Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about both stone types.

Moissanite

Is moissanite as good as a diamond?

Moissanite is visually similar to diamond and exceptionally durable. At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, it's harder than nearly every gemstone except diamond. It also has a higher refractive index than diamond, so it produces more fire and brilliance. For everyday wear and visual impact, moissanite is a strong alternative at a fraction of the price.

Why is moissanite so much cheaper than diamond?

Moissanite is lab-grown, which eliminates the high cost of mining, transport, and traditional supply chains. It's also less dense than diamond, so a moissanite stone of the same visual size weighs less by carat. The savings let you go bigger on the stone, the setting, or the metal.

Will my moissanite get cloudy or lose its sparkle?

No. Moissanite is a non-porous gemstone that doesn't absorb oils or chemicals. A gentle clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush restores any film from daily wear. It will not yellow, cloud, or fade.

Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Basic thermal-conductivity testers will read moissanite as diamond. Modern dual testers (thermal plus electrical conductivity) can distinguish them. In day-to-day life, this is rarely relevant. The stone is real and certified, just not chemically a diamond.

How do I clean my moissanite ring?

Soak in lukewarm soapy water for 20 minutes, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. Once a year, bring it in for a complimentary professional clean and prong check.

Is moissanite an ethical choice?

Yes. All moissanite is lab-grown, with no mining and no supply chain concerns. It's one of the most ethical and environmentally friendly fine jewellery options available.

What's the difference between moissanite and lab-grown diamond?

Lab diamond is chemically identical to mined diamond. Moissanite is silicon carbide, a different mineral that looks like diamond but with more rainbow fire and a lower price. Both are lab-grown and ethical. The choice is budget and aesthetic preference.

Will the stone scratch or chip with daily wear?

Moissanite at 9.25 Mohs is exceptionally hard. It resists scratches from almost everything you'd encounter in daily life. As with any fine ring, take it off for heavy manual work, gardening, or gym sessions to protect the prongs that hold the stone.

Are your moissanite stones certified?

Yes. Every moissanite we use comes with a GRC (Gemological Research Center) certificate documenting colour, clarity, and cut. The grading scale matches the diamond scale. Our standard grade is DEF colour and VVS clarity.

How long will my moissanite ring last?

A lifetime, with reasonable care. We back this with a lifetime stone warranty: if your moissanite ever loses its fire, clarity, or brilliance, we'll replace it at no cost.

Lab Diamond

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. Even gemologists need specialised equipment to tell the difference. They aren't simulants or imitations, they're real diamonds, just grown in a controlled lab rather than mined from the earth.

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

Two main methods: HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapour deposition). Both replicate the natural conditions that form diamonds underground, just on a timescale of weeks instead of millions of years. The result is the same crystal structure and same gemstone.

Why are lab diamonds cheaper than mined diamonds?

Lab production avoids the costs of mining, transport, and traditional supply chains. You're paying for the stone, not the geological rarity or the supply chain. For the same grade and size, lab diamonds are typically 30 to 70 percent cheaper than mined.

Will a lab diamond test as a real diamond?

Yes. Diamond testers detect thermal conductivity, and lab diamonds have the same thermal properties as mined diamonds. They pass all standard diamond tests because, chemically, they are diamonds.

What certification do your lab diamonds come with?

Every lab diamond we sell comes with an internationally recognised certificate from IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The certificate documents the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, plus the lab-grown origin.

Are lab-grown diamonds ethical?

Yes. They're produced in controlled labs with no mining, no conflict zones, and no supply chain concerns. They are one of the most ethical fine jewellery options available.

Will a lab diamond hold its resale value?

Resale value for any diamond, lab-grown or mined, is typically 20 to 40 percent of purchase price. Diamonds aren't an investment, they're a piece of jewellery. If long-term resale matters to you, mined diamonds at the upper end of the size and grade scale hold value slightly better. For most couples, this isn't a deciding factor.

Visually, can anyone tell it's lab-grown?

No. Even trained jewellers cannot tell lab-grown and mined diamonds apart by looking at them. The only way to identify a lab-grown diamond is with advanced testing equipment that detects subtle differences in crystal growth patterns.

