What is Moissanite?
Diamonds can often be out of budget for some, and if gemstones just aren’t your taste, a great new alternative is a moissanite stone. For those of you who haven’t heard about this stone that bears a striking resemblance to diamonds, read all about it here.
Where did it come from?
Natural moissanite is made up of meteor fragments but it is so rarely found that in most cases nowadays it is made in a lab synthetically. It was discovered in 1893 but has only recently become a popular alternative to diamonds.
Is it as durable as diamonds?
A simple way to compare these two is to look at them using the Scale of Hardness – the usual scale used to compare gemstones. As diamonds are the hardest known substance, on this scale diamonds are a 10. A moissanite scores a 9.25. For context, a sapphire stone scores a 9 and an emerald ranges from a 7.5-8. The chances of getting scratches on your stone are very low.
Is Moissanite as sparkly as diamonds?
As moissanites are made in a lab, the clarity is extremely high and moissanites have a higher brilliance than diamonds. It is the most brilliant gemstone in the world. It also reflects light differently to a diamond as it reflects more of a rainbow spectrum. Although in most cases, moissanites are colourless (and like gemstones, there is no colour scale like there is for diamonds), but some stones can have a yellow/grey hue.
Is Moissanite cheaper than diamonds?
The great thing about moissanites is that it is much cheaper than diamonds and very difficult to tell the difference between the two! A diamond’s price is dependent on many factors; the diamond’s cut, the clarity, the colour etc. However, a moissanite stone is just about the size and shape which results in it being just a fraction of the cost.
Where can I get Moissanites?
All of our diamond engagement ring settings can be changed to moissanite engagement rings. Now all you have to do is pick your favourite!
Pop in to see us in-store or send us an email if you’d like to know more about the beautiful moissanite rings.
FAQs
What is moissanite and how is it different from a diamond?
Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone that is made of silicon carbide. It has a similar appearance to a diamond, but is more affordable and has a different set of physical and chemical properties. Moissanite is typically more brilliant and has more fire than a diamond, but it is also slightly less hard and durable than a diamond.
Is moissanite a good alternative to a diamond for an engagement ring?
Moissanite can be a great alternative to a diamond for an engagement ring, especially if you are looking for a more affordable option. Moissanite has a similar appearance to a diamond and is often considered a diamond alternative. However, it is important to note that moissanite is not a diamond and may not have the same symbolic significance.
How is moissanite made?
Moissanite is made through a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which involves growing a crystal from a gas or vapor. In the case of moissanite, a mixture of silicon and carbon is heated in a vacuum chamber to create a plasma, which deposits silicon carbide onto a substrate. The resulting crystal is then cut and polished to create a gemstone.
How do you care for moissanite jewellery?
Moissanite jewellery should be cared for in a similar way to diamond jewellery. It is best to store it in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent scratches, and to clean it regularly with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap and water. Avoid exposing moissanite to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the stone.
Is moissanite ethical and sustainable?
Moissanite is often considered a more ethical and sustainable alternative to diamond jewellery, as it is lab-grown and does not require mining. However, it is important to choose a reputable manufacturer that uses responsible practices and ethical labour standards. Additionally, moissanite production does require energy and resources, so it is not completely impact-free.
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