Welcome to the ultimate guide for all your questions about Moissanite. Whether you’re considering it as a diamond alternative or you’re curious about its grading information, we’ve got you covered.
Moissanite is an entirely unique category of gemstone for jewellery... exceptionally brilliant and amazingly unique. Moissanite produces the most fire, brilliance and sparkle you've ever seen.
The fire, brilliance and sparkle so characteristic of moissanite are due to its high refractive index of 2.42. The higher the refractive index of a gemstone, the more fire it emits. Measuring moissanite's fire of 0.104 is more than twice that of a diamond, which measures 0.044. When comparing them side by side, moissanite emits more fire, or flashes of rainbow-coloured light, than a diamond.
As light passes through an object, the light is spread out according to its wavelengths (colour). This dispersion of light can be scientifically measured. A gemstone's fire is caused by its dispersion. The exceptional sparkle of moissanite is due to moissanite's high RI. The higher the Refractive Index of a gemstone is, the more sparkle and brilliance it will display. Moissanite has a higher RI and displays more brilliance when compared to a diamond or any other popular gemstone, such as rubies and sapphires.
No. Moissanite SA™ and Charles & Colvard respectively provide a Lifetime Warranty with all moissanite sold which guarantees that every Majestic Moissanite™ and Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite gemstone will maintain its brilliance and fire for its lifetime.
Compared to moissanite, cubic zirconia(CZ) is substantially softer. Cubic zirconia scratches and abrades easily. This is why it loses its lustre after a relatively short time. Frankly, there simply is no comparison between cubic zirconia and moissanite. Moissanite's properties are far superior to cubic zirconia. Moissanite is one of the hardest and toughest known elements on earth, making it extremely resistant to scratching, chipping and breaking.
Identifying Moissanite can be challenging, especially since it often tests positive as a diamond when using a standard thermal diamond tester. However, there are specialized methods to distinguish Moissanite from other near-colourless gemstones:
A tester designed specifically for Moissanite can help differentiate it from a diamond. These testers often use 10x magnification loupes to examine the stone's facets. Identifying the doubling of facet junctions is a key indicator, although it may require some practice to master.
Each Majestic Moissanite™ stone comes with a unique identification number and the letters 'MM' laser-engraved on its girdle. Similarly, Charles & Colvard® Forever One™ and MOI CC (Moissanite by Charles & Colvard®) stones also have laser engravings for easy identification. For more details on these engravings, you can refer to our [comparison guide](insert link here).
Specialized equipment can measure the stone's specific refractive and gravity indices, providing another method for accurate identification. This approach is generally used by professionals in the field.
By employing these methods, you can accurately identify Moissanite and distinguish it from other similar gemstones.
Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide. It's an excellent choice for engagement rings and other jewellery. Curious to know more? Dive into the details on our What is Moissanite page.
All moissanite distributed by Moissanite SA™ comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a Lifetime warranty. This ensures that every moissanite gemstone has been manufactured in controlled facilities by highly skilled specialists using the latest technology. Majestic Moissanite™ and Charles & Colvard moissanite gemstones are released for sale only after having met stringent quality control standards.
All gemstones are precisely hand-cut by master gem cutters. This allows the gem to display beautiful fire and brilliance and creates the maximum sparkle which intensifies its ultimate fire.
View the guide to buying moissanite here.
No. There are no known situations in which the colour of moissanite has been permanently changed. A temporary colour change will occur when moissanite is exposed to torch heat during jewellery repair techniques. However, with proper bench techniques, there is no resulting damage and moissanite returns to its normal colour after the gemstone cools to room temperature.
We provide a Jewellers Bench Guide to all goldsmiths and jewellers to ensure that they have the latest up-to-date information regarding working with moissanite.
All moissanite we sell has no eye-visible inclusions.
Each gemstone is examined individually for inclusions that may affect moissanite's optical performance, using a 10x magnification loupe.
Whilst there is a lot of tinted moissanite available, Moissanite SA™ only sells colourless and near colourless moissanite stones. The Majestic Moissanite™ is sold in the DEF and GH range and the Charles & Colvard® range is sold in the DEF and GHI range.
View the stone colour chart here
No. Moissanite is 9 ¼ on the Mohs scale and is the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery, after a diamond, and is extremely scratch and abrasion-resistant. It is one of the toughest jewels known and is harder than all other gemstones including ruby and sapphire and is scientifically proven to be extremely resistant to breaking and chipping.
Yes. Moissanite's heat-resistant properties are excellent and have been tested to over 1000 degrees centigrade. At this temperature, moissanite stays intact and remains as brilliant as the day it was created.
Moissanite is not just an ethical alternative to diamonds; it's a gemstone that offers unparalleled brilliance and fire. When you choose a Moissanite engagement ring crafted in South Africa, you're not only making an ethical choice but also supporting local artisans and communities.
Moissanite can be cleaned the same way you would clean your diamond and other fine jewellery.
A simple way to clean diamonds, gemstones and jewellery at home is by using warm water (almost hot) and regular dishwashing soap. Soak jewellery in the solutions for about 20 to 40 minutes then gently brush the stone with a very soft toothbrush and rinse under warm running water. Repeat if necessary.
Normal ultrasonic cleaning is also perfectly safe and advisable. Be sure not to place more than one piece of jewellery in the ultrasonic cleaner as this can damage or chip jewellery due to the high frequency and vibrations. You can also clean moissanite with a commercial (non-acid-based) jewellery cleaner.
Moissanite SA™ is an independently owned company offering premier, top-quality Majestic Moissanite™ and Charles & Colvard® moissanite & handcrafted moissanite jewellery.
Where possible please email your questions for a prompt reply.
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