What grading do your lab diamonds come with?

Our standard lab diamond grading is DEF colour (colourless) and VVS clarity (very, very slightly included, no visible inclusions even under 10x magnification). Higher gradings are available on request.

Can I customise the carat size, cut, and setting?

Yes. We work with lab diamonds from 0.5ct up to 5ct or larger, in every popular cut (round, oval, princess, cushion, emerald, marquise, pear, radiant, asscher). Any setting in our collection can be made with a lab diamond. Custom design consultations are free.

Collapsible content

How long will my engagement ring take to arrive?

Most rings are made to order and ship in 3-6 weeks. Express domestic shipping in Australia is 1-4 business days; international shipping takes 1-2 weeks. We also have a small selection of ready-to-ship rings available for faster delivery. These can be re-sized and shipped within a few business days.

Need it sooner? Expedited orders can be turned around in 2-3 weeks for an additional $400 fee. If you're proposing on a specific date, contact us before ordering and we'll let you know whether your timeline is workable.

What does the lifetime warranty cover?

Every engagement ring includes a lifetime warranty on the stone. Your moissanite or lab-grown diamond is covered for life to keep its sparkle, fire, and clarity. Moissanite doesn't go cloudy, dull, or change colour over time. The warranty also covers any faults caused by our crafting (such as a stone coming loose from a setting that wasn't built correctly). It doesn't cover damage from heavy impact or general wear-and-tear, since these are caused by daily use rather than a fault in the make. Repairs covered by the warranty are completed at our Melbourne workshop, free of charge.

What if my partner doesn't love the ring?

We don't offer change-of-mind refunds on custom-made rings, since each ring is made specifically for that order. For change-of-mind on rings that fit and arrived as ordered, we'll work with you on a case-by-case basis to find a solution. We can typically rework the ring (change the setting, swap the band style, or adjust the stone size) for a fee that varies by the change. If you're unsure about the design, the best way to reduce risk is to book a free video call or showroom appointment before ordering. Many couples do this and it's complimentary.

Can I customise the metal, carat weight, or setting?

Yes. Almost every ring in our collection can be customised. Choose your metal (9k, 14k, or 18k yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum), the centre stone carat weight (typically 1ct to 5ct, with custom sizes on request), the band style, and the setting. For fully custom designs, we offer free design consultations either in our Southbank showroom or via video call. Custom-made rings take 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on complexity.

What if my partner's ring size is wrong, or I don't know it?

If you're proposing as a surprise and don't know the size, order in your best guess. We can resize most rings within 4 sizes (or 2 sizes for rings with stones set into the band). Resizing is fully complimentary, including return shipping both ways. Resizing already-made rings takes 2-5 business days at our workshop. If you're local to Melbourne, you can drop the ring off at our Southbank showroom by appointment instead.

Can I see the ring in person before I buy?

Yes. Our Southbank showroom (Level 7, 80 Dorcas Street, Melbourne) is open by appointment for couples who want to see rings in person before deciding. Appointments are private. Just you, your partner if you're shopping together, and one of our jewellers. For couples elsewhere in Australia or internationally, we offer free video consultations where we can show you rings on camera and walk through the design process. Both can be booked from the Book Appointment page.

Are your moissanite stones certified?

Yes. Every moissanite we use is graded for colour, clarity, and cut, with a digital certificate of authenticity included. We use GRC (Gemological Research Center) certification for moissanite and IGI (International Gemological Institute) certification for our lab-grown diamonds. The grading scale is the same as for mined diamonds: D-grade colour (the highest, completely colourless) and VVS1 clarity (no impurities visible to the eye) are our standard. Our stones can be verified by any independent gemmologist or third-party lab.

Why choose moissanite over a lab-grown diamond?

Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are both ethical, lab-created alternatives to mined diamonds. But they're different gemstones. Moissanite has more brilliance and fire than diamond (it disperses light more dramatically, creating that signature rainbow sparkle) and is significantly more affordable: a 1-carat moissanite typically costs around 10% of an equivalent lab-grown diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds and rank slightly higher on the hardness scale (10/10 vs 9.25/10 for moissanite). For most couples, the choice comes down to budget and aesthetic preference. We sell both. Book a consultation if you'd like to see them side by side.

