- Type: Mined, Natural | Salt and Pepper / Celestial Diamond
- Hardness: 10/10, hardest natural mineral on earth
- Shape: Princess
- Cut: Brilliant Cut
- Carat weight: 0.98
- Dimensions: 5.12mm (0.20") long x 5mm wide x 3.98mm deep - (Printable Gem Size Chart - go by the diameter in mm)
- Color and notes: Bright gray diamond with a few visible black speckle inclusions. High clarity and stunning sparkle.
- Treatment: None
- Diamond Chart Code: SG - (See Diamond Color & Clarity Chart)
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Modeled on a size 6 finger.
- We choose our diamonds based on their quality, durability and natural beauty. This means that they may have natural openings and inclusions, but these minor imperfections do not take away from the stone's integrity or strength. Price reflects this.
- Our diamonds are photographed in studio lighting with a macro lens to ensure we capture any and all natural openings and/or inclusions. Colors may vary in different lighting. Appearance may also vary when the stone is set in a ring. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to see them in person or reach out for additional photos or videos.
Returns, Exchanges
& Cancelations
Due to the unique nature of our work, each piece may have a different return, exchange or cancelation policy. Please read about our policies below, and make sure you understand them before making your purchase. By puchasing a Midwinter Co. piece, you agree to all of the following:
-
Items Under $1000
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Items over $1000 with “Ready” in the title
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Made to Order Pieces over $1000
-
Custom Pieces over $1000*
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Custom Contour Wedding Bands
-
Loose Stones purchased without a setting*
Return
Unavailable
Exchange
Unavailable
Cancelation
Cancelations must be requested within 24 hours of placing the order. Cancelations can not be made after 24 hours.
Refund
Full refund given if order is canceled within 24 hours of placing the order.
Return
Returns can be made within 7 days of receiving the item, as long as no customizations were made, including ring size, metal tone, or metal finish. Fees apply.
Exchange
Exchanges can be made within 7 days of receiving the item, as long as no customizations were made, including ring size, metal tone, or metal finish. Fees apply.
Cancelation
Cancelations must be requested within 24 hours of placing the order. Cancelations can not be made after 24 hours.
Refund
Full refund given if order is canceled within 24 hours of placing the order, or if the item is returned within 7 days of receiving it.
Return
Unavailable
Exchange
Exchanges can be made within 7 days of receiving the item, for items $1000 more than the original purchase price. Fees apply.
Cancelation
Cancelations for a full refund must be requested within 24 hours of placing the order. Any cancelations made after 24 hours will incur a $250 fee. Cancelations can not be made after 21 days.
Refund
Full refund given if order is canceled within 24 hours of placing the order. A $250 fee is deducted from the refund if the order is canceled within 21 days of placing the order.
Return
Unavailable
Exchange
Exchanges can be made within 7 days of receiving the item, for items $1000 more than the original purchase price. Fees apply.
Cancelation
Cancelations for a full refund must be requested within 24 hours of placing the order. Any cancelations made after 24 hours will incur a $250 fee. Cancelations can not be made after 21 days.
Refund
Full refund given if order is canceled within 24 hours of placing the order. A $250 fee is deducted from the refund if the order is canceled within 21 days of placing the order.
*Custom Pieces are any stone + setting purchases, Ready to Size and Ship pieces that have been customized, or completely custom designs. Loose stones purchased first to secure the stone for your project while making final setting decisions apply to the same cancelation policy as the Custom Pieces over $1000, which differs from the policies for stones purchased without a setting. Any custom projects with sourced stones are inelligible for a cancellation.
Return
Unavailable
Exchange
Unavailable
Cancelation
Cancelations for a full refund must be requested within 24 hours of placing the order. Any cancelations made after 24 hours will incur a $250 fee. Cancelations can not be made after 21 days.
Refund
Full refund given if order is canceled within 24 hours of placing the order. A $250 fee is deducted from the refund if the order is canceled within 21 days of placing the order.
Return
Unavailable
Exchange
Unavailable
Cancelation
Cancelations must be requested within 24 hours of placing the order. Cancelations can not be made after 24 hours.
Refund
Full refund given if order is canceled within 24 hours of placing the order.
*Open Market Stones are not eligible to be purchased loose, and must always be purchased with a Midwinter Co. Setting, making them a custom piece, and not included in this policy.
Updated April 2024
Return/Exchange Fees
All returns and exchanges are subject to a fee, which will be deducted from your return or exchange. International clients are also responsible for any duty/custom fees that may occur when sending the piece back.
