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.