Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamond FAQ

Moissanite is silicon carbide, a gemstone first found in 1893 by the French chemist Henri Moissan. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so all moissanite used in jewelry today is grown in a lab. Read our moissanite guide.

To the untrained eye, usually not. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond and shows more fire, the rainbow flashes of colour you see in sunlight. A gemologist can tell them apart with the right tools.

Often, yes. Basic diamond testers measure how fast a stone conducts heat, and moissanite conducts heat much like a diamond, so it can read as diamond. Multi testers that also check electrical conductivity can tell the two apart.

No. Moissanite does not go cloudy or lose its sparkle. Like any stone, it can look dull when it is dirty, so clean it now and then with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.

Yes. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale it is the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry after diamond, so it suits a ring worn every day. It gives a lot of sparkle for its price.

Moissanite costs a fraction of a diamond of the same size. At RIVA, moissanite solitaire engagement rings start from $810 USD in solid 9K gold. The final price depends on the stone size, the setting and the gold you choose, from 9K to 22K.

Moissanite is grown in a lab, so supply does not depend on mining. Better growing methods have made clear, colourless stones easier to produce, which has brought prices down. A lower price does not mean lower quality: moissanite is 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, and it keeps its sparkle for life.

No. Well cut, colourless moissanite looks like a diamond to most people. The main difference is that moissanite shows more fire. If you prefer a more classic look, a lab grown diamond is chemically the same as a mined diamond.

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, grown in a controlled environment that recreates the conditions that form diamonds in the earth. They have the same chemical, optical and physical properties as mined diamonds.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as mined diamonds, so they are ideal for engagement rings and everyday jewelry.

Yes. Our lab grown diamonds come with a certificate from IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America), confirming the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.

Yes. A lab grown diamond usually costs far less than a mined diamond of the same size and grade, so the same budget buys a larger or better stone. Our 1 carat lab grown diamond ring starts at $1500 in solid 14K gold.

Most custom pieces take about 7 to 14 working days after you approve the 3D design. Tell us if you have a date to meet and we will let you know what is possible. See how custom design works.

We use solid gold from 9K to 22K, in white, yellow or rose, and 925 sterling silver. Every piece is polished by hand.

Often, yes. Bangkok is one of the main centres in the world for cutting and setting gems, so making costs are lower than in the US, Europe or Australia. Buying direct from a maker like RIVA also removes retail markups. We ship worldwide, so you do not need to be in Bangkok to order. If you are in town, you can visit our office on Sukhumvit 40 by appointment.

Yes. We ship to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and beyond. International duties and taxes are paid by the client.

Both are easy to look after. Clean them regularly with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, take jewelry off before swimming, and store each piece in a soft pouch or box.