Return Fee
$120
Exchange Fee
$50
You are responsible for any shipping costs to send returns or exchanges back to our studio, and the shipment must be insured for the full value of the package, with adult signature requirements upon delivery.
We understand wanting to see a piece before committing to it, which is why we offer a return option for our "ready to size and ship" pieces. However, our pieces are one-of-a-kind and any resizing or metal changes are considered customizations.
Pieces that are customized cannot be returned, and anything customized for you, is just for you. Please consider coming to visit us at our studio in Wilmington, Delaware to view stones and settings in person! We are also happy to do a Zoom appointment or send videos to help you with your purchase.
Warranty
Midwinter Co. is proud to offer a complimentary, built-in warranty with your purchase for all US orders. The warranty covers metal and tiny stone repairs for a limited time while you get used to wearing your fine jewelry, and your coverage period begins the day you receive the piece. Review the warranty for pieces under and over $1000 below.
- Items under $1000
- Items over $1000
Prong Repair/ Tightening
Covered for 90 days
Repairing Bent Shank
Covered for 90 days
Resizes
First resize is free
Accent Stone Damage/Loss
We replace stones under 2mm for 90 days
Shipping to/from the Studio for Repairs
You are responsible for shipping costs to/from the studio for any repairs. You must also pay to insure the package for its full value, as well as adult signature requirements.
Loss/Theft of the Piece
Uncovered - Consider Insurance
Prong Repair/Tightening
Covered for 5 years
Repairing Bent Shank
Covered for 5 years
Accent Stone Damage/Loss
We replace stones under 2mm for 5 years
Prong Repair/Tightening
You are responsible for shipping costs to/from the studio for any repairs. You must also pay to insure the package for its full value, as well as adult signature requirements.
Loss/Theft of the Piece
Uncovered - Consider Insurance
Updated April 2024
Upgrades are available...
The following care plan is an extension to our warranty. We highly recommend this upgraded third party care plan. With a Jewelers Mutual (JM) care plan, it pays for your shipping both ways, and covers all repairs!
Shipping & Order Information
Each purchase may have a different policy. Please read about some of our processes and policies below, and check here for additional information.
- Domestic Shipping
- International Shipping
- Loose Stone Purchases
- Payment Plan
- Order Timing
Shipping Information
All packages will ship in discreet packaging, with no business name or logo on the packaging. FedEx 2 day insured shipping (USPS for orders delivering to PO Boxes) is included with your purchase, unless you choose otherwise, and an adult signature is required upon delivery.
Tax Information
The state of Delaware does not charge sales tax, however purchases made online may have an additional tax depending on the rules in your state. Tax requirements will be determined at checkout.
Shipping Information
All packages will ship in discreet packaging, with no business name or logo on the packaging. DHL 2-7 Day Worldwide Express insured shipping is included with your purchase, and an adult signature is required upon delivery.
Duty/Tax Information
As is standard with international online shopping, you are responsible to expect and pay for your country's import duties, brokerage fees, or taxes required by your country. These charges are not refundable in any case, and are not something that we can control. Check with your local customs office to determine what these costs will be.
Purchasing a loose stone without a Midwinter Co. Setting
You can purchase an in stock loose stone without a Midwinter Co. setting. Limit 2 per client. There are no returns/exchanges on any loose stone purchases, and there is no warranty attached to the stone. Read more here.
Purchasing a loose stone to use in a Midwinter Co. setting later
Midwinter Co. offers to make a setting for a previously purchased loose stone for up to two years after the stone purchase. A $200 setting fee is applied at checkout. Read more here.
Open Market Stones
Market Diamonds are only available with the purchase of a Midwinter Co. setting, and are never sent loose. All other policies apply.
Affirm
We partner with Affirm to offer a comprehensive payment plan for our US based clients. Read more here.
Holds/Deposits
Midwinter Co. will not hold any stone or ring. If interested in reserving a stone for your project, you can purchase the stone to secure it while making any final setting decisions. If interested in making a deposit with one form of payment, and paying the remainder on another, reach out to discuss your options.
Order Timing
Most orders ship within 4-8 weeks, but this can vary from project to project. You can view more specific timelines here. Order timelines are subject to change.
Rush
We can sometimes expedite orders, but these are on a case by case basis. Reach out to discuss if your order can be rushed.
