This article will find out the crucial differences between Moissanite and diamond, including durability, brilliance, clarity and color, and how to select the suitable Moissanite gemstone for your jewelry making.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone born from the stars. Later on called “moissanite” in honor of Dr. Moissan, who was the first discovered in 1893 in Arizona.
Moissanite is exceptionally unusual. After many years of trial and error, the particles Moissan uncovered were successfully laboratory-created to generate what is currently one of the globe’s most scintillating gemstones.
Moissanite, described as a diamond simulant, is engineered to give the impression of similarity to diamonds but is compositionally and aesthetically quite different from a natural diamond. The durability, sparkle, and color of the two treasures are pretty distinctive. One typical residential or commercial property of both Moissanite and diamond is that they are both excellent thermal conductors.
What are the benefits of Moissanite?
Mining Free: Moissanite is lab created with minimal ecological impact.
Toughness: Moissanite stones are a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are suitable for everyday wear.
Value: Moissanite is cheaper per carat than numerous other gems.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: What are the differences?
1. Durability.
Gemstones are gauged on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which assesses a gem’s capability to hold up against surface area scraping.
On the Mohs Scale range, Moissanite gems are a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are appropriate for daily wear.
Diamonds are the hardest known mineral and get a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. As a result of this outstanding hardness, diamonds are very resilient and excellent for daily wear. This contributes to their popularity as engagement rings’ center gemstones.
2. Brilliance.
Brilliance describes the look of light mirrored from the interior of the gem. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65 – 2.69, higher than a natural diamond.
Moissanites exhibit a different kind of brilliance than diamonds, as their faceting pattern is different. Some fiery rainbow flashes discharged by Moissanites are precious, yet others feel that Moissanite’s high brightness can produce a “disco ball” impact, particularly in sunlight.
Various type of radiance is what makes it feasible to differentiate a Moissanite from a diamond. The surface shimmer of a diamond understood as scintillation is the 3rd type of diamond light return.
3. Color.
Shade is the natural color or absence of shade noticeable within a gem.
While Moissanites are classified as “colorless”, the treasures can still forecast a yellow or grayish shade in specific lights. Right here once again, the larger the Moissanite, the extra recognizable the color.
A colorless diamond, whether all-natural or lab created, has an all-natural body shade that contains no traces of yellow, brown, or grey, resulting in a dazzling, brilliant white appearance.
4. Clarity.
Since Moissanites are grown in laboratories, they don’t have the vast clearness flaws that diamonds might contain. So, a Moissanite will constantly be eye-clean, while diamonds may contain imperfections noticeable to the eye.
For those with low spending plans, locating an eye-clean diamond in its preferred size can be difficult. It entails sifting through diamonds. This can be time-consuming and also might call for expert help.
5. Price.
For the same size from the top view, Moissanites are dramatically reduced in price than diamonds of that size. Moissanite gems usually vary in cost based upon the size and whether the stone is DEF color, GH color, or IJ color.
Natural diamonds and laboratory-created diamond costs vary based on shape, carat weight, color, cut, and clarity. Lab created diamonds are more budget-friendly than natural mined diamonds.
6. Origins Sourcing.
Moissanite needs no mining to produce since they are grown in controlled settings using advanced technology. Consequently, their origins are conveniently traceable.
Compared with natural gems, lab created Moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint and causes a much less ecological effect. Fine jewelry made with Moissanite and also recycled steel is an accountable option.
How to choose Moissanite gemstones?
While diamonds are rated on the 4 C’s scale (Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat), Moissanite is graded exclusively on color. The cut and clarity are similar across various top qualities of Moissanites. At WeJEWELER, we offer D-E-F, G-H, and also I-J color Moissanites.
When taking into consideration, a Moissanite is whether or not the gemstone will certainly combine well with natural diamond accents. Moissanites look attractive when set in rings, including diamond accents.
Where to wholesale loose Moissanite gemstones?
WeJEWELER is a professional loose Moissanite gemstones manufacturer and wholesaler in China.
WeJEWELER has THREE grades of Moissanite available for sale:
Pure white (D-E-F range).
