Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you wanted to know about Smonu, moissanite, shipping, and caring for your piece — all in one place. Can't find what you're looking for? Email hello@smonu.com and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.

About Moissanite

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone first discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Henri Moissan. Today, the moissanite used in fine jewelry is laboratory-grown — identical in atomic structure to natural moissanite, but created sustainably without mining.

Is moissanite a real gemstone?

Yes — 100%. Moissanite is a real gemstone with its own chemical composition (silicon carbide). It's not a "fake diamond" or a "simulant." It's its own thing, with its own beauty.

How does moissanite compare to a diamond?

Moissanite actually has more brilliance and more fire than a diamond — it literally sparkles more under the same light. Hardness: 9.25 Mohs (diamond is 10). Refractive Index: 2.65 (diamond is 2.42). Fire/Dispersion: 0.104 (diamond is 0.044). And it's almost as hard, meaning it lasts just as long. All at a fraction of the cost.

Will moissanite cloud or lose its sparkle over time?

Never. Unlike cubic zirconia (which can cloud), moissanite keeps its brilliance forever. A quick clean with warm soapy water is all you need.

Is moissanite certified?

Yes — every Smonu moissanite piece comes with a GRA (Gemological Research Association) Certificate confirming D Color (the highest, colorless grade), VVS1 Clarity (virtually flawless), Excellent Cut grade, and carat weight and dimensions.

About Smonu

Why do your pieces have names?

Because we believe a piece of jewelry deserves a soul. Every Smonu piece is named with intention, because we believe naming gives meaning, and meaning is what turns an accessory into a keeper.

Where are your pieces made?

Our pieces are designed in-house and handcrafted in our partner atelier by master jewelers with decades of experience. Each piece is inspected three times — at casting, at setting, and before packaging.

Is Smonu ethical and sustainable?

Yes. 100% lab-grown stones — zero mining, zero conflict, zero child labor. Made in small batches, not mass-produced.

Do you offer custom or personalized pieces?

Not at this time, but it's something we're actively exploring. Join our newsletter to be the first to know when custom services launch.

Ordering & Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept PayPal. Additional payment methods may be added in the future — available options are always displayed at checkout.

Is my payment secure?

Absolutely. All payments are processed through PCI-DSS compliant providers, with SSL encryption on every page. Your financial information is handled entirely by the payment provider — we never see or store it.

Do you have a physical store?

Not yet — Smonu is online-only for now. This lets us keep prices accessible (no rent, no middlemen) and ship directly from our workshop to you.

Can I cancel or modify my order?

You may cancel or modify your order at any time before it has shipped by emailing hello@smonu.com. For the best chance of cancellation, contact us as soon as possible after placing your order. Once an order has shipped, it can no longer be cancelled, but you may follow our standard return process after delivery.

Shipping

How long does shipping take?

All orders are processed within 2–5 business days. After processing:
US Standard: 8–15 business days (Free on orders $99+)
US Express (DHL/FedEx): 4–7 business days
UK: 10–15 business days (Free on orders $99+)
EU / Canada / Australia / NZ: 10–18 business days (Free on orders $99+)
Rest of World: 15–25 business days

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes! We ship to nearly every country in the world.

Will I be charged customs or import duties?

United States — Import duties and taxes may apply and may be collected by the carrier at delivery.
UK & EU — VAT is calculated and collected at checkout. You will not be charged VAT again at delivery.
Australia & New Zealand — GST is collected at checkout where required.
Canada — Most orders clear customs without duty charges, but GST/HST may be collected at delivery.
All other countries — Import duties, taxes, and customs fees may apply and are the recipient's responsibility.

How can I track my order?

As soon as your order ships, we send you an email with a tracking number and link. You can follow your package in real time.

My tracking says "delivered" but I don't have it. What do I do?

1. Check with neighbors and building management
2. Look for a "safe drop" spot (porch, garage)
3. Wait 24 hours — couriers sometimes mark packages as delivered early
4. If it's still missing, email hello@smonu.com and we'll help you file a claim

Returns & Exchanges

What's your return policy?

