What is the purchasing process of a personalized design?
What are the production and delivery times?
How is my PERPETUA engagement ring packed?
How is the shipment of the purchased piece carried out?
Can I add engraving to the ring?
How can I find out the ring size I need?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOISSANITE AND DIAMOND?
Physically and optically speaking, the two stones are very similar. While a diamond is composed of 100% crystallised carbon, moissanite is composed of crystallised silicon carbide, which gives it some singularities: Moissanite has higher refractive and dispersion indices, which is why it has a more colorful scintillation than diamond. On the other hand, diamond has a hardness of 10 on the mohs scale, while moissanite ranks 9.25mohs. This means that moissanite is the second hardest gemstone in the world, above sapphire and slightly below diamond.
IS MOISSANITE SIMILAR TO ZIRCONIA?
No. Moissanite is not similar to zirconia. In both hardness and brilliance, moissanite is superior. Moissanite is for life, it does not fade with time and use.
IS MOISSANITE FOR ME?
Moissanite is the best choice for anyone who wants a stone with the beauty and durability of a diamond, at a fraction of the cost, and who cares about the environment.
On average, the extraction of one carat of diamond requires the removal of more than 1,750 tonnes of earth, which has a tremendous environmental impact. Moreover, it is well known that unethical diamond mining practices have been a source of conflict in many regions.
WILL MY MOISSANITE LAST A LIFETIME?
Yes. Being the second hardest stone in the world, moissanite will last a lifetime. However, any gemstone (even a diamond) can suffer from cracks and chipping when exposed to a strong impact, especially if the stone was not optimally cut. PERPETUA selects excellently cut stones to ensure maximum durability.
DOES MOISSANITE LOSE ITS BRILLIANCE?
No. Moissanite will never lose its original brilliance. However, products residues such as soap, shampoo and lotion can stick to your moissanite blocking the light and making it look dull. This happens with all gemstones and can be solved in two minutes! Find our recommendations for cleaning your Perpetual jewellery below.
HOW MUCH DOES A MOISSANITE COST?
Just like a diamond, the price of moissanite will depend on the qualities of the stone you're buying in terms of weight (size), color, clarity and cut, mainly. What we can say is that our price can in some cases be up to ten times lower than that of a natural diamond.
All this will depend on your preferences. At PERPETUA we will give you all the advice you need to buy the best stone at the lowest price.
WHY IF MOISSANITE IS SO SIMILAR TO A DIAMOND, THE PRICE IS SO LOW?
Certainly, the cost of producing a diamond is higher because it has to be extracted from a mine or created in a laboratory at constant temperature and pressure. In addition, there is a whole chain of intermediaries that raise the cost of the product. However, the price of natural diamonds is exaggeratedly high due to the marketing and market control practices that large companies have implemented for more than 100 years. In reality, natural diamonds are not as scarce or as valuable as we have been led to believe. When you buy a natural diamond, you are paying very high profit margins for the companies, as well as centuries-old marketing.
At PERPETUA we work directly with the best moissanite and laboratory diamond producers, so we can offer extremely low prices by cutting out other intermediaries.
DO THE MOISSANITES HAVE ANY KIND OF CERTIFICATE?
Every PERPETUA moissanite comes with a certificate issued by the Gem Research Institute (GRI), which specifies the qualities of your stone in terms of colour, clarity, weight, dimensions, cut and symmetry.
Each stone has an individual report number that you can track yourself at any time from the GRI website.
The report number will be included in the certificare that will come along you ring.
IS A LABORATORY DIAMOND A FAKE DIAMOND?
No. A lab diamond is just as real as one extracted from a mine. Because it has the same chemical composition, it also has the same qualities of beauty, brilliance and durability. Until a few years ago, the cost of producing laboratory diamonds exceeded the price of natural ones, making them uncompetitive in the marketplace. Recently, their production has become more efficient and have also increased in quality, so that today even the best known jewelry companies have expressed interest in laboratory diamonds.
IS A LAB DIAMOND CHEAPER THAN A MINED DIAMOND?
Yes, lab diamonds are usually marketed between 30% and 40% below natural diamonds. At PERPETUA we make an expert selection so that you can access the best diamond, for the best price.
