FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
54 straight answers about moissanite, lab grown diamonds, gemstones, metals, sizing, shipping and returns.
- Moissanite
- Lab Grown Diamonds
- Lab Grown Gemstones
- Loose Stones
- Custom Jewelry
- Metals & Sizing
- Shipping & Returns
- Orders & Support
Moissanite
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first identified in a meteorite crater in 1893, and is now grown in controlled laboratory conditions. It is not a diamond simulant in the sense of glass or cubic zirconia — it is its own gemstone with its own optical properties.
Is moissanite a real stone?
Yes. Moissanite is a genuine gemstone with a defined chemical composition (silicon carbide, SiC) and a defined crystal structure. It is lab-grown rather than mined, which is also true of the majority of coloured gemstones sold today.
How hard is moissanite compared to diamond?
Moissanite measures 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale; diamond is 10. For everyday wear the difference is negligible — 9.25 is harder than sapphire and ruby (9) and far harder than emerald (7.5) or opal. Moissanite will not scratch from normal daily wear.
Does moissanite look like diamond?
Naked eye, they are very similar, which is why moissanite makes such convincing engagement ring stones. Under magnification or in strong direct light, moissanite shows more rainbow-coloured fire and more facets doubling, which some people prefer and others notice as a difference.
What is D-Color moissanite?
D-Color is the top colour grade in the GIA colour scale, meaning colourless. Most moissanite on the market is G–H or I–J, which shows a faint yellow or grey tint in larger stones. We stock D-Color material so that even 2ct and 3ct stones stay white.
What does VVS1 clarity mean?
VVS1 means "Very Very Slightly Included, grade 1" — inclusions are so small they are difficult to see even under 10x magnification. In practice a VVS1 stone is eye-clean from every angle.
Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Most thermal diamond testers read moissanite as diamond, because the two conduct heat similarly. Multi-testers that also measure electrical conductivity will correctly separate them. Any honest jeweller will disclose the stone type regardless of what a tester says.
Will moissanite lose its sparkle or turn cloudy over time?
No. Moissanite does not fade, cloud or lose fire with age. Like any gemstone it will collect skin oils and soap residue, which dulls the surface appearance. Warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush restore it completely.
Is moissanite good for everyday wear in a ring?
Yes — it is one of the better choices for daily wear. Hardness of 9.25 means it resists scratching, it is tough enough to survive knocks, and it costs little enough that replacing a stone is not a financial disaster. It is a common choice for nurses, teachers, tradespeople and anyone who wears their ring constantly.
Does moissanite come with a certificate?
Yes. Every moissanite piece we ship includes a GRA report describing the stone. For lab grown diamonds we supply IGI certification. Certificates list carat weight, colour and clarity grades and are required for warranty service and resale.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, unambiguously. A lab grown diamond is crystalline carbon in the same cubic lattice as a mined diamond. It has the same chemical composition, the same 10 Mohs hardness, the same refractive index and the same brilliance. It is a diamond; only its origin differs.
Can you tell a lab grown diamond from a mined one?
Not with the naked eye, and not with a standard jeweller's loupe. Gemological laboratories identify origin using spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging that detects trace nitrogen and boron patterns. Every lab grown diamond we sell is laser-inscribed on the girdle and comes with a certificate stating its origin.
Why are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
Because the supply chain is shorter and the process is industrial. Growing a diamond takes weeks in a reactor rather than millions of years and tonnes of ore. That removes mining, sorting, and much of the speculation that inflates mined diamond prices — not quality.
Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?
Neither lab grown nor mined diamonds are good financial investments; both lose value on resale compared with their retail price. Lab grown stones tend to depreciate faster because production costs keep falling. Buy a diamond because you love how it looks, not as an asset.
Are lab grown diamonds graded the same way?
Yes. IGI and GIA grade both origins using the same 4Cs system — cut, colour, clarity and carat — on the same scales. A lab grown stone graded E/VS1 is held to the identical standard as a mined stone graded E/VS1.
What is an IGI certificate?
The International Gemological Institute is one of the world's main independent gemological laboratories. An IGI report documents a stone's measurements, carat weight, colour grade, clarity grade, cut grade and any treatments, and includes a unique report number you can verify online.
Are lab grown diamonds ethical and environmentally better?
They avoid mining entirely, so they carry none of the labour-abuse or conflict-finance risks associated with some mined supply chains, and they use far less land, water and energy overall. That said, diamond growing is energy-intensive, so the environmental advantage depends on how the electricity is generated.
