About Our Moissanite

Diamonds might reign supreme in the world of engagement rings, but they certainly aren’t the only gemstone option out there. If you want something different, you have plenty of choices—including stones that look remarkably similar to diamonds, such as moissanit.

“Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide, which is very rare and can’t be found in nature large enough to be cut into even a one-carat gemstone,”. For this reason, the moissanite used in fine jewelry is created in a lab—unlike diamonds, which are naturally occurring.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

Price

Perhaps the biggest advantage of moissanite over diamonds is the price, for moissanite is considerably cheaper than a diamond. A moissanite gem is approximately one-tenth the cost of a mined diamond of equal size and quality, The value of moissanite is greater with larger carat weights. If you want a large carat, white gemstone, but you don’t have the money for a large diamond, moissanite is the way to go. “For many, a colourless diamond with the highest clarity grade is completely unattainable.

Diamonds are known for their durability. They are the hardest known mineral and can withstand almost any kind of wear and tear, which makes them ideal for everyday wear, especially for an engagement ring. Kim Kanary of JTV explains, “Diamonds do possess a higher degree of hardness, so it will be significantly more resistant to abrasions."

Brilliance 

The most obvious difference between moissanite and diamonds is their brilliance. In general, moissanite has more brilliance than a diamond. “It has more fire and brilliance than any other gemstone, meaning it has more sparkle,” Because moissanite is double refractive, it is cut differently than diamonds to enhance the sparkle.”

Color 

Both moissanite and diamonds can both be colourless or have some color to them. Moissanite has traditionally carried a yellowish or greenish tint to it. However, manufacturers have been perfecting the creation process over time, and you can now get high-quality moissanite that is colourless.” 

Diamond color, however, can vary greatly. “Diamond color is graded on a scale of D-Z, with D being colorless and Z being a light yellow or brown (with those beyond Z being fancy color diamonds). So, diamonds can be everything from colorless to yellow, pink, blue, green, red, or brown.” 

Shopping Considerations

While shopping for moissanite is like shopping for any other gemstone, there are a few things to keep in mind. “The most important aspect to remember is that you can find high-quality moissanite for a reasonable price, so don’t settle for a stone that has visible imperfections in clarity or color,While moissanite can have inclusions, you should be able to find a stone that is eye clean.”

Don’t settle for a low-quality stone thinking it’s all you can afford—if you shop around, you’ll likely find higher quality stones at the same price point. 

How do you know if the stone is of high quality? “Look for that high degree of fire, a bright luster, and a good polish with very minimal surface scratches,”  As usual, shop with a retailer you trust in order to get the most for your money. Moissanite looks good in any setting and pairs well with any other gemstone accents, including diamonds. It’s versatile and easy to play around with, so finding a piece you love shouldn’t be difficult.

FAQ
  • How do I clean a moissanite ring?

    You should clean your moissanite ring at least once a month. Prepare a bowl of hot water with a few drops of liquid dish soap or a non-toxic commercial jewelry cleaner, put your ring in the soapy water, and gently clean the gem with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Air dry or blot with a paper towel.

  • How is moissanite made?

    Discovered in the 19th century, moissanite (silicon carbide) has been lab-grown since the late 1990s. Scientists use a combination of pressure and heat to create crystals from silicon and carbon that are identical in structure to natural moissanite. The process is long and complex, and it takes around two to three months to create a single gem.