Is Moissanite as Good as Diamond?

Moissanite presents a highly affordable and visually comparable alternative to diamonds for engagement rings, offering exceptional durability along with superior brilliance and fire. While diamonds are the hardest known natural material with a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite ranks just behind at 9.25. This makes both gemstones well-suited for everyday wear, providing long-lasting beauty and resilience.

Is Moissanite Pawnable?

While moissanite closely resembles diamonds in both appearance and durability, its market value is significantly lower. As a result, some pawn shops may accept moissanite jewelry, but the cash offered will typically be much less than what would be offered for a comparable diamond piece. It’s important for sellers to understand this value difference when considering resale or pawn options.

Why is Moissanite so Cheap?

Moissanite is considerably more affordable than natural diamonds, primarily because it is lab-created rather than mined. This controlled production process eliminates the high costs associated with traditional diamond mining, such as extraction, labor, and international transport. Furthermore, moissanite has a lower density than diamond, which means a moissanite gemstone can appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight. This contributes to its greater visual impact at a lower price point.

Does a 3 Carat Moissanite Look Fake?

Moissanite bears a striking resemblance to diamond, but it is not a "fake" diamond. Rather, it is a distinct gemstone with its own unique properties and origins. A helpful comparison is the concept of doppelgängers, unrelated individuals who happen to look remarkably alike. Similarly, moissanite and diamond may appear nearly identical to the untrained eye, yet they are entirely different in composition and formation.

Is it Worth Buying Moissanite Jewelry?

Moissanite is one of the most ethical and sustainable choices for engagement rings. As a man-made gemstone, it requires no mining, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diamonds. This ensures that you can enjoy a beautifully brilliant stone with a clear conscience, knowing that its production has minimal impact on the planet.

Can Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester?

Moissanite can pass a basic diamond tester, particularly those that measure thermal conductivity. However, more advanced diamond testers, which also assess electrical conductivity, can accurately differentiate between moissanite and diamonds. While moissanite and diamonds share some similar properties, these more sophisticated tests reveal their distinct compositions.

Which is Better, Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia?

Moissanite is widely regarded as a superior choice over cubic zirconia, particularly when durability and brilliance are key considerations. Moissanite is harder, more resistant to chipping, and has a higher refractive index, which allows it to exhibit more brilliance and "fire" than cubic zirconia. While cubic zirconia is a more budget-friendly option, moissanite offers greater long-term value, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear, especially in engagement rings.

Is a Moissanite Worth Anything?

Depending on the quality grade and brand, a 1-carat moissanite typically ranges in price from $200 to $600. Are Moissanite and Lab Diamonds the Same? No, they are distinct stones. Moissanite has a rating of 9.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, is composed of silicon carbide, and is known for its vibrant, rainbow-like reflections. In contrast, lab diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and share the same optical properties, but they are created through synthetic processes.

Can a Jeweler Tell if a Diamond is Moissanite?

Yes, a skilled jeweler or gemologist can identify moissanite. Although moissanite and diamonds look similar, experts can tell them apart.

Is it Ok to Buy Moissanite?

Moissanite rings are renowned for their durability, scratch resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear. Opting for moissanite is also an ethical and eco-friendly decision, offering a conflict-free, sustainable alternative that delivers brilliant sparkle without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.

Is Moissanite a Luxury?

The price of moissanite is influenced by factors such as size, cut, clarity, and color. However, when compared to diamonds of similar quality and size, moissanite is generally far more affordable, offering exceptional value without compromising on appearance or durability.

Does the GIA Provide Certification For Moissanite?

Based on the factors mentioned above, respected institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) issue certificates of authenticity for moissanite. Moissanite grading provides a comprehensive evaluation of the stone's quality, authenticity, and overall reliability.

How Can You Tell if Moissanite is Good?

