Jun 24, 2023

Where to buy moissanite engagement ring in NZ?

Purchasing an engagement ring made of moissanite can be overwhelming, particularly due to the lack of information available and the inclination of retailers to steer you towards a diamond engagement ring. Opting for an inexpensive diamond ring may lead you to compromise on either size or quality, which will be evident. You may end up with a smaller diamond or one that lacks luster.

However, this is not the case with moissanite. Moissanites are a laboratory-created gem that has a striking resemblance to diamonds. They also possess similar characteristics, such as being extremely durable (they are only second to diamonds in terms of hardness according to the Mohs scale). Moreover, they are significantly less expensive than diamonds (up to 70% less). Further information on moissanites can be found here.

Obtaining a moissanite engagement ring enables you to demand quality and design while still being within your budget. Although lab diamonds provide a sustainable and more affordable alternative, they may not be to your liking, particularly if your partner is seeking something distinct and with greater shine. Keep reading to find out where you can purchase a moissanite engagement ring in New Zealand and get ideas for designs.

#1 Raphana

Designing a Moissanite engagement ring can be stressful, but Raphana Jewellery makes it easier. They start with a phone or video call to understand your preferences and allow you to share images of designs that inspire you. A personal representative based in New Zealand will sketch a ring for you to approve, and this design stage is completely free.

Raphana ensures that only the best Moissanites are selected, and their jewellers cut the gemstone for maximum sparkle. Unlike other stores that may cut Moissanites the same way as diamonds, Raphana recognizes the differences in their chemical compositions and internal structures, avoiding the reduction of sparkle that can make your ring look cheap.

Raphana is also committed to sustainability, being climate positive. With every purchase, they offset more carbon than it takes to create your Moissanite engagement ring.

Pros:

Due to the skills & overseas experience can create any design.
Offer a sustainable eco friendly moissanite.
Affordable and high quality products.
Bespoke Designs

Cons:

The only potential downside is that because each ring is custom created after the design phase, it can take up to 4 weeks for your Moissanite engagement ring to arrive.

#2 Jeulia

If you're in New Zealand and interested in Moissanite rings, Jeulia is a Hong Kong-based company that ships there. While they have a diverse selection of pieces for various occasions, it's worth noting that they don't specialise in Moissanite engagement rings specifically. This means that finding a ring that meets your expectations could be challenging. Additionally, Jeulia doesn't offer customised designs, so you'll have to choose from their available items like you would at any other retailer. When it comes to the quality of the gemstones used, the company doesn't provide much transparency, so you'll need to trust them. On the plus side, the prices are quite affordable. If you're looking for Moissanite necklaces or earrings to wear as fashion jewellery, Jeulia could be a good option.

Pros:

Very cheap
30-day return and exchange policy
Great for fashion-wear

Cons:

Not based in New Zealand
Limited range
No ability to customise rings
No transparency on the quality of Moissanites.

#3 Moissanite NZ

If you are a jeweller or craftsperson yourself, you may want to buy loose Moissanites and handmake your ring for your partner. Moissanite NZ is the place to go to. They are an independently owned Moissanite distributor in New Zealand and have been around since 1999.

Positives:

Can sell you loose Moissanites.
Great avenue if you want to build your own jewellery.

Negatives:

Don’t make jewellery themselves
Don’t provide a bespoke done-for-you service.

#4 NZ Diamonds

NZ Diamonds sell Moissanite engagement rings where you can customise your ring on their site. They have hundreds of options and you can pick and choose what you want. If you know exactly what you want, this is a great way to move quickly. You also need to pick the exact stone that you want. This includes grading, colour and cut. If you don’t know about these, you may end up with something that is not what you expect. Also, if you don’t know much about cuts, colours and the designs, it can seem like a bit of a maze to find what you are looking for. And if you want something a bit more bespoke, it may be a lot more difficult to create.

Positives:

Wide range of options.
Great if you know a lot about precious stones and precious metals already.
Takes between five days (if they have the stock) to three weeks for the ring to arrive.

Negatives:

Not bespoke design.
No sustainability statement

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can my friends distinguish between a moissanite and a diamond?

Moissanites possess a slightly more colourful and brilliant appearance than diamonds, but it is still difficult to differentiate between the two at first glance. A moissanite cut by a skilled professional is even harder to tell apart from a diamond.

- Are moissanites the same as lab-grown diamonds?

Moissanites are distinct gemstones with their own unique physical, chemical, and optical characteristics. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in terms of their physical, chemical, and optical properties.

- Are there any limitations to using moissanites instead of diamonds in Jewellery design?

There are no restrictions to using moissanites instead of diamonds, but it is vital to work with a reputable jeweller who understands the differences in cutting techniques. If a diamond cutter employs the same methods for cutting a moissanite, the stone will appear dull. At Raphana, we ensure that you receive the best diamond or moissanite possible through a series of checks and balances.

- How widely accepted are moissanite engagement rings?

In New Zealand, moissanites have gained popularity as engagement ring gemstones over the past two years due to their comparable physical and optical properties and affordability. It is also challenging to distinguish a moissanite from a diamond at first glance.

- Will moissanite rings last indefinitely?

Moissanites are the second hardest mineral on the planet, after diamonds, making them stronger than other precious stones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. If you take care of your moissanite piece, it will endure for generations.

- Are moissanite rings considered tacky?

Using a moissanite as the center stone for an engagement ring is not tacky. It is still a valuable gemstone that will last a lifetime, just like a diamond. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is a poor choice for an engagement ring because it is incredibly brittle and becomes increasingly dull with time.

- Do moissanites become cloudy over time?

Moissanites are not known to become cloudy over time. If they appear cloudy, it is most likely due to surface grime, which can be removed by rinsing the stone with warm soapy water and drying it with a microfiber cloth.

- Which band types complement moissanite gemstones?

Moissanite goes well with yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum bands. If you prefer a frosty finish, we suggest using platinum instead of white gold because white gold is plated and may begin to chip off after a few years.

- Should you design your wedding ring when designing your engagement ring?

At Raphana Jewellery, we recommend designing both rings together if possible. Gold color can vary slightly, and working with 3D models of the rings together makes things easier. Even if you cannot design the two rings together, working with a reputable jeweler like Raphana can still result in a flush finish and matching band colours.

- Are moissanites superior to diamonds?

Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. Moissanites have a comparable appearance to diamonds, but they are not diamonds. Moissanites are significantly less expensive, and a reputable jeweller can design them to your specifications.