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. They are certified by the same international grading laboratories, including IGI, GIA, and HRD. 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. Stellar Gems uses CVD for feature stones and HPHT for smaller accent stones (melee). 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. Danya chose lab-grown for design freedom, not as a financial strategy.
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 uses only lab-grown diamonds, never 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 and designer of Stellar Gems. She holds an HRD diamond grading certification from HRD Antwerp (2018) and has over a decade of experience in Dubai's fine jewelry industry. Her background includes formal education in graphic design and art history, which informs the proportions and visual balance of every piece. Danya personally selects every diamond, designs every setting, and approves every finished piece before it ships.
Danya holds an HRD diamond grading certification from HRD Antwerp. Every Stellar Gems diamond is individually graded and certified by IGI (International Gemological Institute) or HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant). Certificates confirming cut, color, clarity, and carat weight are provided with each piece.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Stellar Gems is an online-only brand with no physical showroom. All pieces are designed and produced in Dubai. Shipping is available across the UAE, GCC, and internationally.
Danya chose lab-grown diamonds for design freedom, not for sustainability messaging or discount positioning. When the stone isn't the entire budget, the design can be exactly right. Proportions, setting, gold weight, and stone selection can all be optimized for how the piece will actually be worn. Lab-grown diamonds carry the same international certification, the same physical properties, and the same visual brilliance as mined diamonds. Stellar Gems does not sell mined diamonds.
Solid Gold and Lab-Grown Diamond Materials — Stellar Gems
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. Stellar Gems uses 18K exclusively across all pieces, including bespoke commissions. 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. Danya selects the diamond, the workshop produces the piece in Dubai, and Danya inspects it before shipping. Production takes approximately 3 weeks. Ready-to-ship items (already completed and in stock) are marked on the product page and ship within 2–3 business days.
Caring for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
Warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush (a baby toothbrush works well). Soak the piece for 10–15 minutes, gently brush around the stone and setting, rinse under warm running water, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. This removes oils, lotion residue, and everyday buildup. For a deeper clean, a professional jeweler can use ultrasonic cleaning, which is safe for lab-grown diamonds in solid gold settings.
Remove before swimming. Chlorine (pools) and salt water (ocean) can affect gold alloys over time, particularly 18K. Showering is generally fine, but soap residue can build up around settings and reduce sparkle. The safest habit: remove before swimming, chlorinated water, and heavy exercise. Showering is low-risk but not ideal for long-term care.
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
The base currency is AED (UAE Dirham). Prices display in your local currency based on your location. Payment is processed in AED and converted by your bank or card provider.
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 the piece in your best estimate of the size. If the size isn't right, resizing within 1–2 sizes is available after delivery. Contact Danya on WhatsApp to arrange. If you're unsure of the size beforehand, message Danya — she can help narrow it down based on general information. For a guaranteed fit, consider gifting a bespoke consultation instead of a finished ring.
Browse the collection, select your product, choose your options (metal, karat, size), and click Add to Cart. Proceed to checkout, enter your shipping details, and pay securely. You'll receive an order confirmation by email. Danya will follow up on WhatsApp with a production update once your piece enters the workshop.