When choosing high-quality moissanite, it is essential to focus on its visual attributes. Opt for stones that are colourless, clear, and free from any visible inclusions. The cut should be precise, as this significantly influences the gemstone’s brilliance and overall sparkle. To ensure you are purchasing a genuine and top-tier moissanite, buy from reputable, established sellers who provide transparent grading reports that assess the stone’s quality and authenticity.

Is Moissanite Considered Fake?

The stone known as moissanite (silicon carbide) is real, despite having a diamond-like appearance. Moissanite has an intriguing history. Henri Moissan, a French chemist, was exploring the Arizona meteor impact site in 1893 when he discovered several little crystals that appeared to be diamonds.

How Long Will Moissanite Last?

Some may have concerns about whether moissanite can match the durability or lasting brilliance of a diamond ring. However, moissanite shares many of the same properties as diamonds in terms of longevity and resilience. We are confident in the lasting quality of our moissanite rings, which is why all of our moissanite comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Should I Tell People my Ring is Moissanite?

There’s no need to feel hesitant about choosing a highly sustainable gemstone that outshines diamonds in brilliance. Colorless and near-colourless moissanite closely resemble diamonds, offering an equally stunning appearance while being a more environmentally conscious and ethical choice.

Is Moissanite Ok For An Engagement Ring?

Moissanite is a premium lab-created gemstone engineered to deliver exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability. Qualities that make it a superior alternative to traditional diamonds. With a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it offers outstanding resistance to scratching and everyday wear. Its high refractive index gives it more sparkle than a diamond, making it a captivating centerpiece for any engagement ring. Ethically produced and environmentally conscious, moissanite combines luxury, longevity, and value. Without compromise.

What Does VVS1 Mean in Moissanite?

VVS1 stands for Very, Very Slightly Included, indicating a diamond with minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to detect even under 10x magnification. These microscopic imperfections have no impact on the diamond's visual appeal or structural integrity, making VVS1 diamonds exceptionally high in clarity and quality.

What is Better Than Moissanite?

Moissanite is a highly durable gemstone, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it exceptionally resistant to scratches and chipping, suitable for everyday wear. However, lab-grown diamonds are the most durable option, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. For individuals with active lifestyles or those concerned about long-term wear, lab diamonds offer the highest level of hardness and resilience.

How Real Does Moissanite Look?

Yes, moissanite closely resembles a diamond in appearance. It is typically near-colorless and has a refractive index similar to that of a diamond, giving it impressive brilliance and sparkle. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has identified moissanite as the most convincing diamond simulant. However, many jewelers consider moissanite a legitimate diamond alternative in its own right, even though the term "imitation" is frequently used in online discussions.

Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?

Moissanite retains its clarity over time and does not cloud with age.

Is Moissanite a Real Gem?

Yes. Moissanite is a beautiful, naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona. As it is exceptionally rare in nature the only way to supply gems to the jewellery market is to recreate it in a lab setting. Moissanite made in a lab has identical properties to its natural counterpart. Just because the moissanite on the market has been made in a lab does not make it fake.

Is Moissanite a Fake Diamond?

Definitely not. A fake diamond is something that looks similar to a diamond, isn’t a diamond, but is being sold as one anyway for financial gain. Moissanite is sold and marketed as moissanite. It shares many qualities with a diamond, but crucially has its own advantages (extra sparkle, ethical provenance etc) which means that there is no need to pretend it is a diamond.

Do Moissanite Rings Look Fake?

No. They have more sparkle than a diamond, but not so much that they look fake. Moissanite’s greater sparkle is actually one of its most attractive qualities.

Fire refers to a gemstone’s ability to split white light into the rainbow colours of the spectrum: moissanite’s dispersion rate is twice that of a diamond, which means that it produces far more of the eye-catching colourful sparkles that give a stone life.

Brilliance refers to the amount of white light reflected back through a gemstone. Moissanite’s refractive index is slightly higher than a diamond which means that it has slightly more brightness.

Add moissanite’s superior fire and brilliance together and you have a spectacular looking stone that is incredibly vibrant and vivid, but not at all fake looking.

