ABOUT THE STONE
Moissanite, Honestly
Everything we wish more people knew before buying a moissanite piece.
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What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 in a meteorite crater, which is why people sometimes call it "the stone from the stars." Today, almost all moissanite used in jewelry is grown in a lab, where the same crystal structure can be created with consistent quality and without mining. It's not glass, not cubic zirconia, not a synthetic diamond. It's its own gemstone, and it's one of the most brilliant materials you can wear.
Is moissanite a diamond?
No. Moissanite and diamond are completely different stones. Diamond is pure carbon. Moissanite is silicon carbide. They look similar to the casual eye, but they're chemically and physically different. We don't sell diamonds and we don't try to pass moissanite off as one. Moissanite has its own properties, and many of them are actually superior to diamond, which is why we built House of Estara around it.
How does moissanite compare to a diamond visually?
Side by side, moissanite has more sparkle. It has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means more light bounces back at you, and it shows more colored flashes (jewelers call this "fire"). Some people describe diamond as having a cooler, whiter brilliance, and moissanite as more lively and vibrant. Neither is better, they're different. We think moissanite is more interesting to look at, but that's a matter of taste.
Will moissanite look fake or cheap?
Not at the quality level we sell. Cheap moissanite, the stuff sold for $30 on overseas marketplaces, can have visible color tints or cloudy spots, and it sets badly into low-grade metal. Our moissanite is graded D color (completely colorless) and VVS clarity (near-flawless to the eye), set in solid gold or platinum by hand. The result looks every bit like fine jewelry, because that's what it is.
Why moissanite over a lab-grown diamond?
Three honest reasons. First, moissanite has more brilliance and fire than diamond, so for the same look-at-me factor you get more sparkle. Second, moissanite is harder than every gemstone except diamond, which means it's built for daily wear. Third, moissanite costs significantly less than diamond at the same size and quality, so you can wear a bigger, better-cut stone without compromising on the metal it's set in. We chose moissanite because we believe it's the better stone, not because it's a cheaper alternative.
Is moissanite a "real" gemstone?
Yes. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that we now grow in labs at scale and quality. The stone in your House of Estara piece is structurally and chemically identical to natural moissanite. Lab-grown doesn't mean fake, it means we control the conditions to produce a stone with consistent color, clarity, and brilliance. The same way lab-grown emeralds and sapphires are real emeralds and sapphires.
Will moissanite hold its value?
Moissanite jewelry holds value for reasons different from natural diamond. The metal (gold or platinum) holds intrinsic value based on weight and purity, and the craft of a hand-set, hand-finished piece holds value as an object. The stone itself is unlikely to appreciate the way a rare natural diamond might, but it's also unlikely to lose value the way mass-produced costume jewelry does. We see Estara pieces as designed to be worn and loved for decades, not as investments, but they hold their character and quality over time.
QUALITY
What's in Every Piece
Stone grades, metal purity, and the standards we hold ourselves to.
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What makes Estara different from other moissanite jewelry?
Two things. First, every Estara stone is graded D color and VVS clarity, the highest grades available, and we don't compromise on either. Many brands will quietly use lower grades to bring prices down. Second, every piece is hand-set by skilled artisans, in solid 10K, 14K, or 18K gold or platinum, never plated or filled metal. The combination of stone quality, metal purity, and hand-finishing is what separates fine jewelry from costume jewelry, and it's where we focus.
Are the stones graded?
Yes. Our stones are hand-selected to D color (colorless, the highest grade) and VVS clarity (very, very slightly included, near-flawless to the unaided eye). Each piece comes with a House of Estara Certificate of Authenticity that documents the grade, cut, and metal composition.
What metals do you use?
A: Solid 10K, 14K, and 18K gold (in white, yellow, and rose), 925 sterling silver, and platinum 950. Every gold and platinum piece is stamped to indicate purity. We don't use plated, filled, or composite metals. Every piece is solid precious metal throughout.
Is your jewelry safe for sensitive skin?
Sensitivity varies a lot from person to person, and no jewelry can be guaranteed safe for everyone. That said, platinum 950 is generally the safest choice for sensitive skin because it's a high-purity, naturally non-reactive metal. Our 18K and 22K gold pieces also tend to work well for most people because of their high gold content, which means minimal contact with the alloys some people react to. If you've reacted to fine jewelry before, we'd recommend reaching out before ordering so we can help you pick the right metal for your skin.