Midwinter Co. Diamond
& Gemstone Information
Stone and Sourcing FAQ
How hard is a diamond?
Diamonds may be a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale while Sapphire sits next to them at a 9/10, but Diamonds are remarkably stronger than the strongest of colored gems. Diamonds are 5 times more pressure resistant and scratch resistant than Sapphires.
- Diamonds are 10,000VH
- Sapphires are 2,000VH
- Emerald to quartz and in between range around 1200-1800VH
Can any stone be an engagement ring stone?
This is a personal decision that depends on what you personally value (sentiment of a birthstone vs. collector's value, for instance). As jewelers, we want you to think about how often it will be worn and how active you are. We understand that there has to be a balance of aesthetic versus durability when designing such an important piece, but we recommend the strongest stones that are 9 Mohs or above for everyday wear: Diamonds, Moissanite, Sapphire.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab grown stone that is too rare to be found on earth. It was discovered in a meteor, tested, and studied. After learning the chemical composition, Moissanite is now a commercially available and very desirable stone that is stronger than all colored gemstones, and close to the hardness of a diamond at 9.5/10. Moissanite has a higher refraction index than a diamond, making it brilliant to the eye. Our lab grown Moissanite is eye-clean unless stated, meaning it's 'perfect' on the inside!
Why are diamonds traditionally superior?
It's not just about advertising.
All natural minerals have mixed properties that determine strength against scratches and damage. Diamonds are the strongest mineral on the planet against pressure and scratches, and are on a whole different level. Sapphires, although stronger than most other colored gems, are still 5x softer (more scratchable) than diamonds.
What are Celestial, or Salt and Pepper Diamonds?
They are normal, genuine, earth mined, untreated natural diamonds. We trademarked the name ‘Celestial’ that we call the type of diamonds that we use - gray toned, and with inclusions we adore. These diamonds are found in the ground, made by nature, and completely untouched by any treatment.
These are called "Salt and Pepper" by the industry. We began using these diamonds before they had an industry name, and have always called them Celestial Diamonds.
Diamonds are made of a crystalline form of pure carbon, creating the hardest mineral known. They have a high surface luster, meaning that much light is reflected from their surface. They do not appear the same as your standard, traditional diamonds, but we assure you that they are strong and shimmery, and just as beautiful as traditional diamonds!
Are these diamonds real?
Yes. They are indeed genuine, real, natural, made of pure carbon from the earth like your classic diamonds. We only work with reliable sources with fair trade practices.
We often work with amazing and stunning natural diamonds that we call Celestial Diamonds, which the industry sometimes calls salt and pepper diamonds, or galaxy diamonds. We worked with these diamonds before they were somewhat normal on the scene. Everything about the diamond is a real diamond, and possibly even more real than your "standard" diamond that may have been heat treated or had its inclusions microscopically removed/filled. The perfectly imperfect stones are each unique, and since they are not your standard mass-purchased stone in our industry, it isn't worth the effort for "bad guys" to make fakes that look like these.
You can buy a diamond tester and test any diamond at home.
What makes diamonds with inclusions more earth friendly?
The diamonds we use are less taxing on the earth to find, to mine, and to ship. To find the clear diamonds that the jewelry industry pushes, mining companies cause huge disturbances in the earth. They then ship off (causing so much pollution) hundreds of tons of earth to another country to be sifted through to find just one carat of the clear, perfectly clean diamonds the world wants. Mining the diamonds we use is very minimal in comparison. Yes, they are still shipped, yes they are still mined in the earth. Yet, the amount of ore that needs to be shipped is much less. Mining is much less deep causing less of a disturbance.
What about sustainability?
Our metals are 90% or more recycled and can be recycled again. Midwinter Co. studio is tiny and takes steps to be eco-friendly. We work with imperfect diamonds that take less impact on the earth to obtain. We work with our clients to use their used Midwinter Co. stones and metals to create new jewelry. We give 10% of our profits to charities and work alongside small businesses to make our work happen.
Are these diamonds as good as clear traditional diamonds?
Diamonds are made of a crystalline form of pure carbon, creating the hardest mineral known, whether they are see-through or not. The diamonds we use have internal inclusions. That is why we love them. They also can have outer natural openings. These characteristics we personally embrace as beautiful, showing their nature.
Due to the inclusions, they are technically more weak on the inside than your high dollar clear white diamonds. To be fair, when hit with a hammer, every diamond in the world will shatter very easily, no matter the level of inclusions or price you paid. All jewelers should suggest purchasing ring insurance in order to cover a lifetime of stone theft, loss, scratches, or breaks.