Is Moissanite the Same as Cubic Zirconia?

No. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while cubic zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide. An exceptionally cheap, man-made stone, cubic zirconia entered the jewellery market in the 1970s. It looked so similar to a diamond that it was soon used to dupe unsuspecting customers into thinking that they had bought a diamond. In recent years cubic zirconia has gotten a rebrand as CZ and is often sold as itself as a cheap diamond alternative on fashion jewellery sites.

Is Moissanite Better Than Cubic Zirconia?

Absolutely! At first glance they may appear pretty similar: both give you the wonderful clear sparkle of a diamond. However, while moissanite will retain its same brilliance, colour and clarity for a lifetime (and beyond!) cubic zirconia starts to lose its sparkle after just a few years. Cubic zirconia gets irreversibly cloudy over time as it is a porous stone that absorbs oils from the skin and chemicals and dirt from exposure to everyday life. Cubic zirconia is also less scratch resistant than moissanite and its sharp edges have a tendency to become rounded and dull over time. Put simply: a moissanite engagement ring is a forever ring, a cubic zirconia ring is temporary.

How is Moissanite Graded?

Moissanite is graded according to the same scale as a diamond: colour, clarity, cut and carat. Unlike diamonds, however, moissanite is sized by mm instead of carats. This is because moissanite weighs around 15% less than a diamond, which means that a 1 carat diamond is actually bigger than a 1 carat moissanite.

Is a 1 Carat Diamond the Same Size as a 1 Carat Moissanite?

No. Carat weight does not measure the size of a stone, rather its weight. Different gems have different densities which is why two different gemstones of identicial size can in fact have different carat weights. Since moissanite is 15% lighter than a diamond a 1 carat moissanite is smaller than a 1 carat diamond.

This means that where a round 1 carat diamond would have a diameter of 6.5mm, a 6.5mm moissanite only has a carat weight of 0.88. To avoid confusion in a market used to a correlation between diamond carat weight and size, moissanite is sold by mm size and its diamond equivalent weight.

Is Moissanite Good Value?

Absolutely! If you compare a moissanite and diamond of similar colour, clarity, cut and carat weight you will find that the moissanite could be up to 90% cheaper than the diamond.

MOISSANITE CARE

How Do I Clean Moissanite?

Easily! Moissanite doesn’t require any special cleaning tools or chemicals. All you need to do is let your ring soak for a few minutes in lukewarm soapy water. Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush until all the dirt has been removed. Rinse, then dry and buff with a lint-free cloth. For extra sparkle consider taking your ring to a jewellery store for an ultrasonic cleaning.

Can I Shower with a Moissanite Ring?

Yes. As moissanite is a non-porous stone any soaps or chemicals that it comes into contact with in the shower will not damage it. Over time these may build up and cause your ring to look slightly dull. A simple cleaning will clear this up and have it looking as good as new in no time.

Can I Reset My Moissanite Gemstone?

Yes. As moissanite is an extremely durable gemstone it is highly unlikely to be damaged during any work done by an experienced jeweller.

Can I Resize My Moissanite Ring?

Yes. Moissanite’s high heat tolerance means that it can withstand the heat required to repair most jewellery without being damaged.

Does Moissanite Change Colour Over Time?

No. Moissanite is an extremely stable gemstone. It is resistant to household chemicals and extreme changes in temperature so its colour will not change over the years.

Does Moissanite Lose its Sparkle?

No. Take a little care of your moissanite and it will look as good as the day you bought it for many years to come. It is a non-porous gemstone which means that any dirt or grime that accumulates on the surface stays there and will not enter the stone. If your moissanite starts to look cloudy all you need to do is give it a gentle clean and it will regain its sparkle in no time!

Can Moissanite Be Scratched?

The Mohs hardness scale is used to measure the relative ability of one mineral to scratch another. Moissanite rates a 9.25, second only to diamonds at 10. This means that the only thing that can scratch a moissanite is a diamond or another moissanite. In addition moissanite is actually less likely than a diamond to chip or break. It is still important to take good care of your ring though, as no gemstone is completely indestructible.