Interested in moissanite but not too sure about the gem? We’ve got your complete guide on this gorgeous diamond substitute.
Table of Contents
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite has a different chemical makeup from natural and lab grown diamonds. While a diamond is pure carbon, moissanite is both silica and carbon. As a result, Moissanite sparkles differently and is slightly less hard than diamond. In terms of appearance, it does look nearly identical to a diamond and sparkles even more.
Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so most moissanite available today is created in laboratories. Moissanite is often referred to as a diamond simulant and sold as a substitute, giving the illusion of similarity to diamonds.
How Is Moissanite Made?
The basic process of making moissanite involves the same pressure and heat, similar to what is needed when it’s formed in nature. Silicon carbide powder is heated enough to become a gas. Then, through a carefully monitored process, the right chemical and environmental conditions are created to allow the moissanite to grow. This process can take a few months.
The History & Origins Of Moissanite
Henri Moissan was the first person to identify these stones in 1893 in a crater caused by a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. At first, he believed he’d found diamonds, it was only 11 years later that he discovered the stones had a different chemical makeup and were, in fact, natural silicon carbide.
Nowadays, since these stones are so rare, most moissanite gems are created in controlled lab environments using advanced technology. Moissanites require absolutely no mining to produce, making their origins easily traceable.
Why Choose A Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Moissanite is appealing to modern jewelry buyers for several stellar reasons, but is it the best option for an engagement ring? Let’s count all the ways why moissanite may be the best option for your dream ring.
Exceptional Brilliance
Moissanite exhibits remarkable sparkle and fire, often surpassing that of diamonds. Its high refractive index results in a dazzling play of light.
Affordability
Moissanite is a cost-effective alternative to diamonds, allowing you to allocate your budget wisely. You can get a larger and more eye-catching stone for your money.
Durability
Moissanite ranks high on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for everyday wear. It is resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking.
Uniqueness
Moissanite is a distinct gem with its own characteristics, offering a unique and captivating choice. It stands as a symbol of your individuality and style.
Color Options
Moissanite comes in various colors, including colorless (D-F) and near-colorless (G-H), allowing you to select the perfect hue for your ring.
Customization
Moissanite engagement rings offer versatile design options, enabling you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personality and love story.
Proven Quality
Moissanite has been extensively tested for its quality and performance, ensuring you receive a beautiful and enduring gem.
Conflict-Free
By choosing moissanite, you contribute to the avoidance of potential conflict associated with diamond mining.
Low Maintenance
Moissanite requires minimal care to maintain its brilliance, making it a practical choice for busy lifestyles.
What Are The Qualities Of Moissanite?
Moissanite vs Diamond: Color
Moissanite comes in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades. This is perfect if you’re looking for a more traditional-looking center stone. On the other hand, diamonds come in every color under the rainbow. You will have no trouble finding an affordable white or fancy color lab diamond.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Price
Moissanite certainly has an advantage over diamonds in terms of price. If you choose to go with a moissanite engagement ring, you’ll pay almost four times less than that of a lab grown diamond ring. If you’re looking to maximize your budget and the size of your center stone, a moissanite ring may be the best option.
Moissanite vs Diamonds: Durability
A gemstone’s durability is measured using the Mohs hardness scale. FYI, diamonds are the hardness substance on earth, rating a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale!
Moissanite doesn’t do too badly either, coming in a close second at 9.25 on the scale. This means your moissanite ring will remain clear and unscratched. In fact, the only thing hard enough to scratch it would be a diamond.
Moissanite Pros And Cons
Moissanite Pros
- Budget-Friendly. Moissanite is cheaper than diamonds, making it an attractive option for budget shoppers. It has many similarities with diamonds, such as being high in fire and brilliance. To the untrained eye, it looks like a diamond. Some married couples have opted for moissanite wedding rings because it’s less expensive while remaining durable and beautiful.
- Inclusions Aren’t Visible to the Naked Eye. Diamonds in which inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye are usually more expensive than those that don’t have inclusions visible to the naked eye for obvious reasons. When you shop for moissanite, you don’t have to worry about making a choice between a gemstone with inclusions and a gemstone without inclusions. Moissanite doesn’t have inclusions visible to the naked eye. This eases the buying process and helps you save money as well.
- Exceptional Brilliance. Part of a diamond’s appeal is how sparkly it is. Moissanite is also sparkly due to its high level of brilliance. Many people are surprised to find out that moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds. Thus, if sparkle is important to you in the gemstone you want to buy, moissanite is a good option. It rivals the sparkle of diamonds.
Moissanite Cons
- It’s Not a Diamond – The biggest drawback of moissanite has nothing to do with its durability, sparkle, or clarity. It’s that moissanite isn’t a diamond. Many people view a diamond ring as a necessity in marriage. You may have to deal with some ridicule if you and your spouse opt for a moissanite ring instead of a diamond one. Even when it comes to other jewelry, others can be judgmental about someone with moissanite jewelry because they view it as an alternative to diamonds.
- Not As Valuable as a Diamond. If owning valuable or expensive jewelry is important to you, then moissanite might not be a better option than diamonds right now. Although they are stronger than diamonds and have higher fire and brilliance, consumers don’t view them as valuable as diamonds. Due to the rules of supply and demand, diamonds are still more valuable and expensive. People are willing to pay more for a diamond despite its slightly weaker characteristics.
How To Clean Your Moissanite Ring At Home
Jewelry maintenance doesn’t need to cost you a lot but it is important if you want to maintain that shine you love. Try out our DIY cleaning tips for moissanite engagement rings and other moissanite jewelry.
FAQs
Is moissanite a fake diamond?
Moissanite is not a fake diamond, but rather a distinct gemstone composed of silicon carbide. While it shares some visual similarities with diamonds, it has its own unique properties and characteristics.
Is moissanite a real gemstone?
Moissanite is absolutely a real gemstone. Composed of silicon carbide, moissanite is a popular diamond alternative due to its many visual similarities.
Will moissanite pass a diamond test?
Moissanite typically won’t pass a traditional diamond test, such as a thermal conductivity test or a diamond tester, as it has different thermal and electrical conductivity properties than natural diamonds.
Is moissanite affordable?
Moissanite stones are generally more affordable than diamonds due to differences in rarity and production costs. Natural diamonds are scarce, whereas moissanite can be created in laboratories, making it more cost-effective.
Can you shower with moissanite?
Yes, you can shower with moissanite jewelry. Moissanite is a durable gemstone that can withstand exposure to water and mild detergents. However, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as they can potentially damage the metal settings or diminish the gemstone’s brilliance over time.
Is moissanite ethical?
Moissanite is often considered an ethical gemstone option. This is likely because most moissanite is lab grown since naturally occurring moissanite is very rare. This controlled environment is largely considered to be conflict-free and without ethical concerns that can be associated with gemstones that are mined from the earth.
The Verdict on Moissanite
Moissanite is a remarkable gemstone that has gained popularity for its striking brilliance, durability, and affordability. While it may resemble diamonds, it possesses unique qualities that set it apart. So why not invest in your dream moissanite engagement ring or fine jewelry today?
Still have questions about this gem? Feel free to contact our exceptional customer service team, available 24/7!
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Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.