News
UK Jewellery Industry Pushes for Moissanite Certification Standards in 2025
LONDON, UK – July 2025 — As moissanite surges in popularity across the UK for its affordability, ethical appeal, and diamond-like sparkle, jewellers are increasingly calling for formal certification standards to regulate its sale and grading. Without industry-backed guidelines, consumers are left vulnerable to misrepresentation—particularly in online marketplaces, where moissanite is often mislabelled as a "lab diamond." Unlike diamonds, which benefit from globally recognised grading systems from institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), moissanite remains unregulated. This lack of oversight has opened the door to inconsistent labelling, questionable certifications, and a general lack of transparency—an issue industry professionals believe is damaging trust within the market. Search Trends Reveal a Spike in Public Uncertainty Data from Google Trends shows a sharp rise in UK searches for terms such as "GRA moissanite fake", "moissanite certification", and "Is moissanite a real diamond?". The increase, observed between January and June 2025, underscores growing confusion around what moissanite is—and whether it's being marketed honestly. Reddit and Quora Users Voice Concerns That confusion is echoed across online forums where UK buyers seek clarity about their purchases. On Reddit's r/EngagementRingsUK, questions like "I was told this was a lab diamond, but now I'm not sure—how can I check if it's moissanite?" are becoming common. Similarly, Quora threads show UK-based shoppers are asking pointed questions such as: "How do I know if moissanite is real or fake?" "Is GRA a legitimate certificate for moissanite in the UK?" These platforms highlight a growing issue: without standardisation, buyers lack reliable tools for verification—and often only discover discrepancies after the purchase has been made. Jewellers Urge Regulatory Action Jewellery professionals across the UK are now calling on trade authorities and gemological institutions to introduce a clear, enforceable grading standard for moissanite. "Without clear moissanite standards, we're seeing a Wild West situation—some sellers market moissanite as a diamond alternative, others just label it 'lab diamond' outright," said a spokesperson from a London-based ethical jeweller. While some UK retailers rely on documentation from Charles & Colvard, one of the original commercial producers of moissanite, or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), these certificates are not universally recognised or regulated. More concerning is the widespread use of GRA certificates, which many Reddit and Quora users say are easily forged or unverifiable. A common sentiment across Reddit threads is that GRA documentation amounts to "just a sticker and a QR code with no database behind it." Proposals for Moissanite Grading Standards Industry leaders suggest that any official certification system should reflect moissanite's distinct optical properties—including its higher refractive index, double refraction, and unique colour dispersion—rather than mimic diamond grading verbatim. Suggested features of a new standard include: QR-verifiable grading reports UV watermarking Public-access gemstone databases "Moissanite deserves transparency—it's not a knockoff; it's a beautiful gem with its strengths," said one UK gemologist during a Reddit AMA. Next Steps: White Paper in Progress A white paper is currently being developed by a coalition of UK jewellers, aiming to promote the national-level adoption of certification standards and potential alignment with international grading laboratories. In the meantime, consumers are advised to: Request verifiable documentation Purchase from UK-based retailers with transparent policies Research thoroughly via trusted platforms like Reddit and Quora With the UK jewellery industry now actively leading the charge, 2025 could mark the beginning of a more transparent, trustworthy moissanite market—both domestically and globally.
🗓July 15, 2025
Fake Diamond Listings? UK Jewellers Warn Against Moissanite Mislabeling in Online Marketplaces
UK jewellers are warning consumers about a growing number of online listings that misrepresent moissanite as lab-grown diamonds. The alerts come amid rising reports of buyers receiving moissanite stones that were marketed as diamonds on platforms such as eBay, AliExpress, and unregulated online boutiques. Moissanite, a lab-created gemstone renowned for its exceptional brilliance and affordability, is gaining popularity in the UK. However, industry experts say the visual similarity between moissanite and diamond is being exploited by some sellers who intentionally mislabel products to command higher prices. The issue has gained traction as consumer confusion becomes more visible. Google Trends data shows a significant increase in UK-based search queries such as “moissanite vs diamond,” “Is moissanite fake,” and “moissanite engagement ring UK” over the first half of 2025. Source: Google Trends Concerns are echoed across online forums. On Reddit’s r/EngagementRingsUK, users have questioned the legitimacy of stones they believed to be diamonds but later suspected to be moissanite. “I was told this was a lab diamond, but now I’m not sure—how can I check if it’s moissanite?” one user posted. Source: Reddit Similar discussions are occurring on r/Moissanite, where users report stones failing thermal diamond testers—an issue consistent with moissanite’s different physical properties. Source: Reddit On Quora, UK users have raised questions about moissanite being marketed as lab-grown diamonds, with some reporting deceptive listings on sites that do not offer gemological certification. Source: Quora Industry professionals are now calling for regulatory intervention. Many are advocating for stricter guidelines requiring clear gemstone disclosure and mandatory third-party certification, such as from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), for all diamond and diamond-alternative sales. “There is currently no obligation for sellers to disclose the difference between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, especially on global marketplaces,” said a spokesperson for a London-based jewellery retailer. “This lack of regulation creates a risk of consumer fraud.” Retailers have also urged online platforms to verify gem listings before publishing and to penalize vendors that repeatedly mislabel their products. While moissanite is a legitimate gemstone in its own right, its use as a stand-in for diamonds—without full disclosure—is seen as a growing threat to consumer trust in the jewellery market. The issue is further complicated by trends on social media platforms such as TikTok and Pinterest, where moissanite jewellery has been promoted widely for its affordability and sparkle. These posts often fail to clarify that moissanite is not a diamond, contributing to public misunderstanding. In response to the confusion, UK jewellers have begun launching consumer awareness campaigns focused on how to verify gemstones, read certificates, and use both thermal and electrical testers—since moissanite can mimic diamonds in some basic heat tests but not in electrical conductivity. Until comprehensive regulations are introduced, experts advise consumers to shop only with verified sellers, request lab reports for any stone advertised as a diamond, and treat any product listed without certification as potentially misrepresented. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Trading Standards have not yet issued formal guidance specific to moissanite labelling, but industry groups are expected to petition for legislative updates later this year.