Should I choose a lab grown diamond or moissanite?
Choose lab grown diamond if you want a stone that is genuinely diamond, that will pass any test, and that holds up to a lifetime of daily wear with the classic diamond look. Choose moissanite if you want maximum size and sparkle per dollar and enjoy its extra rainbow fire. Both are durable, both are certified, and neither is a compromise in quality — the decision is about budget allocation and personal taste.
Lab Grown Gemstones
What are lab grown gemstones?
Lab grown gemstones are crystals grown in a laboratory with the same chemical composition and crystal structure as their mined equivalents. Lab grown sapphire is aluminium oxide, lab grown ruby is aluminium oxide with chromium, lab grown emerald is beryl. Optically and physically they are the same material.
Are lab grown gemstones as durable as mined ones?
Yes — hardness and toughness are properties of the material, not of where it came from. Lab grown sapphire and ruby both measure 9 on the Mohs scale; lab grown emerald measures 7.5 to 8, exactly as mined emerald does.
Do lab grown gemstones look different from natural ones?
Usually they look better. Because the growing environment is controlled, lab grown coloured stones often have fewer inclusions and more even colour than mined stones at the same price. A trained gemologist can identify origin under a microscope, but the visual difference is generally in the lab stone's favour.
Which coloured gemstones do you offer?
We stock lab grown sapphire (blue, pink, padparadscha and colourless), ruby, emerald, and a range of accent stones. If you need a specific colour or size for a custom piece, tell us and we will source it.
Are lab grown gemstones good for engagement rings?
Yes, particularly sapphire and ruby, which at 9 Mohs are hard enough for daily wear. Emerald is softer and more brittle, so it suits earrings, pendants and occasional-wear rings better than a ring worn through heavy manual work.
Do lab grown gemstones come with certificates?
Coloured stones above certain values are supplied with an independent gemological report confirming identity and stating that the stone is lab grown. Every piece we sell is described honestly as lab grown — we never present a lab created stone as mined.
Loose Stones
Why buy a loose stone instead of a finished ring?
A loose stone lets you inspect and compare the exact stone you are buying before it is set, gives you total freedom over the setting design, and is usually the most economical route if you already have a setting or a jeweller you trust locally.
What sizes of loose moissanite do you stock?
We carry loose moissanite from 0.5ct to 5ct equivalent in round brilliant, oval, cushion, pear, emerald, radiant, marquise, princess and heart shapes. Sizes outside that range can be ordered on request, usually within a week.
How do I know which loose stone to choose?
Start with the shape you like, then the size your setting can hold, then the colour grade. For moissanite, always take D-Color — the price difference is small and the visual difference in stones above 1ct is obvious. For lab grown diamond, prioritise cut grade over colour and clarity, because cut drives how much light the stone returns.
Can I have a loose stone set by my own jeweller?
Absolutely. Your stone ships in a protective gem jar with its certificate. Any competent jeweller can set it. We recommend taking the certificate with you so your jeweller can verify the stone before and after setting.
Do loose stones ship safely?
Yes. Loose stones travel in sealed gem jars inside padded, tracked and fully insured parcels. Every shipment is insured for its full declared value, and a signature is required on delivery.
Custom Jewelry
How does the custom design process work?
You send a sketch, a reference photo or a written description. We return a price and a CAD render or hand drawing within one business day. Once you approve the design, we cast and set the piece, which takes 10 to 15 business days. Nothing is produced until you approve it.
How much does a custom piece cost?
Silver custom pieces typically start around $99; gold pieces from roughly $290, depending on metal weight and stone size. You receive a firm quote before production and the price does not change unless you change the design.
How long does a custom order take?
Standard turnaround is 10 to 15 business days after you approve the design. Matched sets, complex pavé work or stones that must be specially sourced can take up to four weeks. Rush service is available — ask before ordering if you have a fixed date.
Can you copy a design I saw elsewhere?
We can make a piece in the same style, and we regularly work from reference photographs. We will not reproduce another brand's trademarked or patented design exactly, and we will tell you if a design you send raises that issue.
Can you resize an existing ring or reset my old stones?
Yes. We resize rings we made — the first resize within a year is free — and we can reset stones you already own into a new setting. Send us photos and the stone measurements and we will quote the work.
Can I engrave a custom piece?
Yes. We offer inside-band engraving for text, dates and short messages. Engraved pieces become non-returnable, so please check the spelling of names and dates carefully before approving.