30 days from delivery. Full refund to your original payment method. No restocking fees on unworn items. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility for change-of-mind returns; Smonu covers shipping for damaged, defective, or wrong items. Items under $99 may qualify for a refund without return under our "Keep It" policy. Exchanges welcome.

What can't I return?

Worn or altered pieces, earrings (for hygiene reasons, unless defective), personalized or custom-made items, pieces without original packaging, and "Final Sale" items.

My piece arrived damaged. What do I do?

Email hello@smonu.com as soon as possible, within 30 days of delivery, with your order number, a photo of the piece showing the issue, and a photo of the original packaging. We'll ship a replacement immediately — at our expense — and you don't need to return the damaged piece.

Can I exchange for a different size or piece?

Absolutely. Email hello@smonu.com and we'll set up the exchange. No restocking fees, no "store credit only" games.

Sizing & Fit

How do I know my ring size?

Three easy ways:
1. Use our free printable ring sizer — email us at hello@smonu.com and we'll send you one
2. Visit a local jeweler for a free sizing
3. Measure a ring you already own — measure the inside diameter in mm and compare to our size chart

What if the ring doesn't fit?

No worries — we offer size exchanges within 30 days. Just email us at hello@smonu.com and we'll help you find the right fit.

How long is your standard necklace chain?

Most of our necklaces come with an adjustable chain (16"-18") so you can wear them higher on the collarbone or lower for a relaxed look.

Are your earrings heavy?

No — all our earring posts and backs are designed for all-day comfort. Most weigh less than 5 grams per pair.

Materials & Care

What metals do you use?

S925 Sterling Silver — hypoallergenic, timeless. 18K Gold-Plated Sterling Silver — warm gold tones over a solid silver base. Rhodium plating — for our white gold-look pieces. Stainless Steel & Titanium Steel — hypoallergenic, water-resistant. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) — brilliant, affordable accent stones. All pieces are nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

How do I clean my Smonu piece?

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the piece for 5 minutes. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive scrubs.

Can I shower, swim, or sleep with my jewelry on?

We recommend taking your pieces off before showering (soap residue dulls the shine), swimming (chlorine and salt water can tarnish plating), sleeping (avoids snags and bent prongs), exercising (sweat can affect plating), and applying perfume, lotion, or hair spray.

Will the gold plating wear off?

Gold plating naturally thins over time with regular wear — this is normal for all plated jewelry. With proper care, our 18K gold plating lasts 3–5 years of regular wear. Plating wear is not covered under warranty. See our Jewelry Care Guide for tips.

Gifts

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Every Smonu piece comes in a beautiful gift box with a soft velvet insert by default — no extra charge, no extra step. It's ready to be gifted as-is.

Can I include a handwritten note?

Yes! At checkout, you can add a gift message (up to 300 characters) and we'll include a handwritten card with your order.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes — we offer digital gift cards starting from $200. They're delivered instantly via email and never expire.

Warranty

What does the warranty cover?

Smonu offers tiered warranty coverage:
Moissanite center stones — Limited lifetime warranty against loss of brilliance, fire, chipping, or breakage under normal wear
Sterling silver settings — 2-year craftsmanship warranty against manufacturing defects
Stainless steel & titanium steel pieces — 1-year craftsmanship warranty against manufacturing defects
No registration required — just email us with your order number.

What's NOT covered?

Normal wear and tear, tarnish or patina on sterling silver, fading or wear of gold plating, CZ stones (fashion stone), loss or theft, damage from chemicals, accidental damage, and alterations or repairs done elsewhere.

How do I file a warranty claim?

Email hello@smonu.com with your order number and a photo of the issue. We'll take care of it.

Still Have Questions?

We're real people — and we read every email.

Email: hello@smonu.com
Response time: Within 1–2 business days, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)

With love,
The Smonu team