Colorless (G-H range).
Near anemic (I-J range).
Moissanite may also have inclusions. But we only wholesale FL/VVS clarity gemstones to our customers.
Our Moissanite is sold by unit carat weight(Diamond equivalent carat weight). Our wholesale price is as low as USD40 per carat for a DEF colorless, VVS clarity Moissanite.
That means
0.50 carat DEF, VVS Moissanite USD20/pc
1.00 carat DEF, VVS Moissanite USD40/pc
2.00 carat DEF, VVS Moissanite USD80/pc
3.00 carat DEF, VVS Moissanite USD120/pc
So our price is more competitive than CHARLES & COLVARD, which is USD599/pc for a 1.00 carat Forever One.
The most Frequently Asked Questions about Moissanite.
Can you tell a moissanite from a diamond?
The most effective way to tell Moissanite apart from a diamond is to use a loupe to look through the jewel’s top, or crown, at an angle. You will see two slightly blurred lines that indicate double refraction, an inherent quality of Moissanite. Double refraction is easier to see in some shapes than in others.
Does Moissanite lose its sparkle?
Moissanite will not lose its sparkle as time passes. The clarity and color of the stone won’t change through the years. Dirt and grime are the only common elements that may inhibit a ring’s sparkle until it is cleaned. Damaging the surface of Moissanite can interfere with sparkle, as it would for any gemstone.
Is moissanite durable?
Moissanite is one of the toughest known gemstones, which makes it perfect for an engagement ring, a piece of jewelry that is usually worn every day. Studies in high-pressure research show that moissanite stone is highly resistant to breaking and chipping.
Is Moissanite as good as a diamond?
Moissanite is the only gemstone that passes as a diamond on a handheld point test. If you want a stone that resembles a diamond without a high price, Moissanite is a great option. Preference comes down to personal taste.
How is Moissanite made?
Cree(an NC-based R&D lab) is the first to develop the process for producing large, single crystals of Moissanite.
Moissanite is created with silicon and carbon through a combination of pressure and heat. To begin the moissanite production process, Charles & Colvard receives single silicon carbide crystals from Cree. The crystals are precision cut into small pieces called preforms.
In cooperation with Cree, Charles & Colvard is the exclusive worldwide manufacturer and marketer of lab-created moissanite gemstones.
Moissanite patents expired in August 2015 for the United States, 2016 in most other countries, and 2018 in Mexico. Therefore, many research institutions in other countries can legally laboratory synthetic Moissanite raw materials for gemstone making.
Is Moissanite a real diamond?
Moissanite is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide(SiC). A diamond simulant is a stone similar to a diamond but is not a real diamond. Naturally-occurring Moissanite is extremely rare. Because of this, most of the Moissanite on the market is lab-grown.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: The Key Differences
1. Diamonds are carbon(C), whereas Moissanite is silicon carbide(SiC).
2 Diamond(Mohs Scale of hardness is 10) is the hardest stone. In contrast, Moissanite(Mohs Scale of hardness is 9.25) has a lower hardness rating. But both are durable enough to withstand surface scratching and suitable for everyday wear.
3. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, so Moissanite diamond is more eco-conscious, ethical, and environmentally than a naturally mined diamond.
4. Diamond is easier to clean and maintain and lasts forever.
5. Moissanite is much cheaper than Diamond.
6. Under the same light, Moissanite has higher brilliance than diamond because Moissanite has a higher refractive index and dispersion.
How to clean Moissanite at home?
Soak your Moissanite jewelry in warm water and mild soap and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or cloth. Once clean, rinse any soap residue and dry with a lint-free cloth for freshly sparkling moissanite jewelry.
Does Moissanite look like a diamond?
Yes, Moissanite looks like a diamond. Its color ranges and refractive index are similar to diamonds. The GIA considers Moissanite to be the closest diamond imitation on the market.
Does Moissanite get cloudy over time?
Unlike cubic zirconia, which will get cloudy with age, Moissanite does not change cloudy over time and remains forever brilliant and beautiful. Over time, dirt, oils and other substances can build up on the surface of Moissanite, making it appear cloudy.
