Yes. San Jose Jewelers offers moissanite, lab-grown diamonds and earth-mined diamonds for custom college ring designs. Our Platinum Silver college rings now feature moissanite, and we no longer use cubic zirconia (CZ) stones.
Your stone selection helps shape your ring’s appearance and price. Here is how the options differ and what to confirm when choosing your design.
What Stones Are in Our Platinum Silver College Rings?
Our current Platinum Silver college rings use moissanite. This replaces the cubic zirconia option described in earlier versions of this guide. We no longer use CZ stones in our college rings.
Moissanite is a distinct gemstone, not a diamond. Choosing Platinum Silver with moissanite gives you that stone option in a silver-based metal. Learn more about the metal in our Platinum Silver guide.
If you already own a San Jose ring, this update does not identify the stones in your earlier purchase. Contact our team with your order details if you would like help confirming your ring’s specifications.
What Stone Choices Are Available for Gold College Rings?
Our college ring lineup includes solid 10k and 14k gold. Gold ring designs offer moissanite, lab-grown diamond and earth-mined diamond choices, with the available selections shown for your specific design.
Choose your university and ring style, then review the metal and stone options together. If you do not see the combination you want, ask us about availability before ordering. Read more about the real gold used in our college rings.
Moissanite, Lab-Grown Diamonds and Earth-Mined Diamonds
Moissanite
Moissanite used in jewelry is typically laboratory-created silicon carbide. It is a diamond alternative with its own composition and optical properties. It is neither a lab-grown diamond nor cubic zirconia.
Explore our moissanite versus diamond comparison for more help choosing.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds created in a controlled laboratory environment. They have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, but a different origin. Learn more in our guide to lab-grown diamonds.
Earth-Mined Diamonds
Earth-mined, or natural, diamonds form in the earth. They are an option for customers who prefer a diamond with natural origin.
The Gemological Institute of America explains these stone distinctions in more detail.
Can I Add Color Stones to My College Ring?
Color stones can help personalize your ring with school colors or a combination that has meaning to you. The gemstone used for a colored accent is a separate specification from the moissanite or diamond selection for the rest of the design.
We no longer use CZ stones, including in our current color-stone offerings. Review the options for your selected ring and contact us to confirm the exact gemstone, whether it is natural or lab-grown, and availability in your preferred color and size.
A color name alone does not identify a gemstone. For example, “blue” describes an appearance; it does not establish a stone’s material or origin. Our sapphire identification guide explains why those distinctions matter.
How to Choose Stones for Your College Ring
- Start with your university and preferred ring style.
- Choose your metal and review the stone options for that design.
- Compare the appearance and price of the available combinations.
- Confirm the identity of any colored accent stones.
- Ask about care and the warranty that applies to your ring.
Our class-ring budget guide can help you weigh the choices. You can also schedule a virtual appointment to discuss your design with our team.
Ready to start? Explore the custom college ring builder to create a ring that reflects your school and personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Jose Jewelers still use cubic zirconia?
No. We no longer use CZ stones in our college rings. Our current Platinum Silver rings feature moissanite.
Is moissanite a real diamond?
No. Moissanite is its own gemstone. Lab-grown diamonds and earth-mined diamonds are diamond; moissanite is a different material.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds with laboratory origin rather than natural origin.
Are all colored accents moissanite?
Do not assume a colored accent is moissanite because the ring’s other stones are moissanite. Ask our team to confirm the exact colored gemstone for your design.