Guide To Buying Moissanite

Buying moissanite can be a little confusing but this brief buyer’s guide will help you ensure that you are getting a good quality stone. It is always important to do some research before making your decision, so, here are a few things to be aware of:

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone that was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissan. It’s grown in a laboratory where thermal and other complex time-consuming scientific processes are used to produce SiC (silicon carbide) crystals. It is also one of the hardest and toughest known elements on earth, making it extremely resistant to scratching, chipping or breaking.

Moissanite is a conflict-free, ethical, environmentally and socially responsible lab-grown gemstone. Each Moissanite crystal is cut and polished by hand into a beautiful sparkling gemstone with unrivalled fire and brilliance.

A common question we get:

Is Moissanite a Diamond?

Moissanite is not a diamond — but it’s close. Moissanite is a type of jewel that has a similar chemical composition, brilliance, and hardness to diamonds. It’s not a diamond substitute, because it’s only similar to diamonds; it’s actually a different gemstone.

This makes it less expensive than diamonds and also means that it has different properties to diamonds. While moissanite is a gorgeous and desirable gem, it’s not the same as diamond. It’s important to understand that moissanite is silicon carbide, not carbon. Silicon and carbon are both elements, but silicon doesn’t contain any nitrogen, while carbon does.

Is Moissanite a Good Diamond Alternative?

Moissanite is a fantastic diamond alternative for several reasons. First of all, it’s more affordable than diamonds. Second, it’s extremely durable and holds up well to daily wear and tear. Moissanite also comes in a variety of colours, making it a great choice for anyone who doesn’t like diamonds and wants something a bit different.

The dazzling and fiery sparkle of moissanite is also unparalleled, making it a beautiful alternative to diamonds. Moissanite is also a great choice for couples who are looking to save money on their jewellery. Moissanite is a little less rare than diamonds, making it an eco-friendly and ethically sourced alternative to diamonds. It’s also a great option for people who are sensitive or allergic to diamonds.

What is the difference between Moissanite and Diamonds?

Moissanite is similar to diamonds in terms of its chemical makeup. The trick is that moissanite doesn’t contain any nitrogen, which means it isn’t as expensive as diamonds. The brilliance and fire of moissanite are similar to diamonds, but they also have unique characteristics. Like silicon carbide, moissanite is one of the hardest minerals on the planet.

Moissanite also has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means it’s even more dazzling and fiery. The Bottom Line When most people think about moissanite, they think of a diamond alternative that’s less expensive and more eco-friendly.

How to Identify Moissanite

Moissanite will test positive as a diamond when using a thermal diamond tester, therefore a standard diamond tester cannot be used.

Refraction Index

Moissanite is recognised for its high refractive index and dispersion. It has a refractive index of 2.65, which is very similar to that of a diamond (2.417) but with a much higher dispersion value (fire), which gives it a sparkle that’s far superior to anything else on the market.

Most reputable dealers will provide you with a comparison guide which will enable you to compare the qualities of the stone to what is expected.

Examine the stone using a jeweller’s loupe.

Each Majestic Moissanite™ stone is engraved with a unique number as well as the letters ‘MM’ (Majestic Moissanite™). Charles & Colvard® Forever One™ and MOI CC (Moissanite by Charles & Colvard®) Moissanite stones are also laser-engraved on the girdle for easy identification.

Where to buy loose moissanite stones

The best place to get loose moissanite stones is online.

You may be able to find loose stones at your local jewellery store, but there are many advantages to buying online.

First, it’s easy to compare prices and quality when you shop online. When you’re in a jewellery store, it can be hard to tell whether or not you’re getting a good deal on your purchase. You won’t have that problem when you buy from an online retailer—you’ll be able to see exactly what each stone costs and compare prices from different sellers.

Second, shopping online gives you access to a wider variety of gemstones available for sale on the web which means you will find a stone that’s perfect for your needs.

Third, buying loose stones allows you more flexibility when it comes time for customisation or resizing. If something goes wrong with your stone after purchase—for example, if it turns out to be flawed in some way—then having purchased it loose means that all is not lost and the warranty that comes with the stone will allow you to return it for replacement.

Lastly, buying online directly from a dealer gives you access to loose moissanite stones without the added markup that jewellers often add.

Buying from reputable brands

Reputable brands will offer a certificate of authenticity for all gemstones measuring 5mm and up, proving their authenticity.

They will also offer a lifetime warranty that ensures that the stone’s optical properties will not change. These properties include the fire, lustre and brilliance as well as the colour and clarity of your gemstone.

Avoid buying from a non-reputable company. While they may be offering a lower price, without a certificate of authenticity or warranty, you are simply risking your investment.

Moissanite grading

There are four C’s used when grading gemstones. Colour, Clarity, Cut, Carat (weight) …and this will tell you everything you need to know about moissanite.

While moissanite is not a diamond and should not be graded in the same terms as diamond, it is easier to use them as a reference which is why moissanite is often still described using these terms.

Colour

Moissanite terms: colourless, near colourless, slightly tinted and tinted.

By comparison, all Moissanite SA stones are sold in DEF (colourless) and GH (near colourless)

View the colour stone chart here

Clarity

Carat size

Moissanite is visually proportionate to typical diamond-carat weights but is approximately 10% to 15% lighter.

It is easier to sell moissanite by millimetre size rather than weight since moissanite is sold in increments of either 1.0mm or 0.5mm and their corresponding weights match the millimetre sizes. For example, a 6.5mm round brilliant natural diamond would have a weight of approximately 1.0 carats compared to moissanite of the same dimension (6.5mm) which has a weight of approximately 0.88 carats.

Simply put, to the eye they appear to be the same size, although the weight of the two stones may be slightly different.

Moissanite SA Range:

Moissanite gems are precisely calibrated and hand-faceted by master gem cutters to maximize brilliance and spark its ultimate fire that increases the refractive index of moissanite. It is vital that the correct cutting of the angles is achieved to maximize the fire and brilliance of moissanite. These angles are quite different to how diamonds are cut.

Moissanite SA includes a 5th C – Confidence

Al Majestic Moissanite™ stones come with a Certificate of Authenticity and a Lifetime warranty on their optical properties, irrespective of who owns the stone. The warranty is fully transferrable at no additional cost.

All Charles & Colvard® created gemstones are backed by a Charles & Colvard Certificate of Authenticity and a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This winning combination delivers the quality and confidence you deserve while empowering you to express your keen sense of style and great taste.

Moissanite Shapes

Quality, size and shape determine the brightness & fire of the moissanite stones.

Round cuts are the most popular option for moissanite engagement rings but it is up to you which shape will best fit the intended jewellery piece.

Remember to consider the end result when making your purchase decision.