Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Gema&Co lab grown diamonds, moissanite, engagement rings, customization, ordering, shipping, returns and warranties. For more detailed information, you can also explore our Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings and Moissanite Engagement Rings.
Lab Grown Diamond FAQs
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same fundamental chemical composition and crystal structure as mined diamonds. The primary difference is their origin: lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments rather than forming naturally underground.
Browse our Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings to compare available shapes, carat weights and settings.
What is the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond?
Lab grown and natural diamonds are both diamonds. They share the same fundamental material properties but form in different environments. Natural diamonds develop underground over geological time, while lab grown diamonds are produced using controlled processes designed to recreate the conditions under which diamond crystal growth occurs.
Both can be evaluated according to characteristics such as cut, color, clarity and carat weight.
How are Gema&Co lab grown diamonds graded?
Gema&Co lab grown diamonds 1.00 carat and larger are IGI graded. Diamonds 0.99 carat and below are not individually graded.
An IGI grading report provides an independent assessment of characteristics such as carat weight, color, clarity and diamond measurements for the individual stone.
Are lab grown diamonds durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same fundamental hardness and durability characteristics as mined diamonds and are suitable for engagement rings and other jewelry intended for everyday wear.
What is the difference between a lab grown diamond and moissanite?
Lab grown diamonds and moissanite are different gemstones.
A lab grown diamond is crystallized carbon and has the same fundamental material properties as a mined diamond. Moissanite is silicon carbide and has different optical properties, including greater dispersion that can produce more noticeable flashes of spectral color.
For a deeper comparison, read our Moissanite vs Diamond Comparison Guide or compare our Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings with our Moissanite Engagement Rings.
Moissanite FAQs
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Natural silicon carbide is extremely rare, so the moissanite used in fine jewelry today is lab created.
Moissanite is known for its high brilliance, colorful fire and durability, making it well suited for engagement rings and jewelry intended for everyday wear.
For a more detailed introduction, read What Is Moissanite? or browse our Moissanite Engagement Rings.
Is moissanite a fake or simulated diamond?
No. Moissanite is not diamond, but it is also not simply a fake diamond. It is a distinct gemstone with its own chemical composition and optical properties.
Some shoppers choose moissanite as an alternative to diamond because of its appearance, durability and price, while others specifically prefer the greater dispersion and colorful fire associated with moissanite.
Does moissanite look the same as a diamond?
They can look similar, but they are not visually identical.
Diamond generally produces more white-light brilliance, while moissanite has greater dispersion and can display more noticeable rainbow-colored flashes. Differences can become more apparent depending on stone size, shape, cut and lighting.
Our Moissanite vs Diamond Comparison Guide provides a more detailed comparison.
Does moissanite get cloudy or change color over time?
Moissanite does not inherently become permanently cloudy with age. Surface buildup from oils, lotions and other residue can temporarily reduce its brilliance, but routine cleaning restores its appearance.
Properly manufactured moissanite also should not permanently change color during normal wear.
Is moissanite durable enough for an engagement ring?
Yes. Moissanite is a very hard and durable gemstone suitable for jewelry intended for everyday wear.
As with any fine jewelry, however, the entire ring should still be treated with reasonable care. Prongs, bands and other setting components can experience wear even when the gemstone itself remains undamaged.
Why is moissanite listed using diamond equivalent weight (DEW)?
Moissanite and diamond have different densities, so two stones with the same physical dimensions will not have the same actual weight.
For easier size comparison, Gema&Co lists moissanite using its physical dimensions and/or diamond equivalent weight (DEW). DEW describes approximately what a diamond of similar dimensions would weigh rather than the moissanite's actual carat weight.
For example, two stones can have similar face-up dimensions while having different physical weights.
What is the difference between Gema&Co Resplendent Moissanite and Charles & Colvard Forever One?
Both are premium lab-created moissanite options available through Gema&Co.
Charles & Colvard is a longstanding producer of created moissanite, while Resplendent Moissanite is Gema&Co's own moissanite offering. Available specifications and pricing vary between the two options.
You can learn more about Gema&Co's in-house stones on our Resplendent Moissanite page.
Can moissanite have inclusions?
Yes. Like other crystalline gemstones, moissanite can contain internal characteristics or inclusions.
The visibility and nature of these characteristics depend on the individual stone. Gema&Co selects moissanite intended to provide a clean face-up appearance suitable for fine jewelry.
Engagement Ring & Jewelry FAQs
How do I choose between a lab grown diamond and moissanite engagement ring?