I have a metal allergy. What should I choose?
Email us at care@houseofestara.com before placing your order. Tell us what metals have caused reactions for you in the past, and we'll help you pick a piece and metal that's most likely to work for your skin. For severe sensitivities, platinum 950 is usually the safest answer because of how stable and pure it is.
What if I have a reaction after wearing my piece?
Stop wearing the piece and email us at care@houseofestara.com within 14 days of delivery. We'll work with you to find a solution, whether that's a return, an exchange to a different metal, or another option that works for you. We want every piece to feel right, and that includes how it feels on your skin.
How do I know my piece is authentic?
Each order ships with a House of Estara Certificate of Authenticity that documents the stone specifications, metal composition, and our quality assurance. Keep the certificate with the piece, it's part of your documentation if you ever want to verify, resell, or have it appraised.
Will the metal tarnish, fade, or change color?
Solid gold (10K, 14K, 18K) doesn't tarnish under normal wear. Platinum doesn't tarnish either, it's one of the most stable precious metals there is. Sterling silver can develop a patina over time with exposure to air and skin oils, but a quick polish brings it back to bright. None of our pieces are plated, so you won't see plating wear off or color fade.
SIZING
Getting the Fit Right
Help with picking your size, plus what to do if it isn't quite right.
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How do I know my ring size?
All sizes on our site are US standard. If you don't know your size, the most reliable method is to visit a local jeweler and ask them to size you (most do this for free). Or you can measure a ring you already wear comfortably and compare to a sizing chart. We have a size guide on our site that includes US, UK, EU, and Indian conversions. If you're between sizes, size up rather than down, you can always have it resized down, but rings on the small side can cut off circulation.
What if my ring doesn't fit?
We resize within ±1 size of the original, free of cost. You only pay outbound shipping back to us, and we cover the return after resizing. For more than ±1 size, we charge a two-way shipping fee. Email us at care@houseofestara.com to start a resize.
Do you offer half sizes?
Yes, half sizes are available on most ring designs. Select your size in the dropdown on the product page. If you need a quarter or a non-standard size, email us before ordering and we'll let you know what's possible.
How do I figure out my partner's ring size without ruining the surprise?
A few options. The easiest: borrow a ring they already wear (preferably from the right hand, or a ring they wear on the same finger you're targeting), trace the inside circle on paper, and either measure the diameter or send us the tracing. We can work backward from that. Alternatively, ask their friend or sibling, they probably know.
CARE
Looking After Your Piece
Simple care that keeps your jewelry looking new for years.
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How do I take care of my piece?
Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones in the world, so it holds up to almost anything. Still, treat it like the fine jewelry it is. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, perfume, lotion, and chlorine. Wipe it down with the polishing cloth that came with your piece after wearing. Store it in the box it came in to keep it from scratching against other jewelry. That's pretty much it.
Can I shower or swim with my Estara piece?
We don't recommend it. Chlorinated water can dull metal over time, and shampoos and soaps can leave residue that builds up around stones. The piece won't be damaged by occasional exposure, but for daily showering or pool use, take it off. It only takes a moment, and it adds years to the piece.
Can I wear my Estara piece every day?
Yes, that's what they're built for. Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond. Solid gold and platinum settings are tough enough for daily wear. Just be reasonable with it: take it off for activities like rock climbing, gardening, or anything that involves heavy impact.
How do I clean my jewelry at home?
Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Dip the piece, gently brush around the stone and setting, rinse, and pat dry. Do this once a month or whenever the stone looks less brilliant. Avoid commercial jewelry cleaners with ammonia or harsh chemicals, they're harder on the metal than they need to be.
What if a stone falls out?
That's covered under our lifetime warranty if it's a manufacturing defect (faulty setting, weak prongs from the workshop). Email us at care@houseofestara.com with photos and we'll repair or replace it. If the stone fell out due to impact damage (you knocked it on something hard), we can usually still help, repairs are billed at cost.
ORDERING
Placing Your Order
The basics on payment, confirmation, and changes after you order.
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How do I make a purchase?
Pick the piece you want, choose your metal and size, and add to cart. Check out as a guest or log into your account. We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. You'll get an order confirmation email within minutes.
How do I know my order is confirmed?
You'll receive a confirmation email immediately after checkout with your order number and a summary of what you bought. If you don't see it within an hour, check your spam folder. If it's not there either, email us at care@houseofestara.com with your name and we'll find your order.