🗓July 15, 2025
UK Searches for Moissanite Rings Surge by 340% in 12 Months – What’s Driving It?
LONDON — July 2025: Online searches for "moissanite rings" in the UK have surged by over 340% in the past year, according to Google Trends data, indicating a significant shift in consumer interest toward affordable and ethically sourced alternatives to mined diamonds. The rise is being attributed to a confluence of factors, including mounting cost-of-living pressures, increasing awareness of sustainable sourcing, and viral social media trends driven by celebrity influence. Rising Ethical Concerns Around Traditional Diamonds The UK jewellery market has witnessed a marked shift in consumer sentiment as awareness grows regarding the environmental and humanitarian impacts of diamond mining. Moissanite, an artificially created gemstone composed of silicon carbide, has emerged as a leading alternative to diamonds. Its manufacturing process avoids the environmental degradation and conflict associations tied to diamond extraction. "Consumers—especially younger demographics—are asking harder questions about where their jewellery comes from," said an analyst from Ethical Consumer UK. "Moissanite offers a transparent alternative." According to Deloitte's 2024 UK Gen Z & Millennial Survey, over 60% of these consumers now actively consider sustainability and social values before making a luxury purchase. Economic Conditions Driving Affordable Alternatives The moissanite boom also coincides with economic stress. As the UK continues to grapple with the effects of high inflation, stagnant wages, and elevated living costs, consumers are prioritising affordability without sacrificing aesthetics. Moissanite costs approximately 80–90% less than a mined diamond of equivalent visual size and quality. With jewellery classified as a discretionary purchase, this price difference has driven consumers to seek out lower-cost alternatives. "Jewellery purchases are increasingly about smart value," noted a market economist from the Centre for Retail Research. "Moissanite delivers that balance of quality and affordability that fits the current economic climate." Statista data shows that inflation is still affecting consumer purchasing patterns across both luxury and non-essential sectors. TikTok Influence and Celebrity-Inspired Designs Online platforms are also fueling the surge in interest in moissanite. Videos under the hashtag #MoissaniteRing have received over 400 million views on TikTok in the past 12 months, according to HypeAuditor's 2025 TikTok Trend Report. Popular videos often compare moissanite to diamonds, emphasising its comparable brilliance and affordability. This online momentum has been further amplified by consumer emulation of celebrity engagement rings—most notably, oval-cut styles similar to those worn by Blake Lively and Hailey Bieber. While these celebrities wear diamonds, their ring designs have influenced moissanite copycat versions that dominate UK online marketplaces and bridal forums. The Broader Shift Toward Sustainable Luxury Beyond individual purchasing decisions, the moissanite trend reflects a broader shift toward values-based luxury. A 2024 joint report by McKinsey and Business of Fashion found that 67% of Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to support brands that align with their personal ethics and environmental values (McKinsey, 2024). Experts believe the rise of moissanite may be part of a larger recalibration of luxury itself—moving away from exclusivity and toward transparency, accountability, and accessibility. What's Next With interest in moissanite rapidly growing, industry analysts predict increased adoption across mid-tier and high-end jewellery retailers. Some have called for clearer grading standards and better consumer education around moissanite's characteristics, especially as demand begins to rival that of lab-grown diamonds. As of July 2025, the UK jewellery sector is responding to a new kind of consumer: one who expects both sparkle and substance.
🗓July 14, 2025
