Materials
At Leonids, what we choose to build with matters as much as how we build. The materials in our jewelry are selected for performance, longevity, and real everyday wear.
We build jewelry the same way we’ve built for established global brands for decades.This page breaks down the core materials we work with and why they belong in fine jewelry that’s meant to be worn, not boxed.
Built for Everyday, Made to Last
The right materials make jewelry wearable, durable, and lasting. At Leonids, each diamond and metal is chosen to stand up to daily wear while preserving its beauty and structure over time, so pieces can be worn comfortably for years.
Materials, Chosen With Intention
Diamonds: Why We Use Lab-Grown Only
We work exclusively with lab-grown diamonds, not because they are “new,” but because they are measurable, consistent, and controllable.
Every Leonids diamond meets the same internal standard:
- Color: D–E
- Clarity: VVS
- Certification: IGI
Every Leonids diamond is paired with an IGI certification, documenting its characteristics and origin.
Lab-grown diamonds allow us to control quality at scale. Instead of compromising clarity or color to hit price points, we let customers allocate budget where it matters most: size, cut, and visual presence.
This is the foundation of our Carat Freedom philosophy.
Same optical properties. Higher clarity. Clear documentation.
Solid Gold: 14K & 18K
Precious metals carry impact long after they leave the workshop. That’s why material choice matters as much as craftsmanship.
We work with:
- 14K gold for durability and daily resilience
- 18K gold for richer tone and refined weight
All gold used is solid, never plated or filled.
We primarily use recycled gold, which meets the same metallurgical standards while reducing environmental impact.
Platinum
Platinum is chosen when permanence matters.
It is:
- Naturally white
- Exceptionally dense
- Resistant to metal loss over time
Unlike white gold, platinum does not rely on surface coatings. When scratched, it displaces rather than wears away, keeping prongs and settings secure for decades.
This makes it ideal for engagement rings and pieces designed for long-term wear.
Sterling Silver (925)
Silver is often treated as a lower tier material. We don’t agree.
Our 925 sterling silver is selected and engineered specifically for fine jewelry applications, not mass-market accessories.
We evaluate silver pieces for:
- Structural thickness
- Balance on the body
- Long-term setting security
Silver requires more engineering discipline than gold, not less. When done correctly, it becomes a material that allows everyday diamond jewelry without excess weight or cost.
Carat Freedom
Carat Freedom is our way of rethinking how diamond value should work.
Because Leonids operates factory-direct, we remove the retail layers that traditionally inflate prices. That means your budget goes toward the diamond itself — not markups, branding, or artificial positioning.
Carat Freedom gives you the ability to choose larger, higher-quality diamonds within the same budget range. It’s not about excess. It’s about putting value where it actually matters.
Silver + Diamond (Leonids Signature)
Pairing diamonds with silver is intentional.
This combination allows us to create pieces that are:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Visually refined
- Accessible without sacrificing stone quality
Silver + diamond jewelry is where Carat Freedom becomes tangible. It allows diamonds to be worn daily, not reserved for special occasions or locked behind price barriers.
This is how diamond jewelry becomes part of real life, not just milestones.