Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about lab grown diamonds, moissanite, gold, and buying jewellery at Vai Ra.
Lab grown diamond vs moissanite — quick comparison
Moissanite
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral (silicon carbide) first discovered by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr Henri Moissan at the site of a meteorite strike in Arizona. Today it is created in laboratories using advanced thermal processes. Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability — making it a popular choice for engagement rings and everyday fine jewellery.
Is moissanite the same as a diamond?
No. Moissanite is a distinct gemstone with its own chemical and optical properties. It is not a diamond simulant — it has more fire (rainbow sparkle) than diamond and a Mohs hardness of 9.25 vs diamond's 10. Both are durable enough for daily wear.
How durable is moissanite?
Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — second only to diamond (10). It is highly resistant to scratching and suitable for daily wear jewellery including engagement rings.
Will moissanite lose its sparkle or change colour over time?
No. Moissanite retains its brilliance and clarity for a lifetime. Unlike cubic zirconia, it will not cloud, fade, or permanently change colour with wear.
How is moissanite graded?
Moissanite is graded for colour and clarity on a scale similar to diamonds — colourless (D–F), near colourless (G–I), and faint colour (J–K). At Vai Ra, every moissanite is DEF colour and VVS clarity — the top of the grading scale.
Is moissanite certified at Vai Ra?
Yes. Every Vai Ra moissanite is individually SGL certified. The certification verifies the stone's authenticity, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Your SGL certificate is included with every order.
Where does Vai Ra source its moissanite?
Vai Ra moissanite is not sourced from China or Southeast Asia. Stones are certified through registered Indian grading laboratories — SGL. Vai Ra does not use GRA-certified stones. For more detail see the authenticity certificate page.
Lab grown diamonds
What are lab grown diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology — either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds — not simulants. They are chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds and are graded to the same standards.
How do lab grown diamonds compare to mined diamonds?
- Composition: Identical — pure carbon crystal
- Hardness: Identical — 10 on the Mohs scale
- Appearance: Indistinguishable to the naked eye
- Price: Significantly more affordable
- Ethics: Conflict-free, no mining impact
Are lab grown diamonds certified at Vai Ra?
Yes. Every lab grown diamond solitaire at Vai Ra is IGI certified — the global standard for lab diamond grading. The certificate confirms the stone's cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, and lab-created origin. Your IGI certificate is included with every order.
What is the price of lab grown diamonds at Vai Ra?
Lab grown diamonds at Vai Ra are priced at a fixed ₹35,000 per carat for the stone. Final product price includes gold weight and making charges and varies by karat and setting. Book a free consultation for an exact quote on your preferred cut and carat.
Are diamonds a good investment?
Diamonds — whether lab grown or mined — are not appreciating assets. While gold carries resale value, diamonds typically depreciate after purchase. Buy jewellery for its beauty, craftsmanship, and emotional significance — not for financial return.
Gold and hallmarking
What gold karats does Vai Ra offer?
Vai Ra jewellery is available in 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K and 22K BIS Hallmarked gold, as well as platinum. Yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold are available across most karats. 18K is the lead choice for fine jewellery — the best balance of durability and richness of colour.
What is BIS Hallmark and why does it matter?
BIS Hallmark is India's official guarantee of gold purity, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Every Vai Ra gold piece carries the BIS hallmark confirming it meets the declared karat standard. Since July 2021, every hallmarked piece also carries a six-character HUID number you can verify using the BIS Care app. See the hallmark verification page for details.
Which gold karat is best for gemstone jewellery?
14K and 18K are recommended for moissanite and lab diamond jewellery. Both are harder than 22K, which means prongs hold stones more securely over time. 18K offers a richer gold colour; 14K offers slightly higher durability. 22K is best suited to traditional non-studded styles.
Buying at Vai Ra
How long does delivery take?
Made-to-order pieces take 14 days from order confirmation. Ready-to-ship styles are delivered within 2–4 days. All orders ship free across India.
Can I customise my jewellery?
Yes. Every Vai Ra piece is available in your choice of stone (lab diamond or moissanite), carat weight, cut, metal, and karat. Book a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp to discuss your design.
What is Vai Ra's return policy?
Vai Ra offers a 15-day return window from delivery. Pieces must be in original condition with certification documents. Free pan-India shipping applies to returns. See the returns and exchange policy for full details.
Can I try jewellery before buying?
Yes. Visit Vai Ra's showroom in Panjagutta, Hyderabad to try designs in person and see stone sizes side by side. Book a consultation to ensure a team member is available to assist you.
Jewellery care
How should I clean my jewellery?
Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a soft toothbrush. An ultrasonic cleaner is safe for both moissanite and lab grown diamonds. Remove jewellery during heavy physical activity or when using harsh chemicals to maintain the finish.
Can my jewellery be resized or repaired?
Yes. Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are durable enough for standard jewellery repairs and resizing. Contact Vai Ra for repair and resize requests — free resizing is available within 30 days of delivery.