FAQs
About Our Mission
How is Valam Design Different from Other Retailers that Claim They Offer Conflict Free Diamonds?
The Kimberley Process defines “conflict free” diamonds as diamonds that have not financed a civil war. But many diamonds that are technically “conflict free” are nevertheless tainted by torture, rape, violence, and worker exploitation. Problems such as child labor, forced labor, low wages, dangerous working conditions, corruption, and environmental devastation do not prevent a diamond from earning a “conflict free” label. Valam Design goes above and beyond the current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds with a listed origin. Our select group of diamond suppliers demonstrate a robust chain of custody protocol for their diamonds and have the ability to track and segregate diamonds by origin. These suppliers are required to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operators who follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. We also offer lab grown and recycled diamonds, both of which are responsible alternatives. Many retailers make vague claims that their diamonds are ethically sourced. However, few retailers take the time to understand their supply chains.
What is the Kimberley Process? Does it Verify that Diamonds are Ethically-Sourced?
The Kimberley Process certification scheme was created in 2003 to break the link between diamonds and bloodshed. Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process monitors only conflict diamonds – that is, rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments. It fails to address much of the violence and human rights abuses facing diamond mining today, such as torture, rape, extrajudicial killings, corruption, child labor, and forced labor. The Kimberley Process suggests that “conflict free” diamonds are ethically sourced. In fact, diamonds receiving “conflict free” certification from the Kimberley Process may have tragic histories.
What is a Conflict Diamond?
Conflict diamonds, according to the most common definition, are rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments. However, besides civil wars, diamond mining today is plagued by a range of shocking ethical abuses. These include violence by governments, child labor, extreme poverty, and environmental devastation. At Valam Design, we believe that the diamond industry needs to focus on addressing all of these problems, which is why we only sell Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds.
How Does Valam Design Hold its Suppliers to its High Standards on Sourcing?
Valam Design carefully selects a small number of suppliers who can demonstrate adherence to our high standards on sourcing. We carefully vet and approve each diamond supplier to determine if they have the necessary capabilities to track and segregate diamonds based on origin. Our diamond suppliers are required to demonstrate conformity to these chain of custody protocols in their supply chain and verify documented due diligence of the origin of natural diamonds from Canada and Botswana Sort.
Can a Diamond Really Be Tracked from Origin to Final Delivery?
Yes! Creating processes to track origin requires effort, and very few retailers do it. But diamonds—like everything from wine to chocolate —can be tracked through the global supply chain using documented chain of custody protocols and robust tracking and inventory systems. In fact, because of their high value, diamond whereabouts are often tracked to prevent loss. We also offer a collection of blockchain enabled diamonds for which we can provide even greater transparency and share the specific journey of the gem. In partnership with Everledger, cutting-edge blockchain-based technology has been integrated with our supply chain to seamlessly and securely track gemstone origin and provide greater consumer assurance for responsible practices.
Do Ethically-Sourced Diamonds Cost More?
Our careful sourcing methods do not lead to higher prices. The diamond mines we source from do not add a premium simply because they treat people and the environment with respect. Nor do diamonds mined using shocking labor practices, such as child labor, reach consumers at a lower price point. The market for diamonds is global. Valam Design offers excellent value by providing our socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price.
Are Valam Design's Gemstones Ethically Sourced?
We carry a variety of beautiful gemstones ranging from stunning sapphires and emeralds to lustrous pearls. We strive to offer colored gemstones that are sourced in alignment with safe working conditions and environmentally responsible principles. By continually working with our colored gemstone suppliers to improve standards and traceability, we strive to promote higher standards for gemstone sourcing to transform dangerous mining conditions and encourage responsible practices.
What is Recycled Metals and How Does Being Recycled Impact Quality?
As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, Valam Design primarily uses recycled and re-refined precious metals in our fine jewelry. Our precious metals come from numerous sources, including post-consumer materials, such as existing jewelry, industrial-use metals, and electronics components; material from in-house recycling, refining, and product manufacturing or other secondary sources; and investment gold and gold-bearing products. Because our recycled and re-refined silver, gold, and platinum are refined back into their pure elements, they are of the same high quality as newly mined metals, without the level of degradation to our natural resources caused by new mining.