LAB GEMS ARE ETHICAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Unfortunately, the extractive industry is one of the industries that generates the most negative impact among the communities and ecosystems where it operates. In addition to generating enormous soil erosion, diamond mines cause water pollution, air pollution, and visual pollution. Not to mention the dark history of blood diamonds in Africa. But also, the commercialization of diamonds is having a direct relationship with the war in Ukraine. Currently Russia is the main exporter of natural diamonds in the world, with an estimated income of 200 billion dollars a year to the coffers of the Russian government, which in part helps finance the armed conflict in Ukraine.
Lab-grown stones have a much lower environmental impact and are socially responsible, making them a cleaner, more ethical option for your jewelry.
HOW IS A LAB DIAMOND CREATED?
There are different methods for its creation. The two most common and the ones that give the best results are known as HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Both methods subject diamond seeds and carbon particles to temperature and pressure conditions similar to those in the earth's core, where natural diamonds are crystallized.
ARE LAB DIAMONDS CERTIFIED?
Yes, at PERPETUA we are convinced of the value of having a diamond certified by an external laboratory. For this reason, all our diamonds are IGI (International Gemological Institute) certified, which specifies the qualities of the diamond.
CAN A DIAMOND BREAK?
Diamonds, whether natural or lab-created, are the hardest known mineral, and as such, it is very rare for them to break. What can happen is that imperfections in the stone, known as inclusions, can compromise the physical structure of the diamond. For this reason, PERPETUA only sells diamonds with very high clarity grades, ensuring that the structure of the stone is in no way compromised, allowing your diamond to last for centuries.
WHY ARE PERPETUA DIAMONDS OF BETTER QUALITY?
Having worked for several years in this industry, we know the diamond selection processes of various companies and we can assure you that our demands are much higher. We only select diamonds with D to G colors, IF to VS2 clarity and Ideal cut. We also go beyond certificates and personally review 360 magnification videos to assess the impact of inclusions, as well as facet proportions, depth, angulations and symmetry, resulting in well above average brilliance diamonds.
Diamond with inclusions
Perpetua Diamond
WHICH ONE IS BETTER: A LAB DIAMOND OR A MOISSANITE?
There is no right answer to this question. Eventually, it will all depend on your preferences, but here are a few thoughts:
Moissanite has excellent refractive and dispersion indices, making it a beautiful gemstone for jewelry. While it is slightly less hard than a diamond, it is still the second hardest gemstone in the world, which ensures its durability in a piece of jewelry. In addition, moissanites are significantly more affordable than a lab diamonds, making it a very attractive option for those who want a large stone without at more discrete budget.
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The diamond also has excellent indexes of refraction and dispersion, which is why it has long been the gemstone of choice for jewelry. While its price is high, it also carries a message of romance that some people do not wish to part away from. For those who want a diamond, PERPETUA Lab-Grown Diamonds will be the best choice, as they retain that romance, are environmentally friendly and fairly priced.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 14K AND 18K GOLD?
Gold is a very soft metal that cannot be used in a pure piece of jewelry. For this reason, we make alloys with other harder metals to give it greater resistance.
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The percentage of gold contained in the alloy will determine if it is 14K or 18K gold as follows:
14K gold = 58.5% gold and the rest other metals
18K gold = 75% gold and the rest other metals
Certainly 18K gold is purer, but for the same reason, it will be more delicate and prone to scratches, dents, etc.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE GOLD AND PLATINUM?
In reality, white gold does not exist. This is how it is known commercially, but the color of gold is yellow. What is done is subject the piece to a rhodium bath (platinum plating), after which it acquires that mirror white finish. The problem is that that rhodium plating will eventually wear off and reveal the true color of the alloy, which is yellowish. This will occur on average in 8 to 12 months, although it may be more frequent depending on the use and body chemistry of each person. In any case, this effect is reversed with the maintenance of the part. On the other hand, platinum is already a naturally white metal, which allows the piece to retain that color over the years. Also, it has twice the density of gold, so a piece in platinum feels heavier. Per gram, platinum is slightly cheaper, but by requiring twice the grammage, the price ends up exceeding the cost of a piece of gold.
White gold ring before and after platinum plating
WHAT IS THE PURCHASING PROCESS OF A PERSONALIZED DESIGN?
