To the untrained eye, moissanites look very similar to diamonds. Some may even say they’re indistinguishable. But when you look a little bit closer, you’ll find that they are actually quite different from one another, and that moissanite boasts a number of unique characteristics.
Stella Moissanite, a South African jeweller working exclusively with this precious gemstone, says that despite being quite new on the market, moissanite has proven its worth and cemented its place in the fine jewellery industry.
While diamonds have been around for longer and are thus better known, moissanite is an incredible gemstone that rivals, and in some ways, surpasses, diamonds in terms of brilliance, aesthetics and sustainability.
Here’s why you might want to choose moissanite the next time you’re in the market for a piece of fine jewellery.
Hardness
Diamonds are made from pure carbon and are known as the hardest substance on earth. They measure 10/10 on Moh’s Hardness Scale (a universal scale used to measure a mineral’s resistance to scratching and its durability). Moissanites may look like diamonds, but they are not made from carbon; they’re made from silicon carbide and score an impressive 9.5 on Moh’s Hardness Scale, which is incredibly durable (compared to other gemstones like tanzanite which scores 6 – 6.5, or emeralds which score 7.5 – 8).
Brilliance
“Brilliance” is the term used to describe a gemstone’s brightness and sparkle. It refers to the amount of white light that is reflected from the various facets of a gemstone. The more brilliance a gemstone has, the better. To determine a gemstone’s brilliance, its refractive index must be measured. Moissanite’s refractive index is 2.65 – 2.69, whereas diamonds’ is 2.417. This means that moissanites shine with fiery, rainbow flashes of light that a diamond cannot achieve.
Durability
Both moissanites and diamonds are highly durable gemstones. They’re hard and scratch-resistant and they will not fade or lose their colour. Both retain their lustre forever.
Price
Moissanites are created in laboratories, and thanks to this production method, their prices are not determined by scarcity, conglomerates or high mining costs. This means that moissanites can cost a fraction of the price of diamonds. In fact, they usually cost between 50% and 90% less than a diamond of equivalent size, cut, colour and clarity.
Sustainability
Not only are moissanites good for your pocket, they are also ecologically friendly and much more sustainable than diamonds and other gemstones that are mined in ways that cause harm to the environment. Moissanite gemstones are created in laboratories where there is no harm to human life or to the earth. Moissanites are not used by warlords or a black market to fund wars and crimes against humanity.
Aesthetics
To the naked eye, moissanites and diamonds are indistinguishable. It’s only when direct and bright light shines on moissanites that they light up and shine with their trademark brilliance which puts diamonds and other white gemstones to shame. Moissanites are also far more superior to other gemstones and non-gemstones often used as cheap diamond alternatives, such as cubic zirconia.
Stella Moissanite offers a beautiful range of ready-to-ship rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets in 9ct and 18ct gold and platinum settings. Each item is thoughtfully designed and exquisitely crafted to show off the beauty of your moissanite gemstone. The team also works with clients to custom-create personal designs, offering expert guidance all the way to ensure your jewellery creation is even more beautiful than you imagined it. All Stella Moissanite jewellery creations are crafted in South Africa by local experts. When you buy Stella fine jewellery you are supporting the local artisans and craftspeople who had a hand in making your beautiful piece of art.
Learn more at stellamoissanite.com.