About Our Products
Can I Buy a Setting Without Buying a Diamond?
We do not sell or create settings unless the customer is also purchasing a center stone from Valam Design. Our settings are made-to-order with each one handcrafted for a center gem with unique characteristics to ensure the quality of the finished piece. For this reason, we do not provide stand-alone settings or semi mounts. Please let us know if we can assist you with selecting a center gem from Valam Design.
Can I Put a Diamond on Hold?
We are happy to extend a formal hold to remove a diamond from the website for up to three days. To do so, we require a non-refundable deposit of $150 per diamond. Each hold may be extended for an additional three days for an additional $150 deposit. If you make a purchase within one year of placing a diamond hold, a store credit equal to the total hold deposit amount will be applied to your order, up to the total order value. Any remaining store credit issuable for diamond holds may be applied to subsequent purchases, but will expire after one year. Please Contact us for more information.
How Can I Find a Diamond that is Not in Valam Design's Inventory?
Our inventory is constantly being updated and we may have additional inventory of ethical origin diamonds not listed on our website. Please Contact us so we can help you find a diamond that is perfect for you.
Is My Diamond Laser Inscribed?
Diamonds currently graded by GIA, GCAL, HRD, and IGI are laser inscribed on the girdle with an identification number and/or a unique symbol. Laser inscriptions provide peace of mind when making a diamond purchase since they are an easy way to identify a diamond.
Does Valam Design Offer Lab Grown Diamonds?
Valam Design offers an extensive collection of stunning lab grown diamonds, which have the same physical, optical, and chemical characteristics as our natural diamonds.
Are Valam Design Lab Diamonds Certified?
Yes. Valam Design lab diamonds are certified by independent diamond grading labs, and have an inscription that matches the number on the laboratory certificate. Our Ready to Ship engagement rings focus on using our ethical Beyond Conflict Free™ diamonds with extremely desirable characteristics. To ensure the extremely expedited timeline, they will not come with an additional certification.
Are Lab Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, as well as the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle. They are real diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are nearly impossible to differentiate from natural diamonds with the naked eye.
Does Valam Design Offer Lab Grown Diamond Ring Settings?
For most styles, we match the type of accent diamonds with the type of selected center diamond. If you select a lab grown center diamond, then the accent diamonds on your setting may also be lab grown, as indicated in the product details. All wedding band stones are natural unless specified in their name or under the product details.
Can I Propose With a Temporary Setting?
Yes! If you are confident about your choice of diamond but would prefer that your partner participates in choosing the mounting, we offer a temporary solitaire setting. To set up a temporary setting order, please Contact us at .
Are Valam Design's Sapphires Treated?
All sapphires purchased from Valam Design, either of natural origin or lab grown, are free from chemical treatment to alter their natural beauty. Most of Valam Design's sapphires are heat-treated, which is an accepted industry standard. Heat treatment improves color, clarity, and overall appearance. No radiation, chemicals, or health risks are involved in this process.
Are There Other Sapphire Options Beyond What is Shown on Valam Design's Site?
Yes, we carry a broad selection of sapphires in a variety of beautiful colors, shapes, and sizes. If there is a specific gem that you are interested in that is not shown on our website, please Contact us at .
Does Valam Design Offer Alternative Gemstones Such As Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Etc.?
We offer a wide variety of gemstones, including aquamarines, morganites, amethysts, moissanites, and more. If you do not see the gemstone you are interested in, please Contact us for assistance.
What If I Want a Center Stone Shape that is Not Offered For that Setting?
Many of our settings can be easily modified to accommodate a different center stone shape than what is offered online. Please Contact us at to discuss all of your modification options.
Can a Small Change Be Made for a Piece of Jewelry I Like on Valam Design’s Site?
Many of our pieces are made to order, which makes us able to customize our standard items to fit your personal preferences. For example, we can modify the finish, the precious metal, and the gems that we set. Please note that sterling silver pieces cannot be modified. Contact us at to discuss all of your modification options.