They are, however, still stronger than your strongest gemstones. They will scratch less than any gemstone because of their hardness, and sparkle more due to their higher refractive index. Our opinion is that they are not just 'as good' but overall better - better for the earth, genuine looking, and unique for the wearer.
What can you share about your stone sourcing?
The majority of our diamonds and gems are sourced directly from mines in Canada, Botswana, and South Africa. They are often cut in unique shapes by our suppliers in India, who buy rough stones in bulk through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The supplier of our smaller accent diamonds is also a part of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America, whose mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in the American marketplace.
Mining gemstones, diamonds, and metals from the earth from different governments around the planet has created human rights issues. As an industry, we've seen a change in truly caring about fair trading and sustainable mining, but as an entire industry, we are at the beginning of being better to the planet and each other.
Midwinter Co. does not own any diamond mines nor are we big enough to have eyes on our stone stock from earth to finger. This explains why we do not certify our stones as conflict-free, ethically sourced, or fair trade even though they are.
The Kimberly Process Certificate Scheme is the best the governments and heads of industry have come up with, and changed 90% of the world's stone exchanging. Honest jewelers will tell you that sourcing is work that is largely based on communication and the trust you built with whom you're working with. Our buyers are selective as to which small businesses, artisans, gemstones, and mining locations of which to work alongside. If in any way it makes you uncomfortable to work with natural stones, we can source and cut Moissanite in a large variety of white/grays/black or intense colors to make your piece with the finest man made stone of the top strength and brilliance!
What about GIA certification?
We offer certification if you request it. Certification is often for those who cannot tell by the naked eye what they are buying. Certification helps you tell the difference between the $100,000 dollar diamond and $5,000 diamond that looks exactly the same to the naked eye. It is so that you don't overpay for what you cannot see in front of you due to microscopic differences. With our diamonds, the color and clarity is seen very clearly.
Diamond Certifications tell you:
1. If it is a real diamond mined from the earth.
2. If the diamond has been treated (which means inclusions removed and filled, or other treatment).
3. Lays out the color and clarity of the stone (unknown to the naked eye because it's so pale yellow or very clear).
4. The measurement of the stone.
5. The cut of the stone.
You can choose to get your diamond certified through us. Our stones can be certified upon request through the GIA before we set the stone. We charge $300-500 to insure your shipment both ways, and pay for your certification. You will receive digital certification and lasering of the certification number on the girdle of your stone upon request.
To put it simply, our stones just have not gone through the certification process because it is not a requirement and keeps costs lower.
If you would like GIA certification of a Midwinter Co. stone before we set it into a piece of jewelry, please let us know.
What should I look for in an appraiser?
Appraisals are for when you want a trusted 3rd party opinion that the stones are real, the gold is the value of karat it is stamped with (or the platinum is real), and to come up with an insurance value for the piece to be recreated in the case of theft/loss.
An appraisal is only as good as the opinion of the appraiser, which is why we do not appraise our own work and why you must choose a 3rd party that is up to date on the current engagement ring/diamond industry/market.
Make sure you choose the right appraiser for you by asking: How familiar are you with current alternative diamond market values?
If your appraiser needs info from us, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions or give stone carat weight info that they may need for set stones with unusual cuts/shapes.
Do I need insurance on my jewelry?
After the jewelry leaves our studio, it is leaving the nest, and no longer in our control. We have a built in warranty, but it cannot cover damage done to the main stone(s). Sometimes rings are lost, damaged beyond repair, or stolen. A third party insurance company, like Jewelers Mutual or your home insurance, are a good idea to protect your pieces. You do not need insurance, but you might think about it as if you need a sense of security on your investment. Midwinter Co. does not sell or broker jewelry insurance.
How do I 'wear with care'
"Wear with care" means while wearing a piece of fine jewelry, you simply be extra mindful of wearing it. This means being aware of the amount of pressure that is hitting the jewelry & avoiding strong chemicals that may react with the gold to create oxidation. While we specifically recommend to “wear with care” for some of our pieces that are made with softer stones, it is a good practice for all jewelry wear!
✦ Looking for more information? Check out our FAQ or reach out for any little thing. ✦
✦ Need help visualizing a loose stone with a setting? Request a mockup. ✦
✦ Not seeing your dream piece? Explore custom work options. ✦
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