In 1893, Henri Moissan, a French chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, made the initial discovery of the substance known as moissanite. In Arizona, in a crater left by a meteorite that hit Earth, he found minuscule fragments of the diamond that would later bear his name. He first believed he had discovered diamonds but later realised the crystals were made of silicon carbide.
Due to its extreme rarity, all moissanite gemstones that are now on the market are produced in a laboratory. The particles Moissan found were successfully synthesised to create one of the most brilliant stones in the world after several years of experimentation and failure.
Moissanites are used in the jewellery industry especially when it comes to engagement rings as moissanite gemstones look similar to a diamond, but have a more affordable price tag compared to a diamond ring.
Is Moissanite A Diamond
Moissanite is technically not a diamond, but it resembles a diamond’s look. The moissanite gemstone is also often known as a “diamond simulant,” because it is designed to resemble diamonds optically yet differs significantly from diamonds, chemically and aesthetically.
Moissanite and diamonds vary considerably in toughness, brilliance, and colour. The fact that diamonds and moissanite are excellent thermal conductors is one thing they have in common. One important detail about moissanite is that it weighs approximately 15% less than a diamond.
Many jewellery stores will have jewellery made out of moissanite as another jewellery option for customers to purchase for this reason above.
Diamonds Vs Moissanite
1. Colour
Colour is determined by the inherent hue or lack thereof that may be seen in a gemstone. When examined up close, moissanite and diamonds have distinct colour variances, even though they might appear similar in colour when viewed from a distance or in dim light. GIA Colour grades range from D to Z for diamonds, while there is no colour classification for moissanite.
Diamond | Moissanite |
An unblemished, brilliant white appearance results from a colourless diamond’s natural body colour, which has no grey, yellow, or brown remnants. This same principle applies to diamonds that are either natural or formed in a chemist’s lab. | Despite being described as “colourless,” the moissanite stone can still have a yellow or greyish tint under certain lighting conditions. The hue is more pronounced in larger moissanite. |
2. Durability/Hardness
The Mohs Scale of Hardness is applied to evaluate the resistance of gemstones to surface scratching. From 1 (the softest) to 10 (the hardest) is how the scale is used for measuring the distinction between a moissanite and a diamond.
Diamond | Moissanite |
The Mohs Scale of Hardness rates the diamond gemstone as the hardest known mineral at 10. Diamonds have a high hardness rating, making them perfect for everyday wear and increasing their appeal as the focal point of engagement rings. The diamonds can withstand scrapes and other damages because of their exceptional durability. | Moissanite gemstones are suitable for everyday wear because they are rated 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale. Even though moissanite stones rate between a diamond and a 9.5 on the hardness scale, they are nonetheless resilient. Only minerals equivalent to or more valuable than moissanite will scratch it. |
3. Price
The cut, clarity, colour, and of course, the carat weight of a diamond all have a role in how much it costs and how valuable it is. These components combine to give the stone its aesthetic appeal and radiance. However, moissanite can cost almost as much as a diamond, although this is highly dependent on the quality of the stone.
Diamond | Moissanite |
Prices for natural and lab-created diamonds vary depending on their characteristics, although they tend to be more expensive. Natural diamonds are more costly than lab-created ones—comparatively, a half-carat diamond costs around twice as much as moissanite of the same size. | Moissanite costs a lot less than diamonds of that size for the same size from the isometric perspective. The only factors that affect the price of moissanite stones are dimension and whether the gemstone is Premium or Super Premium. |
4. Cut
Various types of cuts are available for both diamond and moissanite. However, not all cuts will suit both gemstones, as some are more flattering than others. These cuts include round, oval, pear, cushion, princess and radiant cuts.
Diamond | Moissanite |
Any style of cut would be suitable for a diamond; however, the most flattering cut that is commonly used and most elegant is the marquise cut. Another style of cut that is suitable for a diamond is the round cut, as it will best showcase the colour and brilliance of the diamond. | The princess cut, sometimes referred to as the square cut, the oval cut, the radiant cut, and the marquise cut, will all highlight the moissanite stone’s brilliance and make it appear at its best. |
5. Brilliance
The appearance of light reflected from a gemstone’s interior is referred to as brilliance.
