Moissanite, a good alternative to diamonds?
Introduction
In recent years, the synthetic stone called moissanite has been gaining in popularity. Consumers who are looking for an alternative to diamond are naturally turning to this synthetic stone for ethical and financial reasons but also because moissanite is a very beautiful stone.
Moissanite is neither a synthetic nor an artificial diamond and although it looks like a diamond, it has its own identity and chemical makeup. This article is intended to familiarize you with this unique stone, its advantages, its differences and the care it requires to remain beautiful and brilliant.
Where does moissanite come from?
In 1893, the French chemist Henri Moissan discovered the first natural fragment of moissanite in a canyon in Arizona, USA. A meteorite fallen 50,000 years ago was the cause. Initially believing in diamond crystals, Henri Moissan concluded in 1904 that it was silicon carbide (SiC) and not carbon (C). It is thus in honor of this first winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry that this rarity from the sky was named Moissanite.
Henri Moissan
Moissanite used in jewelry is a stone created in a laboratory since it is practically non-existent in its natural state. Charles & Colvard, located in North Carolina, USA, is the first and one of the most important moissanite manufacturers in the world. The progress of the last few years has allowed them to produce a stone of very high quality and rare beauty called Forever One. Flamme en rose is an authorized seller of Forever One moissanite.
Moissanite's diamond-like properties and hardness intrigue lovers of large stones. And the prices of a 1-carat moissanite or 2-carat moissanite engagement ring are much lower than those with a diamond of the same size. That's a lot of positives for this stone, don't you think? Wait till you hear the rest.
Comparison between moissanite and diamond
In terms of hardness, moissanite vs. diamond, it is virtually the same shock resistance. All stones are rated from 1 to 10 according to a classification system called the Mohs scale. Moissanite is one of the highest rated with a 9.5 which makes it a virtually indestructible stone. This slight difference in hardness between moissanite and diamond has almost no impact on jewelry.
As for appearance, it takes a trained eye to notice the difference between a moissanite and a diamond. From a distance, you can only see fire. To distinguish between the two stones, jewelers first study its brilliance because moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond. It disperses light better and when well lit, the stone offers more brilliance and more rainbow color reflections.
If moissanite is a stone that interests you for these qualities, wait until you are convinced by its price. A moissanite of the same size as a 1-carat natural diamond costs one-tenth as much. This price difference allows many young brides to get the ring with the size of stone they want. See for yourself how our moissanite rings compare to our diamond rings. Moreover, this stone made of silicon carbide is an ethical and eco-responsible choice.
Comparison between moissanite and other gemstones
Mistakenly confused with what is commonly known as a cubic or CZ (zirconium oxide), moissanite is extremely durable compared to this other synthetic stone. So if you have to choose between cubic zirconia vs moissanite for your engagement ring, moissanite is a much more informed choice.
And if you're not sure about neo moissanite vs. Forever One moissanite, they are both excellent quality stones. However, we recommend Forever One moissanite from Charles & Colvard, the world's largest moissanite manufacturer that produces its stones in a trustworthy environment where human rights and the environment are put first.
Advantages of moissanite
The synthetic moissanite is distinguished in three particular ways.
- Its price is lower than the laboratory diamond. This is a significant difference for a quality synthetic stone.
- Its manufacturing process is controlled, eco-responsible and ethical.
- The stone is available in all sizes and shapes.
4 criteria to consider when choosing a moissanite
- The strength of moissanite is 9.5 on the Mohs scale.
- The brilliance of moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond.
- The cost of moissanite is lower than that of diamond.
- The origin of moissanite whose carbon footprint in the laboratory is not neutral but far from the damage caused by mining.
Maintenance and care for moissanite
We recommend two ways to clean a moissanite:
- Soak for a few seconds in an ultrasound machine.
- Scrub lightly with a toothbrush and dish soap.
The maintenance of a moissanite is usually done in a trusted jewelry shop that also ensures the strength of the claws on which it is set. A piece of jewelry adorned with this stone that is worn on a daily basis should be serviced at least once a year.
Conclusion
Moissanite is a good alternative to diamond. Its strength, brilliance, cost and provenance are all in its favor. But be aware that moissanite is not a diamond and will never replace one. You have to love this stone for what it is.
Finally, whether it is for your engagement ring, band or any other piece of jewelry you would like to offer or give to yourself, it will now be easier for you to know if moissanite is a stone that suits your tastes, your values and your wallet. Take a look at our selection of handcrafted moissanite rings. Can't find exactly what you like? Don't hesitate to make an appointment with us for a custom creation.
FAQ
- Is moissanite more durable than diamonds? This stone made of silicon carbide is almost as resistant to shocks as diamond.
- Is moissanite considered a gemstone? No, moissanite is neither a gemstone nor a semi-precious stone.
- Does moissanite scratch easily? No, it is an extremely scratch resistant stone.
- Can moissanite be considered an ethical alternative to diamonds? Yes, its manufacturing and distribution process is ethical in every way.
- How is moissanite made? It is grown in a laboratory using a HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) machine.
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