Yes, moissanite does shine like a diamond. Moissanite is a lab-created diamond alternative that has similar optical and physical characteristics to a real diamond. It is composed of carbons, just like a diamond, and has a hardness rating of 9.
25 on the Mohs scale – the same as a diamond. Moissanite also gives off an eternal sparkle that is unique to the gemstone. It has intense brilliance, with virtually no visible inclusions or blemishes that can be seen by the naked eye.
Overall, moissanite is every bit as beautiful and sparkly as a diamond.
Can you tell moissanite from diamond?
Moissanite is a man-made gemstone, while a diamond is a naturally occurring gemstone. As such, there are major differences between them which makes it possible to differentiate between the two. While diamonds traditionally have a rating system based on their characteristics, moissanite does not.
In terms of physical appearance, moissanite stones usually have a faint yellow or grey tint to them. Moissanite is also much more brilliant in appearance than a diamond, meaning it has a higher sparkle and fire.
It is also lighter than a diamond and it has a double refraction, creating a ‘twinkling’ effect instead of the single reflected light seen in diamonds.
The easiest way to tell diamonds from moissanite is by a trained eye, as experienced jewellery professionals can tell them apart with a magnifier or greater inspection. However, an experienced jewellery appraiser or a certified gemmologist should be consulted to find out for sure.
If you are unsure, you can also use a diamond tester or thermal probe to measure the thermal conductivity of the stone. Moissanite registers as near to a diamond with a diamond tester, so you will want to do a side by side comparison to compare their readings.
Which moissanite cut sparkles the most?
The Hearts & Arrows (H&A) moissanite cut is considered to be the ideal cut for maximal sparkle and radiance. This cut has 62 perfectly aligned facets so that when you look through the top at the pavilion (bottom mirror image), 8 symmetrical hearts and 8 symmetrical arrows created by the reflections of the facets in the crown (top) are visible.
This precise symmetry creates an optical precision that allows light to be reflected and maximized, resulting in an unmatched level of fire, brilliance and luster. When viewed from a side, you will notice that these diamonds have a much brighter reflection, akin to a much sought after glittery effect.
It is an excellent choice for those looking for an exquisite diamond with plenty of sparkle and radiance.
What is the downside of moissanite?
The main downside of moissanite is that it is not as durable as traditional diamonds. Moissanite is significantly softer than diamonds and such is more prone to chips or scratches. Thus, moissanite is not suitable for engagement rings or other jewelry pieces that may be subject to frequent wear and tear.
Additionally, moissanite is classified as a “flawed” gemstone, meaning it features internal inclusions that may be visible to the naked eye. Moissanite is also not as brilliant as diamonds due to its lower refractive quality.
For this reason, it can often appear duller in comparison.
Can a normal person tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?
Yes, a normal person can usually tell the difference between a moissanite and a diamond. Although moissanite is known as a “diamond simulant” meaning it is created to resemble the appearance of a diamond, there are a few key differences that a person can identify without the use of any special tools.
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, therefore light entering the stone will reflect more and shine brighter, making it appear more “sparkly” than a diamond. Moissanite also has a higher dispersion than diamond which causes it to split light into its component spectral colors and appear more rainbow-like than diamond.
Additionally, in some rare cases a moissanite can have a slight green or yellow hue which is not common for a diamond, but it is a trait shared by many other gemstones. The combination of these factors makes it fairly easy for a normal person to distinguish a moissanite from a diamond.
What stone most closely resembles a diamond?
The stone that most closely resembles a diamond is cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia, also known as CZ, is a lab-created diamond simulant and is composed of zirconium dioxide. It has a hardness of 8 to 8.
5 on the Mohs scale and has a refractive index almost identical to diamonds. It possesses similar brilliance, fire and luster to diamonds, but it is more brittle and prone to scratching. Additionally, CZ stones are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, which makes them less expensive and easier to find than diamonds.
Does colored moissanite sparkle?
Yes, colored moissanite does sparkle. Moissanite is a beautiful and durable gemstone with incredible fire and brilliance. Its rainbow sparkles of color give it a unique sparkle and shine, even more dazzling than diamonds.
The color of moissanite comes from its unique refractive indices, which produce amazing flashes of rainbow colors as light enters the stone from different angles. Its amazing scintillation makes moissanite an excellent choice for any special occasion.
As a bonus, its affordability compared to diamonds makes it an ideal choice for many people.
Why is moissanite not as popular?
Moissanite is not as popular as diamond because it is a relatively new gemstone on the market. The gemstone was actually discovered in the late 1800s but was not available to the public until after 1998 when Charles & Colvard became the first company to distribute the gemstone for use in jewelry making.
Because of this, diamonds, which have been around for centuries and are more commonly known, continue to be the more popular gemstone by far. Another reason why moissanite is not as popular is that it has a different look and feel than diamonds, which can be off-putting to some people.
Additionally, while moissanite is less expensive than diamonds, it’s still not necessarily “cheap” and may be out of reach for some buyers. Finally, because diamonds are so widely available, consumers may be more familiar and comfortable with them, leading them to choose a diamond over a moissanite.
All this being said, moissanite is still becoming more popular. In recent years, buyers have begun to discover and appreciate the beauty of this gemstone, which is why its popularity is rising steadily.
Who has the highest quality moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, typically a form of silicon carbide, and its characteristics are determined by its environment and growth conditions, so each piece can vary.
However, there are certain companies and brands which specialize in sourcing and selling the highest quality moissanite stones, often with certification documents and grading reports which provide information on the stone’s characteristics.
Some well-known quality moissanite brands include Charles & Colvard, Moissanite by Sanjay, MiaDonna and MoissaniteCo.
The most important factors when considering the quality of a moissanite stone are its fire, sparkle, clarity, cut, and color. The cut of a moissanite stone affects its ability to disperse light, so it is important to look for a well-cut stone in order to get the highest quality.
Also, the color of moissanite stones varies, and the highest quality stones display a true-blue hue.
In addition to considering the brand and characteristics of the moissanite, it is important to purchase from a reputable source. It is advised to only buy moissanite from an authorized dealer with a return policy.
Lastly, all moissanite stones should come with some form of certification, such as with a grading report in order to prove its authenticity and quality.
Why are some moissanite so cheap?
The reason some moissanite is so cheap is because, unlike diamonds, moissanite is not rare and therefore not as valuable. While diamonds are formed deep inside the Earth after a very long process, moissanite is created synthetically in laboratory settings.
Since it is man-made, moissanite can be produced in large quantities and so is generally more abundant and accessible than diamonds, making it less expensive. Additionally, since moissanite is often more brilliant and sparkly than diamonds, it has become a popular alternative to diamonds, which means the demand for it is increasing and so the price is becoming more competitive.