Can My Rings Be Soldered Together?
Depending on the rings in your bridal set, many styles can be soldered together to create one piece. Please note that if you ever want to separate the soldered rings, we cannot guarantee that we can successfully unsolder them. If you are interested in the soldering process, please Contact us at
Can Valam Design Send Me Additional Images of the Rings?
Yes. We can send you additional images if you are interested in seeing our rings from a different angle, or if would like to see multiple rings together. Please Contact us at .
Does Valam Design Offer Alternative Metal Options Such As Rose Gold?
Yes. Valam Design is proud to offer platinum, 18K white gold, 14k rose gold, and 18k yellow gold as a standard option for most styles. We also offer 14k white gold,14k yellow gold, meteorite, tungsten, and tantalum for a select number of styles. Every piece is stamped with the metal type and Valam Design logo. For more information about these options, please Contact us.
Are All of Valam Design's White Gold Rings Rhodium-plated?
Yes, all of our 18k white gold pieces are rhodium-plated to give them a brilliant, white shine. If you prefer the softer, warm tones of 18k white gold that has not been plated, please Contact us so that we can make that modification when you place your order.
Can Valam Design Help Me Design a Custom Piece of Jewelry?
Valam Design specializes in full custom design, and can create the jewelry piece you desire. For more details, please visit our page on Custom Designed Jewelry or Contact us.
Placing an Order
Are Valam Design's Prices in US Dollars?
All of our prices are in US dollars unless "CAD", "£", or "AUD" is clearly marked to the left of the price, i.e. CAD 1,050, £1,050, or AUD 1,050. As a courtesy to our Canadian, UK, and Australian customers, we display our prices in Canadian dollars (CAD) if you visit the site from Canada, British pounds (£) if you visit the site from the United Kingdom and Australian dollars (AUD) if you visit the site from Australia.
Are Valam Design's Prices Flexible?
We offer excellent value by providing our socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price, generally lower than many traditional jewelry retailers offer for standard jewelry. As a result, we cannot offer additional discounts or negotiated prices.
What Payment Methods Does Valam Design Accept?
Valam Design accepts all major US, Canadian, UK, and Australian PayPal.
Can I Expedite My Order to Receive it Sooner Than the Date Given?
We may be able to offer expedites on some orders for a fee. Please Contact us at with any questions.
Can Valam Design Help Me Keep the Engagement Ring a Surprise?
We understand that diamond jewelry is often given for special surprise occasions such as an engagement. Our boxes are discrete, the box does not have any Valam Design branding. Alternatively, you can have your order shipped to a Valam Design showroom for pick up. Please let us know what we can do to help you maintain your surprise. Special arrangements can be made by contacting us at .
If My Partner and I Are Both in Contact With Valam Design, Can My Order Information Be Hidden So That My Purchase Is a Surprise?
When you provide contact information as part of an order or inquiry, you are authorizing us to share all information regarding that order to all contacts associated with that order or inquiry. Please Contact us for more information on how we can help ensure your surprise is a success.
Is Valam Design's Packaging Discreet? What Does the Box Look Like?
Your order will arrive in unmarked packaging to keep its contents a secret. For domestic orders, Valam Design is not mentioned on the package. We can also ship your order to your office, a specific FedEx location to be held for pick up, or wherever you indicate. Please let us know what we can do to make sure your Valam Design order remains a surprise. Contact us for special delivery arrangements, including expedited or Saturday delivery.
Does Valam Design Offer Saturday Delivery?
Depending on your shipping address we may be able to accommodate a Saturday delivery, please Contact us at to schedule Saturday delivery.
Can I Purchase Multiple Items to Determine Which I Like the Best, and Return the Others?
To maintain the high quality of our pieces and keep our prices competitive, Valam Design does not allow multiple pieces to be purchased for comparison. Comparison purchasing is purchasing multiple products with the intent of keeping one and returning the remainder. If you need any assistance deciding between any of our jewelry pieces, please do not hesitate to contact our jewelry specialists.