A couple of years ago I discovered Moi Moi a unique jewellery store in Sydney's Queen Victoria Building and was introduced to their signature jewel Moissanite, described as the most brilliant jewel in the world which contains It has more brilliance, fire and lustre than any other jewel including diamond. Sound too good to be true? Of course it does - but Moissanite truly is amazing. Moissanite is the best diamond alternative for fine jewellery and offers fantastic value for money.
Since launching in Australia in 2004, Moi Moi jewellery designs have been seen on celebrities including Erin McNaught, Sami Lukas, Erika Heynatz, Layne Beachley, Lara Bingle, Jessica Gomes, Natalie Bassingthwaite, Kate Ritchie, Delta Goodrem and Ricki-Lee Coulter... that's an impressive star-studded following!
Stunning sister duo Lauren Chang Sommer, 33, and Alana Chang Weirick, 31, are not just pretty faces, they are really hands-on, involved in every aspect of their business and each hold a degree. From the moment you enter Moi Moi you can be sure that Alana or Lauren will be there to greet you and find time to have a chat. While Moissanite is the core of their business, Moi Moi also exclusively stocks the largest range of enamel jewellery available in the country, Miabelle. With an exciting new-look website and the recent appointment of Moi Moi ambassador Marijana Radmanovic, we could not wait to see what else is new. As usual Lauren and Alana were only too happy to discuss all things Moi Moi...
-What is Moissanite and how different
is it to diamonds?
Moissanite is a unique jewel with
more brilliance, fire and lustre than any jewel including diamond. It’s a
fraction of the cost as well, generally 90% less than a diamond of the same
quality. It’s different in these ways and also because it is a different
mineral – Silicon Carbide, whereas diamond is Carbon.
-If you were to place two identical
rings before someone made from the two different materials, could you detect
the difference?
It’s very difficult for even trained
jewellers to sometimes distinguish between Moissanite and Diamond. We had a
customer recently who took his Moissanite ring to a valuer for insurance
purposes, and the valuation certificate came back being graded as a diamond. Of
course this shouldn’t happen, jewellers and gemmologists should be able to tell
the difference under magnification, but many experts still have trouble. So no,
you cannot tell the difference with the naked eye between a Mossanite ring and
a diamond ring of the same quality.
-You introduced Moissanite to the
Australian market in 2004 with your boutique jewellery store, Moi Moi.
How did you discover the stone?
Lauren: I was looking to buy
some earrings for my wedding in 2004. The only options I could find were
either diamond which were between $10,000 to $20,000, or cubic zirconia which
were less than $100. I wanted something that was in between. It had to be
good quality that would last forever, but I wasn’t prepared to spend so much. Then my father bought some earrings for my mother whilst they were traveling
overseas. It was Moissanite, it was beautiful and it was exactly what I
was looking for. I set out to find some in Australia and
realised that even though Moissanite was available in more than 70 countries,
it had not yet reached Australia. It was a quick decision. I called
Alana and we decided together that it was a good opportunity and we had to get
onto it straight away. With no experience in jewellery or retail, we
opened our QVB store in Sydney just 5 months after first discovering
the stone in time for Christmas trading. My earrings cost $1,000 and I’ve
worn them 24/7 for 8 years!
-You are gorgeous sisters (and an
inspiration to aspiring business women). Your mum and dad are also involved in
the business. Is it difficult at times?
Thank you! It’s not difficult, we love working
together. We all take care of the business in slightly different ways, and
bounce off each other well. Perhaps in the first year or two us sisters fought
a little, but we’ve learnt to make it work smoothly. Mum and dad are a huge
help to the business as well. We are lucky that we all help each other so
much and have the same goals for the business.
-When people think of diamonds they
think of dollar signs! Has it been a difficult journey to persuade the minds of
consumers?
Yes! Our challenge with Moissanite is
to bring awareness to a market flooded with diamonds and the idea that a
diamond should be THE choice for an engagement ring. Many people were resistant
at first to even consider the possibility of an alternative gemstone, but
through a consistent education and awareness marketing campaign, we’ve
developed a very loyal and strong following. When you see Moissanite for
yourself you can understand the appeal. Moissanite is gemmologically more
beautiful than a diamond, and the value is undeniable so why wouldn’t you
choose Moissanite?!
-What are your current favourite Moi
Moi designs?
Alana: My favourite designs change
almost every week. Right now, I love a ring called “Delta” (18K White Gold, 1.87ct Moissanite) in our latest
collection called The Classique Collection. You are the first to get a sneak
peek - it hasn’t been launch yet! Halo rings are so fashionable right now, and
this is so delicate in design but substantial in stone size which is always
good.
The detail underneath the setting is a bit different to other plain halo
designs.
Lauren: “Katharine II” Pink (18K White Gold, 1.95ct Moissanite, 0.30tcw Created Pink Diamond) is my
favourite at the moment. I love the elegance and simplicity.
It’s a classic design with a modern edge. It features a 2 carat
Moissanite centre stone with two created pink diamonds either side.
-Which styles are popular with the Moi
Moi consumer?
Our best sellers are the “Audrey”
rings and the “Isabelle” rings. These are beautifully classic designs, very
much like the classic Tiffany & Co. settings. They are timeless designs. We
used to sell a lot of 1ct size stones when we first opened the store 8 years
ago. Now, we sell mostly 1.50ct-2ct size stones.
-What bridal trends are hot right
now?
Halo rings are a big bridal trend
right now.
-Gorgeous model Marijana Radmanovic
won your 2012 Face of Moi Moi competition. How did you choose her to represent the
business?
Marijana is an absolutely gorgeous
girl. Not only is she physically beautiful, she is very sweet, caring and
intelligent. It was important for us to have someone like this represent our
company. We also liked that her look could be easily related to by many
different customers across ages and nationalities.
-What fashion trends do you predict
this summer?
Vivid colours are huge this Spring /
Summer. To use colour in jewellery is exciting. You can make
existing neutral pieces from your wardrobe to be more on trend by adding
colourful accessories.
-Hot or not: mixing white, rose and
yellow gold accessories?
Hot!
-Which celebrity would you most love
to see wearing Moi Moi?
A classic beauty, someone like Charlize Theron.
-Lauren & Alana, what makes you
feel Spoilt?
Alana: Pedicures always make me feel spoilt. My husband and I love to
spoil ourselves by experiencing amazing restaurants.
Lauren: Between work and being a mum to my
two young girls, I feel extremely spoilt when I get an hour to myself.
It's such a treat and very precious time which I highly value.
Moi Moi: Website | Facebook
.png)