Which metals can I choose for a custom piece?
Solid 925 sterling silver, 10K, 14K and 18K gold in yellow, white and rose, and platinum. All gold is nickel-free and hallmarked. White gold is rhodium plated for a bright white finish and can be re-plated later if it wears.
What happens if I do not like the finished custom piece?
You approve a CAD render or drawing before production, which prevents almost all surprises. If the finished piece does not match the approved design, we remake or repair it at our cost. If it matches the approved design but you have changed your mind, custom work cannot be returned because it cannot be resold.
Metals & Sizing
Is 925 sterling silver good enough for an engagement ring?
Stirling silver is a perfectly good choice, especially for a first ring or a large-stone look on a modest budget. It is softer than gold and will show scratches sooner, and it may need re-polishing every year or two. If the ring will be worn daily for decades, 14K gold is more durable.
What is the difference between 10K, 14K and 18K gold?
The number is the gold content out of 24 parts. 10K is 41.7% gold and is the hardest and most scratch-resistant. 14K is 58.3% gold and is the usual balance of durability and colour. 18K is 75% gold, has the richest colour and is the softest, so it scratches more easily.
Will white gold turn my finger green?
No. Green or black skin marks come from copper or nickel alloys leaching out, not from gold. Our white gold is nickel-free and rhodium plated, which prevents it. Sterling silver can leave a grey mark on some skin chemistry — it washes off and is harmless.
How do I find my ring size?
Measure the inside diameter of a ring that already fits, in millimetres, and compare it to a ring size chart, or wrap a strip of paper around your finger, mark where it overlaps and measure that length. Measure at the end of the day when fingers are largest, and if you are between sizes choose the larger one. We can email a free sizing guide and will resize once free within the first year.
Can this ring be resized later?
Rings with a plain band can usually be resized up or down one or two sizes. Rings with full pavé or channel-set stones around the entire band, and tension-set rings, often cannot be resized because the setting would be damaged. If you are unsure of the size, consider a plain band design or order slightly large.
Will my skin react to the metal?
Reactions are almost always to nickel. We use nickel-free alloys and offer sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold, and platinum, all suitable for sensitive skin. If you have had a reaction to jewelry before, tell us and we will steer you to the safest option.
Shipping & Returns
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, we ship to over 60 countries. Orders above $150 ship free with tracked, insured delivery. Express courier options through DHL, FedEx and UPS are available at checkout.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Made-to-order pieces are ready to ship in 5 to 8 business days; custom designs take 10 to 15 business days after approval. Once dispatched, standard international delivery takes 7 to 15 business days and express takes 3 to 6. You receive a tracking number as soon as your parcel leaves the workshop.
Will I have to pay customs duty or import tax?
Depending on your country, possibly. Import duties and taxes are the recipient's responsibility. We declare shipments accurately at their true value, because under-declaring risks seizure. If you want to know what other customers in your country typically pay, ask us.
What is your return policy?
You may return any unworn, unaltered, non-customized piece within 30 days of delivery for a full refund of the item price. It must be in original packaging with its certificate. Custom and engraved pieces cannot be returned. Contact us first for a return authorisation.
Who pays for return shipping?
You do, unless the item arrived damaged or was not what you ordered, in which case we cover return shipping and replace or refund the piece in full.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Manufacturing defects: setting failure, solder failure and metal defects under normal wear. It does not cover accidental damage, loss, theft or damage from rough handling. We also offer one free resize within the first year on rings we made.
Is my shipment insured?
Yes. Every parcel is insured for its full declared value and requires a signature on delivery. If a parcel is lost or damaged in transit, we handle the claim and make sure you receive your piece.
Orders & Support
How do I place an order?
Choose your piece, then send us an enquiry through the contact form or by email with the item name, your ring size and the metal you want. We confirm availability, send a secure payment link and begin production once payment clears.
What payment methods do you accept?
Major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer for larger orders. All payments are processed through encrypted, PCI-compliant payment providers. We never see or store your full card details.
Can I change or cancel my order?
You can change or cancel free of charge before production starts. Once a custom piece is in production after design approval, it can no longer be cancelled, because the materials have been cut. Contact us as early as possible and we will do what we can.
How do I contact you if I have a problem?
Email service@holycome.com with your order number and a description of the issue, attaching photographs where relevant. We reply within one business day, and warranty or damage claims are handled by the same workshop team that made your piece.