?
Pricing is quoted per carat and as a total for the pair or layout. The figure depends on shape, size, color, clarity and any matching requirements.
Do you offer lab-grown diamonds, or only natural?
AVA works exclusively in natural diamonds. We do not manufacture or supply lab-grown stones. Every matched pair, side stone and calibrated layout we cut is a natural diamond, sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Are your diamonds conflict-free and ethically sourced?
Yes. AVA is fully Kimberley Process compliant and a member of the World Diamond Council, following its System of Warranties covering conflict-free sourcing, human and labor rights, and anti-money-laundering. We verify origin at every stage, rough to polished.
What does it mean when a diamond is calibrated?
Calibrated diamonds are cut to precise, consistent millimeter dimensions, so they arrive ready to be set. We calibrate side stones and layouts to strict tolerances, ±0.05mm on pairs and ±0.10mm on layouts.
What is the difference between a matched pair and a layout?
A matched pair is two stones cut to mirror each other, most often set either side of a center stone but equally used for earrings. A calibrated layout is a set of stones, uniform or graduated, supplied ready to set: the rows in a three-stone ring, eternity bands, tennis bracelets, necklaces and more. We cut and match both to order, holding strict tolerances so the set fits precisely.
How do you match a pair of side stones?
Matched pairs are cut and selected to agree in color, clarity, cut and millimeter dimensions, so they read as a true mirror pair on either side of a center stone. Pairs are held to roughly ±0.05mm and calibrated layouts to about ±0.10mm, so stones set cleanly without extra work at the bench.
Can you match side stones to a center stone I already have?
Yes. Send us the center stone's shape, dimensions and color and clarity, and we will cut or select a matched pair or a calibrated layout to complement it within tight tolerances.
What color and clarity ranges do you supply?
We regularly supply side stones and layouts in the D to J color range and VVS to SI clarity, and we can cut to a specific target when a project calls for it. Color and clarity are matched across a pair or layout so the set stays consistent face-up.
Can I search your live inventory online?
Yes. You can search our live inventory for singles, matched pairs and calibrated layouts across more than 25 shapes, filtered the way the trade buys. If a stone or pairing is not listed, we can cut or source it to your spec.
Do you work with memo?
Yes. Memo is available to active trade accounts within the US, typically 14 to 30 days, so you can present a stone to a client or confirm a match before purchasing.
How is pricing quoted?
Pricing is quoted per carat and as a total for the pair or layout. The figure depends on shape, size, color, clarity and any matching requirements.
What Gives Ava Diamonds an Advantage Over Other Diamond B2B Providers?
The answer is multi-faceted. We at Ava Diamonds are responsible for the manufacturing of our own diamonds from start to finish, and specialize in side stones and matching diamond layouts and sets. From Antique Cuts to Complex Side Stone Shapes like the Calf Cut for example require decades of experience.
On top of that, our large inventory and the fact that no middle man is involved significantly reduces the markup of our diamonds.
Where Are You Located?
We are based in the United States, in North Carolina, and serve customers both in the US and worldwide.
I couldn’t find what I was looking for, do you offer custom make diamonds?
Custom cutting is one of our specialties, supported by our own manufacturing facilities and direct access to rough. Tell us what you need and we will try to make it: in most cases we can, though a request depends on the right rough being available and on the cut being physically achievable in the shape and proportions you want. We will tell you honestly if it is not. We specialize in bespoke programs such as calibrated diamond layouts and matched diamond pairs, which are especially suited to jewelers and wholesalers. Custom work is typically completed in about three weeks once the right rough is secured.
Do you provide Antique or Vintage Diamond Cuts?
Yes, and several are part of our unique diamond programs. From Old Cushion Cut (or old mine cut) diamonds to Carre Cut, Rose Cut and French Cut, we hold a wide selection, unrivalled in both competitive pricing and quality standards.
What Should I Choose, a Brilliant Cut or a Step Cut Diamond?
We are often asked which cutting method we recommend, the Step Cut or the Brilliant Cut. The answer depends heavily on personal preference, the shape you are looking for, and the design you have in mind. The Brilliant Cut is the modern method of cutting, worked to achieve maximum brilliance, hence the name. Step Cuts are more traditional and showcase square, rectangular and geometric shapes with step-like facets. Step cuts show less brilliance but a great deal of fire, and the stunning hall-of-mirrors effect. They are perfect for vintage and art deco designs, while brilliant cuts suit modern designs and a love of light display. Brilliant cuts include Round, Princess, Marquise, Pear and Hearts, among others. Step cuts include Emerald, Asscher, Carre and Baguettes, and many more.
I’m Under a Strict Budget, do I have to Settle on Size or Quality?
Not necessarily. Specialty and fancy shapes carry a lower price per carat than mainstream cuts such as the Brilliant Round, so the same budget can buy more size, or a better color and clarity grade, than it would in a more common shape. It also gives the finished piece a look that stands apart from what everyone else is setting.
Are orders purchased from you insured?
Yes. Every parcel is insured door to door for 100% of its value, and cover runs until you receive and sign for the shipment. We ship through Brink's, Ferrari Group, Malca-Amit and FedEx.
What is the expected duration it takes for my order to arrive?
Stones in stock at our US branch are shipped overnight, which is charged at a different rate to standard shipping. Where stones are held at our facilities in Israel, delivery by FedEx or UPS takes a maximum of five days and usually arrives within 48 hours. Where stones are being manufactured to your specification, delivery is a maximum of two weeks from the day of payment.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 7 days from the date of shipment, provided the goods are returned in the same condition as they were delivered to the client. Insured shipping costs in such cases are paid by the customer. Once we receive the goods we inspect them to confirm they are in the same condition as delivered. A refund is then given after deducting shipping and handling fees and bank commission.
Will I be charged for shipping and taxes, and if so, how much?
Taxes and shipping costs vary depending on the value of the package and your geographical location.
Shipping costs: The costs are on the customers and are the exact costs the shipping company requires which includes insuring your order.
Taxes: Shipping from within the US is not taxed. Shipping to any other country is taxable based on the rules of the particular country, and the client is responsible for any taxes or fees from custom.
Do you provide international shipping?
Yes, we are able to accommodate shipping to almost all countries, and of course, the shipping costs will depend on your geographical location.
Do I have to pay the full amount before receiving my order?
If agreed in advance, customers who have completed a credit appraisal can receive goods on a consignment basis for 14 days, provided they are US residents. Without a credit appraisal, or outside the US, full payment is required before the order is released. Custom orders are always paid in advance and are not refundable, as the stones are cut to your individual specification.
Source with AVA
Search current inventory or send a sourcing brief for matched pairs, specialty cuts and calibrated layouts.