Start with the appearance you prefer.
Choose a lab grown diamond if you specifically want diamond and its characteristic optical properties. Consider moissanite if you prefer its distinctive brilliance and colorful fire or want a different balance between gemstone size and price.
You can compare our Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings and Moissanite Engagement Rings directly.
What diamond or moissanite carat size should I choose?
There is no universally correct size. Consider the amount of finger coverage you prefer, stone shape, setting, proportions and budget.
For diamonds, carat measures weight rather than physical dimensions, so two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear different in size.
For moissanite, Gema&Co uses diamond equivalent weight to make visual size comparisons easier.
Can I see how a particular stone size or ring looks before ordering?
Yes. If you would like to see specific stone sizes, shapes or rings on a hand for scale, contact Gema&Co at support@gemaandco.com or text (415) 813-6505.
Can Gema&Co customize an engagement ring?
Yes. Existing Gema&Co designs can be customized, and more extensive modifications or original designs can also be created through our custom process.
Depending on the design, customization can include center-stone shape or dimensions, carat weight, precious metal, band dimensions, setting details and other design changes.
Read our Guide to Designing Your Own Engagement Ring for more information about the process.
Can I order a custom stone size or shape?
In many cases, yes. Custom gemstone dimensions, cuts and other specifications may be available depending on the material and design.
Contact support@gemaandco.com with the dimensions or design you're considering and our team can determine what is possible.
Ordering & Shipping FAQs
How long does it take to receive a Gema&Co ring?
Gema&Co jewelry is handmade to order. Our current production and delivery estimate is approximately 3–4 weeks.
Because production requirements can vary, review our Shipping Policy for current information or contact us before ordering if you have a specific deadline.
Is Gema&Co jewelry insured during shipping?
Yes. Gema&Co orders are shipped insured using UPS or USPS.
A signature is required upon delivery. See our complete Shipping Policy for carrier, delivery and address requirements.
Does Gema&Co ship internationally?
Yes. Gema&Co currently ships to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries.
International delivery times and customs requirements vary by destination. Additional destination-country customs or import fees may apply.
See our Shipping Policy for current international shipping information.
Can I have my order shipped somewhere other than my billing address?
Yes, subject to Gema&Co's security requirements.
For orders of $1,000 or more being delivered somewhere other than the billing address, additional address verification may be required. Our Shipping Policy contains the current requirements.
Returns, Warranty & Aftercare FAQs
Can I return or exchange my Gema&Co jewelry?
Eligible items may be returned or exchanged within 30 days of receipt, subject to the requirements and exclusions of Gema&Co's return policy.
Returned merchandise must meet the condition and documentation requirements described in the policy. Certain costs or fees can also apply depending on the order and payment method.
Because eligibility depends on the individual order, review the complete Returns & Exchanges Policy before sending any jewelry back.
What warranty does Gema&Co provide?
Gema&Co Resplendent Moissanite and Lab Diamonds are backed by a limited lifetime gemstone warranty. Charles & Colvard branded moissanite is covered by the applicable Charles & Colvard limited lifetime warranty.
Gema&Co fine jewelry also includes a two-year warranty covering qualifying structural or manufacturing defects.
Warranty coverage has specific terms and exclusions, so review the complete Gema&Co Warranty for details.
Does the warranty cover accidental damage or normal wear?
Warranty coverage depends on the cause of the problem.
The gemstone limited warranty covers qualifying defects in the gemstone but excludes circumstances such as abuse, misuse, loss or theft. Gema&Co's jewelry warranty covers qualifying structural or manufacturing defects rather than every form of damage that can occur during wear.
See the complete Warranty Policy for the exact terms.
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What should I do if my ring needs repair?
Contact Gema&Co at support@gemaandco.com with your order information and a description of the issue. Our team can review the jewelry and determine the appropriate next steps, including whether the repair qualifies for warranty coverage.
How should I care for my engagement ring?
Regularly clean your ring to remove oils, lotions and residue that can reduce visible brilliance. Avoid unnecessary impacts or exposure to situations that could damage the setting, and periodically inspect the prongs and other stone-setting components for wear.
If a stone becomes loose or the setting appears damaged, stop wearing the ring until it can be inspected.
Need More Help?
If you have a question that isn't answered here, contact Gema&Co at support@gemaandco.com or text (415) 813-6505.
You can also explore our Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings, Moissanite Engagement Rings, or learn more about creating a custom ring in our Engagement Ring Design Guide.