Can I change or cancel my order after I place it?
If you contact us before the piece ships (usually within 1–2 business days of ordering), yes. Email care@houseofestara.com as soon as possible. Once a piece is in production or has shipped, changes get harder, but we'll do what we can.
Can I change my shipping address after I place an order?
If the order hasn't shipped yet, yes, email us as soon as possible. Once it's in transit, address changes are limited to what the courier allows, but we'll do our best to help.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. Everything is processed through Shopify's secure checkout.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
Yes, we support Shop Pay Installments and Klarna, which let you split your order into 4 interest-free payments. The option appears at checkout for eligible orders.
Are prices in USD?
Yes. All prices are displayed in US Dollars. International customers can see approximate local currency through the converter on our site, but the final transaction is processed in USD.
SHIPPING
Getting It to You
How we ship, when to expect it, and what's included.
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Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide with free shipping to most countries. Delivery takes a few days longer than US/Canada orders depending on destination, and we cover customs and duties so you don't get hit with surprise charges at delivery.
When will my order be shipped?
We ship orders within 3–4 business days of order confirmation. You'll get a tracking link by email as soon as your piece is on the way.
How long until I receive my order?
For US and Canada, expect delivery within 7 days of placing your order. International orders typically arrive a few days later, depending on destination. Tracking is provided on every order so you'll know exactly where it is.
Is shipping really free?
Yes. Free shipping on every order, US and worldwide. We also cover customs and duties on most international orders, so the price you see is the price you pay.
Are packages insured?
Every order is fully tracked and insured in transit. If a package is lost or significantly delayed, we cover it, either reshipping at no cost or refunding you in full, your choice.
Will I have to sign for my package?
For most orders, no signature is required. The package is delivered to your address by your local courier with tracking. If you'd prefer a signature requirement for security, email us before your order ships and we can arrange it.
AFTER YOUR PURCHASE
Returns, Resizing & Warranty
What to do if you change your mind, need a different fit, or something goes wrong.
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What is your return policy?
You can return any non-personalized piece within 14 days of delivery if you change your mind. The piece needs to come back unworn, in its original packaging, with the Certificate of Authenticity. Free return shipping for US and Canada. Full details in our Returns & Warranty Policy.
How long does a refund take?
Once we receive your return, we inspect it within 48–72 hours, then issue your refund to the original payment method. Your bank usually takes 5–10 business days to post the refund, so the total time from "we receive it" to "money in your account" is about 7–14 days.
Can I exchange a piece for a different size or metal?
Yes, same 14-day window, same condition requirements. Email care@houseofestara.com to start an exchange.
What's covered under your lifetime warranty?
Manufacturing defects (faulty settings, broken prongs, clasps that fail without abuse) are repaired or replaced free of cost. Normal wear over time is covered with store credit toward a new piece. The warranty doesn't cover loss, theft, accidental damage, or modification by other jewelers, full details in our Returns & Warranty Policy.
My piece arrived damaged. What now?
That's our mistake to fix. Email care@houseofestara.com within 7 days of delivery with a photo, and we'll send a replacement at no cost. We cover shipping in both directions.
Can I return a personalized or custom piece?
Personalized pieces (engraved, custom designs) are non-returnable because they're made specifically for you. The exception: if we made an error in fulfilling the personalization, we replace it free.
CUSTOM PIECES
Made Just for You
Personalization, engraving, and bespoke design, what's possible and what's not.
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Do you offer custom jewelry?
es. Many of our existing designs can be customized, different stone sizes, different metals, different drop lengths, alternate setting styles. Email care@houseofestara.com with what you're thinking and we'll let you know what's possible. For fully bespoke pieces (a one-of-a-kind design from scratch), we take limited custom orders. Reach out and we'll discuss.
Can I get a piece engraved?
Yes, we offer engraving on most rings and some pendants. Letters, numbers, and select symbols are supported. Personalization is executed exactly as you submit it, so double-check spelling, capitalization, and spacing before you order.
How long does a custom or personalized order take?
Personalization (engraving, simple modifications) typically adds 3–4 business days to the standard processing time. Fully custom pieces take longer, we'll quote a specific timeline when we discuss your project.
Can I return a custom piece if I change my mind?
Custom and personalized pieces are non-returnable, since they're made specifically for you. We'll work with you on the design before production to make sure you're confident in what you're getting.
