Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What materials are used in Messou jewelry?
All Messou pieces are crafted using high-quality lab-grown diamonds, gemstones, and solid 18k recycled gold. We are dedicated to only using sustainable and ethically sourced materials, ensuring our production follows stringent standards for energy use and carbon footprint, water usage and recycling, labor practices and fair wages, traceability and transparency, and environmental impact and sustainability initiatives throughout our supply chain. We continually strive to push these standards forward, consistently seeking the best possible ways to improve and support ethical and sustainable practices.
Where does Messou source its diamonds and gemstones?
Our lab-grown diamonds and gemstones are sourced from reputable suppliers in the US, China, Belgium, and Dubai. We ensure that each gem is ethically sourced and meets our and all global environmental and social sustainability standards.
Can I customize a piece of Messou jewelry?
Yes you can to a certain extent. We offer a limited edition of special customization of each of our existing Messou pieces; we can update the precious metal, the gemstones, and the stone carat. Please email us the SKU number, style name, and stone preferences and our design team will contact you with a quote and further details.
Do you design one-of-a-kind pieces?
Yes we do to a certain extent. Our Creative Director, who has designed all our pieces, also creates a few one-of-a-kind fine jewelry pieces each year in collaboration with special clients. Don't hesitate to contact pr@messou.co with special requests, and let's see how we can collaborate.
Do you have physical locations where I can try on the jewelry?
Currently, Messou pieces are exclusively available online at www.messou.co
Diamonds and Gemstones
What is the difference between lab-grown diamonds and earth-mined diamonds?
Lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds have identical physical and chemical properties, making them both natural. The primary difference lies in their origin: mined diamonds are formed over billions of years, whereas lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments over a few weeks using advanced technology. Another less-known differentiator is that lab-grown diamonds typically have less nitrogen content compared to mined diamonds, resulting in fewer color impurities and often higher purity. Both are made of natural materials and are authentic diamonds.
Can you tell the difference between an earth-mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond?
To the naked eye, distinguishing between an earth-mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond is impossible. Professional gemologists using specialized equipment can detect subtle differences in growth patterns and inclusions. However, both types of diamonds offer the same properties, and their quality can hence be classified by the exact same standards.
Do lab-grown diamonds test positive on a diamond tester?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds test positive on a diamond tester. These testers measure thermal conductivity, which means measuring how effectively something transfers heat. Diamonds are exceptional at heat transfer—a trait shared by lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds, confirming their authenticity.
Are lab-grown diamonds fake?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are as authentic as those mined from the earth. They are identical to earth-mined diamonds in every aspect except for their origin. Lab-grown diamonds possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as their mined counterparts, exhibiting the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle.
Scintillation is the sparkling effect seen in diamonds and other gemstones. It is characterized by the rapid flashes of light that occur as the stone, the observer, or the light source moves. This optical phenomenon results from the way light is reflected and refracted within the gem, creating a dynamic display of brightness and contrast.
Scintillation is one of the Four Cs used to define the diamond quality. The others are color, clarity, and cut. Lab-grown and mined diamonds are both measured on the same quality spectrum.
Why does Messou use exclusively lab-grown diamonds and gemstones?
Lab-grown diamonds minimize environmental impact by reducing land- and ecosystem disruption, lowering carbon emissions, using less water, eliminating harmful chemicals, and avoiding the many moral and ethical issues associated with large-scale mining.
Precious Metals
How does Messou promote sustainability?
Sustainability is central to Messou. Our use of lab-grown diamonds conserves significant environmental resources compared to mining. We are continuously working to reduce our carbon footprint and support global renewable energy projects.
Where does the gold used in Messou jewelry come from?
We purchase all our gold from Heraeus in Hong Kong, which provides all necessary certifications to ensure our gold is not just recycled but adheres to our commitment to transparency and social and environmental sustainability.
How can you guarantee the sustainability of your gold?
Our supplier of recycled gold, Heraeus, is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Their membership ensures that the gold used in our jewelry is both sustainably and ethically sourced.
Why does Messou use exclusively recycled gold?
Recycled gold minimizes environmental impact by reducing the need for new large-scale mining, which in turn decreases land disruption and ecosystem disruption, lowers carbon emissions, conserves water, and prevents the release of toxic chemicals associated with gold extraction.