Diamond | Moissanite |
The ability to differentiate between a moissanite and a diamond is due to their distinct differences in brilliance. There are three separate ways that diamonds reflect light. The rainbow of hues that the diamond reflected through it is known as dispersion, while the white light reflected is known as brilliance. The third diamond light return is a diamond’s scintillation or surface sparkle. These three elements work together to give diamonds their renowned shine. | Due to their varied faceting than diamonds, the moissanite stone displays a distinctive type of brilliance. Some people adore the flaming, rainbow-coloured flashes that moissanite releases, but others believe that the stone’s enhanced brilliance can have a “disco-ball” impression, especially in the light of the sun. The likelihood that the difference will be seen increases with moissanite size. A moissanite stone has a refractive index higher than a genuine diamond, ranging from 2.65 to 2.69. |
Benefits of Moissanite
The moissanite is one of the most beautiful gemstones discovered by man and used in contemporary jewellery such as rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more. There are several benefits to opting for a moissanite gemstone instead of a diamond for your jewellery pieces.
1. Environmentally Friendly
The moissanite stones are produced entirely without mining because they are developed in controlled conditions utilising cutting-edge technology. Moissanites have a lower carbon footprint and less negative environmental impact than natural gemstones.
2. Durable
Moissanite is less likely to shatter and chip than a diamond because it has higher tensile strength and is less brittle than a diamond. This makes it suitable to place into jewellery pieces for everyday wear.
3. Colourless
Moissanite gemstones are produced to an Excellent Cut. Also, these stones are colourless as they have a D, E or F rating under the GIA scale. Moreover, moissanite gemstones are high in clarity as it is considered a VS1 rating.
4. Price Value
As a diamond can be quite pricey in terms of the number of carats it has, a moissanite stone is more affordable per carat than many other gemstones available in the market.
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1. LUCIA Moissanite Silver Adjustable Ring
The LUCIA Moissanite Silver Adjustable Ring is a floral ring that showcases a sparkly round cut moissanite set on a halo-style setting that will take your breath away. The cut-out shank is sculptured with vines to complement the design with additional stones glistening on the shank for extra shimmer. The perfect ring for you whether you are looking for a daily go-to accessory or a perfect piece for that special occasion.
PRICE: RM290.00
MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver Base
STONE: Moissanite.
CLARITY GRADE: VVS1.
COLOUR GRADE: D.
STONE MEASUREMENT: 6.5mm
CARAT: 1 Carat
SIZE: Adjustable Ring
2. LEXIE Moissanite Silver Tennis Bracelet
The LEXIE Moissanite Silver Tennis Bracelet is a modern classic slim tennis bracelet that screams luxury without going over the top. Featuring a line of square shaped stones, creating an elegant combination that complements any of your outfits.
PRICE: RM300.00
MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver Base.
STONE: Moissanite.
CLARITY GRADE: VVS1.
COLOUR GRADE: D.
STONE MEASUREMENT: 6.5mm
CARAT SIZE: 1 Carat
LENGTH: 16 + 5cm extension.
3. LUCINDA Moissanite Silver Dangle Earrings
LUCINDA Moissanite Silver Dangle Earrings looks like a heart shape from a certain angle, perfect by round cut moissanite with stones aligned along the earring. Glittering in bold brilliance, additional stones add more sparkle, she will definitely love this piece!
PRICE: RM290.00
MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver Base.
NUMBER OF STONES: 2
STONE: Moissanite.
CLARITY GRADE: VVS1.
COLOUR GRADE: D.
STONE MEASUREMENT: 6.5mm.
CARAT SIZE: 1 Carat.
Summary
In conclusion, a moissanite gemstone can be just as beautiful as a diamond, whether in an elegant engagement ring, a beautiful pair of earrings or a modern styled bracelet. Purchasing a moissanite jewellery piece can remarkably change your outlook while being able to reduce the carbon footprint of the environment. A moissanite jewellery piece has many incredible benefits, and it can be used on an everyday basis, completing an individual’s outfit while complementing their style.