Moissanite: A Brilliant and Affordable Alternative to Diamonds
Learn more about this gemstone that offers the beauty and durability of diamonds (almost), at an affordable price.
Contents
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a rare mineral first discovered in a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893 by Henri Moissan (a French chemist who later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry). The stone is composed of silicon carbide, a material that is also used in industrial applications such as LED lights, bulletproof vests, and car brakes. Most moissanite is now grown in a lab-controlled environment.
Moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness (compared to 10 for diamonds). This makes it very resistant to scratches, chips, and abrasions.
Moissanite has a very high refractive index, which means it bends light more than diamonds and other gemstones, giving it a fiery sparkle and brilliance. It also has a high dispersion, which means it splits light into different colors, creating a rainbow effect.
Why Choose It for Your Custom Design?
Moissanite has the look of diamonds but is more ethical, eco-friendly, and affordable. The gemstone is usually not mined from the earth, but grown in a lab using advanced technology that mimics the natural process of creating gemstones. It is much more affordable than diamonds, costing about 10% of the price of a comparable diamond, and it can be cut into any shape and size.
What to Consider When Purchasing
- The color of moissanite is graded on a scale from D to K, similar to diamonds (D being the most colorless and K being the most tinted). Colorless moissanite is the most popular - and pricier - option, as it closely resembles a diamond. Near-colorless options are slightly cheaper and still very beautiful, as they have a slight warmth that can enhance the metal and setting of the jewelry.
- It is usually very clear and flawless, as it is grown in a controlled environment that eliminates most imperfections. However, some moissanite may have tiny needle-like inclusions that are only visible under magnification. These inclusions do not affect the beauty or durability of the stone, and are actually a sign of its "natural" origin.
- Moissanite can be cut into any shape that a diamond can, such as round, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, princess, emerald, asscher, radiant, and heart. The most popular and classic shape is the round brilliant cut, which maximizes the light performance of the stone.
- It is slightly lighter than diamonds, so a one-carat moissanite is larger than a one-carat diamond. For example, a one-carat round moissanite has a diameter of 6.5 mm, while a one-carat round diamond has a diameter of 6.4 mm. When choosing the size of moissanite, you should consider your budget, personal preference, and the style of the jewelry.
Interesting Facts
- Moissanite was named after Henri Moissan, who initially thought he had found diamonds in the meteor crater. It took him 11 years to identify the new mineral as silicon carbide.
- It is also known as stardust, as it is believed to have originated from supernova explosions that scattered silicon carbide particles across the universe.
- Moissanite rarely occurs in nature, as it only forms under extreme heat and pressure. Most natural moissanite is found in meteorites, or in places where meteorites have impacted the earth, such as Arizona, Russia, and Greenland.
Our Recommendation for Moissanite in Custom Jewelry Designs
Brilliant Like a Diamond, But Very Affordable
- Moissanite offers the brilliance and fire of diamonds at a fraction of the cost. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who desire diamond-like beauty without the hefty price tag.
- Unlike cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite exhibits exceptional brilliance and rainbow-like flashes of color. Moissanite’s surface properties prevent dirt and grime buildup, maintaining its sparkle over time. In contrast, CZ tends to attract dirt, diminishing its brilliance.
- With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. It withstands scratches and maintains its luster.
Not the Best for Investment Value
If long-term investment is part of your evaluation criteria, moissanite may not be the ideal choice (for the same reasons that make it affordable).
Moissanite provides a stunning option for those who want the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond at an affordable cost. We prefer Moissanite over Cubic Zirconia for it's shine and cleanliness.
If you have concerns about the value of moissanite, we recommend considering one of the following:
- Lab-created diamonds offer the same chemical composition as natural diamonds but at a more affordable price. They’re valued higher than moissanite but are another sustainable and ethical choice.
- Natural diamonds are unmatched for their brilliance, fire, and rarity. These stones are a traditional choice for jewelry formed deep within the Earth's mantle over millions of years.
- White sapphires are ethereal, durable, and elegant, although not as brilliant and fiery.
The Kris Averi Promise
We welcome you just as you are, in your authentic and unique expression of love.
We believe love knows no bounds, limitations, or exceptions. It is all inclusive, and so are we. Here at Kris Averi, we are committed to standing behind all love, always.
We look forward to helping you make your dreams come true.
