Diamond availability fluctuates constantly—what you see today may not be available tomorrow. Unlike other retailers who connect their websites to large databases of unvetted diamonds, we refuse to advertise stones we haven’t personally inspected.

Here’s why:

• Images and 360-degree videos from online databases can be edited, misleading, or fail to accurately represent the diamond’s characteristics. The quality of these visuals depends entirely on the manufacturer. It is virtually impossible to spot grey tones in 360-degree videos.
• Lower-quality lab-grown diamonds often have flaws like undesirable undertones, strains, striations, or blue/grey hues—issues that can only be identified in person and are not graded on.
• Many businesses sell diamonds they’ve never inspected, risking quality and consistency. We don't want to take that risk with your trust.

Diamond grading standards do not account for subtle variations such as blue or grey tones, internal strains, striations, or phosphorescence.

Additionally, some lab-grown diamonds are produced using shortcuts, such as lower-quality seed materials and chemical additives to accelerate growth, which can impact their overall quality and appearance.

There is also the risk of in factory grading using the growers factories and equipment. This means the same facility manufacturing the diamonds is also responsible for certifying their quality. This could create the appearance of a bias. 

Source

We don’t rely on spreadsheets, databases, or mass-market stock. Instead, we:

✔ Curate our selection—sourcing only from the most reputable suppliers that we have tested.
✔ Inspect every diamond personally—rejecting any that don’t meet our standards.
✔ Prioritise quality over efficiency—ensuring only the best diamonds make it to you.

By maintaining such high standards, our suppliers understand that we will only accept the highest-quality stones. By submitting lower-quality diamonds they risk ending our partnership. Our suppliers are incentivised to consistently supply access to their best stones.

Our goal is not efficiency, it’s excellence.

At Henry Francis, we operate exclusively online allowing us to focus on crafting exceptional, custom-made jewellery without the overheads of a traditional retail store.

Yes! All orders are shipped in discreet, fully insured packaging with a non-descriptive label ("PHF Limited") to keep your purchase a surprise.

If there's anything else we can do to help maintain the surprise, please reach out!

Some lab-grown diamonds—particularly those created using HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) methods—may contain trace elements like boron. Boron can affect a diamond’s electrical properties, causing certain HPHT and CVD diamonds to mistakenly register as moissanite on basic diamond testers.

Interestingly, the opposite can also occur—some moissanite stones have been refined to reduce their electrical conductivity, allowing them to test as diamonds on certain electrical-based testers.

How Can This Be Avoided?

To ensure accurate identification, advanced diamond testers that assess both thermal and electrical conductivity are recommended. However, as lab-grown diamonds continue to evolve, testing methods will need to adapt to keep up with these advancements.

Yes. Every Henry Francis diamond comes with a certification from either IGI or GIA—two of the most reputable independent grading laboratories. The certification number is laser-inscribed on the diamond for verification.

The 4’s stand for Carat weight, Colour, Clarity and Cut, which are the key factors used to assess a diamond’s quality. 

• Carat weight: The size of the diamond. 1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams
• Cut: Evaluates the proportions, symmetry, and how well the diamond reflects light. Only round brilliant diamonds are graded on cut. 
• Colour: The absence of colour in the diamond, ranging from D (colourless) to Z (yellow). 
• Clarity: The presence of any internal or external flaws (known as inclusions and blemishes). 

These four characteristics together determine a diamond’s overall quality and value.

Many lab-grown diamonds have blue/grey hues or phosphorescence (glow under UV light and continue to glow once the light source has been removed), which are not accounted for in standard grading reports. These characteristics can affect a diamond’s brilliance and overall beauty.

At Henry Francis, we go beyond the Four C’s, ensuring that every diamond we select is exceptional.

Choosing a diamond is a significant decision, and with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. At Henry Francis, we make the process easier by offering only the highest-quality diamonds, each one carefully inspected.

While some jewellers may rely on the fact that subtle differences in diamond quality can be hard to spot, we believe in full transparency. Our mission is to educate and empower you, ensuring you have all the information needed to make a confident, informed decision. Your trust is our top priority.

Shipping times vary depending on your specifications. If you trust us to select your diamond, delivery typically takes 14-18 days. However, if you prefer to personally approve the diamond, the process may take slightly longer.

Additionally, timelines will differ based on whether you choose a standard ring or opt for a custom design. If you have a specific deadline or would like a clear estimate, please reach out to us and provide details of what you're looking for.

We’re here to help and accommodate your needs.

All of our items are made to order and custom to the stone sourced, because of this we are unable to accept returns or exchanges unless the item is faulty or damaged.

Yes. Our lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defects.

Please note that normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or improper care are not covered. If you need assistance, we’re always here to help.

If you have not received your package within 7 days, please notify us by support@henryfrancis.co.nz and we will investigate this with the couriers.

If your package is deemed lost or can’t be located within 2 weeks of investigating with the courier, or it requires initiating an insurance claim, we will reach out to you and offer a refund or begin remanufacturing immediately.

This will not be dependent on waiting on the insurance claim outcome. As we do not want to leave you waiting. However, this means you will not receive the stone you have agreed upon and it will require additional time. We will let you know all of the options available to you in your specific case.

We will make sure you're taken care of. We will do everything possible to resolve the situation quickly and smoothly.