1. Contact us to solve any questions you may have about our products.
2. A PERPETUA advisor will send you a quotation based on your preferences.
3. Purchase: For the creation of fine jewelry piece, an advance payment of 25% of the total amount is required to start production.
4. The remaining amount must be paid before the piece is shipped, about 6-8 weeks later.
WHAT ARE THE PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY TIMES?
Express Delivery jewelry:
Shipped the business day after completing the payment.
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Loose stones:
When on stock, shipped the business day after completing the payment. Otherwise, please allow 2 to 3 weeks for shipment to be made.
Made to order Jewelry:
Depending on the complexity of each ring, production times vary from 6 to 8 weeks.
HOW IS MY PERPETUA RING PACKED?
Your piece is 100% protected. Not only do we place your piece in a special box that you can use for the engagement, but the box comes inside a larger decorative box containing also your certificate. All of this is sent in bubble wrap inside the DHL or Post package.
HOW IS THE SHIPMENT OF THE PURCHASED PIECE CARRIED OUT?
Shipping within the European Union is free. Transit time is 2 to 3 working days, depending on the season and your exact location. All PERPETUA packages are shipped insured. In case of loss, Perpetua is responsible for replacing your piece and managing the incident with the logistics company.
CAN I ADD ENGRAVING TO THE RING?
Yes, our service includes the option of internal laser engraving at no extra cost. We can apply any typeface or even some symbols. We recommend that the engraving is no larger than 20 characters to fit properly and be easy to read.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE RING SIZE I NEED?
The size is an essential element to be able to produce a ring. At Perpetua we offer you some tips to find out the size by clicking here. Didn't fit the ring? Don't worry, PERPETUA gives you a size adjustment!
DOES PERPETUA ONLY SELL JEWELRY, OR ALSO LOOSE STONES?
PERPETUA can sell either a loose stone or a ring ready to be delivered.
We have exclusive designs and we can also work on personalised models.
The setting can be made in white, yellow or rose gold (14k or 18k) or platinum. This choice will impact the final price of the ring.
DO YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL STORE?
Our main sales are online, so we guarantee the fairest possible prices for our customers. However we offer one-on-one virtual appointments, click here for bookings.
DOES PERPETUA OFFER A WARRANTY?
Yes, all PERPETUA gemstones come with a lifetime warranty, while settings come with a two year's warranty period. Restrictions apply, please click here to read our warranty policy.
I ALREADY HAVE A RING FROM YOU AND I LIKE TO UPGRADE.
IS IT POSSIBLE?
Of course! At Perpetua we support the quality of our gems, which is why we offer our clients the possibility of exchanging their moissanite or diamond for a larger one, with no time limit, taking into account 100% of the value they paid for their gem.
Click here to see the terms and conditions, or contact us so that one of our advisors can guide you.
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I AVOID TO TAKE CARE OF MY JEWELRY IN THE BEST WAY?
Fine jewelry is delicate, so we recommend avoiding the following in order to keep it in better condition:
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Chlorine: Chlorine deteriorates rhodium and also reacts with pieces that contain copper in their alloy (ie: rose gold). Avoid swimming pools and contact with chlorine in general.
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Impact activities: to avoid scratches and deformation, remove your jewelry when carrying weights or performing any other impact activity that may affect your pieces
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Beach: The sand from the beach can scratch the metal of your jewelry, so we recommend removing it before going swimming, or taking care that your pieces do not come into contact with the sand. In any case, these little scratches can come out with a polish.
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Personal hygiene products: product residues can adhere to your stone, making it look opaque as they block the entry of light. We recommend removing your jewelry when bathing, applying body cream, etc. If you prefer not to remove your jewelry, don't worry, by the time we give maintenance that dirt will disappear.
WHAT MAINTENANCE DOES MY PERPETUA PIECE NEED?
To remove product residues that accumulate with daily use, all you need is hot water, dish soap and a soft bristled toothbrush. Mix water and a few drops of the soap in a bowl, immerse your piece in the water and let it sit for a few seconds. Start cleaning it with the brush, paying special attention to the back of the stone that is closest to your finger. Rinse it in clean water and dry it with a cloth.
That's it! By doing this every couple of weeks, you will help your moissanite or diamond to stay as clean as possible.
Please note however, that all fine jewelry requieres maintenance every once in a while. We will be happy to properly care for your pieces!
Contact
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Let's connect.