Frequently Asked Questions: Stellar Gems Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
Answers to the questions we hear most. Organized by topic. If you don't find what you're looking for, message Danya on WhatsApp.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: What They Are and How They Compare
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition (pure carbon), the same crystal structure, and the same physical and optical properties as mined diamonds. They score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. The only difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond is how it was formed: in a controlled environment over weeks rather than underground over billions of years.
Two methods are used. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) places a diamond seed in a chamber where carbon gas builds around it layer by layer. HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) replicates the conditions that form natural diamonds underground. Both methods produce diamonds that are chemically identical to mined stones.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have identical thermal and electrical conductivity to mined diamonds. They pass all standard diamond testing equipment. A jeweler using standard tools cannot distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a mined diamond without specialized laboratory equipment designed to detect growth origin.
No. A lab-grown diamond is structurally identical to a mined diamond. It will not yellow, cloud, fade, or change color under any normal wearing conditions. The stone is stable at the molecular level. It will look the same in ten years as it does today.
Not in the same way mined diamonds do. Lab-grown diamonds currently have limited resale value compared to natural stones. This is worth knowing upfront. However, most jewelry, whether set with natural or lab-grown diamonds, does not retain its full retail value on resale. Gold retains value. Diamonds of either origin are not reliable financial instruments. The practical approach: buy the piece you want to wear, and invest your savings elsewhere.
They are completely different stones. A lab-grown diamond is pure carbon with a Mohs hardness of 10 and a refractive index of 2.42. Moissanite is silicon carbide with a Mohs hardness of 9.25 and a higher refractive index of 2.65, which produces a different type of sparkle (more rainbow flash, less white light return). A lab-grown diamond will pass a standard diamond tester. Moissanite will not. Stellar Gems never uses moissanite or cubic zirconia.
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is zirconium dioxide, a completely different material. It scores 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale (softer than diamond), scratches over time, and loses clarity with wear. A lab-grown diamond is real diamond, scores 10 on Mohs, and will not scratch, cloud, or degrade. CZ is used in costume jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds are used in fine jewelry. They are not comparable.
About Stellar Gems and Danya Jabre
Danya Jabre is the founder of Stellar Gems, an HRD diamond grader and IGI certified gemologist. Her background in graphic design and art history shapes the proportions and balance she looks for in every piece. She personally selects every diamond, looking at proportions, cut and how the stone handles light, never at the certificate alone.
Danya holds an HRD diamond grading certification from HRD Antwerp and is an IGI certified gemologist.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Shipping is available across the UAE, the GCC and internationally.
Danya chose lab-grown diamonds for the online collection because they let her create the kind of jewelry she loves: beautiful proportions, generous diamonds and strong specifications at a more accessible price point. Through the bespoke service, she also works with natural diamonds and precious gemstones.
Solid Gold and Lab-Grown Diamond Materials
18K gold is 75% pure gold. It has a richer, warmer color and is the standard for fine jewelry worldwide. It is solid gold, not plated, gold-filled or vermeil. Every piece in the online collection is 18K gold. The result is a warmer tone, a more luxurious weight, and a finish that ages beautifully.
Solid gold does not tarnish the way plated or vermeil jewelry does. Over time, 18K gold may develop a natural patina (slight dulling of the surface) from daily wear. This is normal and can be restored with professional polishing. It will never turn green, flake, or lose its gold color.
Yes. All Stellar Gems pieces are crafted in solid 18K gold, which is hypoallergenic. No nickel plating, no vermeil, no base metal. Solid gold is the safest option for sensitive skin.
Each piece is crafted after you place your order. Your jewelry is not sitting in a warehouse. Production takes approximately 3 weeks, plus shipping time.
Caring for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
Mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft brush. Rinse in a bowl rather than under the tap, then pat dry with a soft cloth. The full care card is on the Jewelry Care page.
Yes. Put your jewelry on last and take it off first: off for water, the gym and sleep. Keep it away from chlorine, bleach and toothpaste.
Store each piece separately in the pouch or box provided. Keep diamonds away from other jewelry. While lab-grown diamonds won't scratch (they're the hardest material), they can scratch softer metals and gemstones they come into contact with. Avoid storing pieces loose in a jewelry box where they can rub against each other.
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the most durable gemstone. Solid gold settings are designed for daily wear. Minor surface scratches on gold are normal over time and can be polished out. Remove before heavy manual work, heavy exercise, and exposure to harsh chemicals.
Ordering from Stellar Gems: Payments, Currency and Gifts
Prices show in your local currency where it's available, and you pay in the currency shown at checkout. You can change your country at the top of the page.
All Stellar Gems orders arrive in branded packaging that is gift-ready. If you need a specific gift presentation or a handwritten note included, message Danya on WhatsApp before your order ships and she'll accommodate where possible.
Yes. Order your best estimate of the size, or message Danya on WhatsApp first and she'll help you narrow it down. The Ring Size Guide shows how to measure a ring they already wear.
Browse the collection, select your piece, choose your options (gold color, carat weight and, for rings, your size), and click Add to Cart. Proceed to checkout, enter your shipping details, and pay securely. You'll receive an order confirmation by email.
