Moissanite Diamond: What You Should Know Before Buying
Choosing a stone for an engagement ring can turn into a challenge. Natural diamonds, lab made options, and moissanite may have the same appearance in a jewelry settings photo but are not the same material and offer a different appearance.
A moissanite diamond is a popular search term used by a buyer shopping for a bright, durable alternative to traditional diamonds. Technically, moissanite is not a diamond. This particular gemstone is made of silicon carbide and modern jewelry grade moissanite is manufactured in a controlled environment.
This comparison is important since the appearance, value, hardness and brilliance are factors that help determine the stone that best fits your preference or budget. Some will seek the most brilliant option while others want the traditional appearance of diamond without the premium cost.
Before purchasing a ring it is good to gain background on which stone to select, how they compare in your in hand evaluation, and what to look for.
Is a Moissanite Diamond a Real Diamond?
Moissanite and diamond are fundamentally different gemstones
A diamond’s structure is mainly carbon in a crystalline format. Moissanite, in comparison, is comprised of mainly silicon carbide. Both minerals are durable enough for use in jewelry but a trained gemologist can determine the difference using the proper tools and magnification.
This does not make moissanite fake but another type of gemstone with desirable physical properties and different characteristics.
How Does Moissanite Compare to Lab Made Diamonds?
Lab made diamonds possess similar properties as mined diamonds. Both have the same chemical structure but lab diamonds use new technology to form a diamond in a controlled environment. This process creates diamonds in a setting without the natural forces that form them underground.
Major differences buyers can find themselves noticing include:
• Moissanite having more colorful brilliance especially the appearance of rainbows when in full lighting.
• Lab diamonds appearing more traditional as they possess a diamond specific brilliance.
• Moissanite options offer better value when the visual appearance is similar.
• Both stones offer durability for daily jewelry use.
• Certificate quality reports to help buyers sort options by quality are commonly offered for both stones.
If you’re searching for traditional visual properties in a stone that still has exceptional brilliance then you’ll find a laboratory grown diamond fits your preference.
If it is the combination of visual appeal and incredible value that draws you towards moissanite, know you’ve found a great alternative to traditional diamond rings.
Why Buyers Consider a Moissanite Diamond
The value comparison is often one of the biggest draws of a moissanite stone. You’ll find it common a bigger looking center stone in a moissanite ring in comparison to a diamond at a similar value.
Durability is not far behind as the properties the stone is made of is highly resistant to scratches. A moissanite diamond is around 9.25 in terms of hardness on the Mohs scale. Diamond is 10 which is only a slight difference. The appearance difference tends to be more pronounced under full sunlight when the gemstone displays color flash or rainbow effects.
How to Compare Stones
Store lighting will make almost any type of gemstone shine. View a moissanite or diamond ring near a window, under normal interior home lighting, and if a chance presents itself view the item under more subtle lighting as well.
In addition pay attention to the visual size of both gems. Rather than looking at values such as how many carats a stone option has go with an approximate width of the table in comparison. Moissanite and diamond are measured differently as they are formed by a completely different process.
The rest of the ring matters just as well. Look at the metal, build quality the ring, how the prongs hold the gemstone in place, and what return and warranty choices are available
A strong, stable ring with great metal quality and smart building choices will have as great an impact on the overall value and quality of a ring as the type of center stone does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does moissanite look like diamond?
Both types of gems can be clear and brilliant in appearance but moissanite has a greater tendency to experience rainbow effects in different light especially under stronger light sources.
Can moissanite be used for everyday wear?
Moissanite gemstones are durable enough for use in everyday rings.
Are laboratory grown diamonds real diamonds?
Lab made diamonds possess the same qualities as naturally occurring ones and technically are authentic diamonds.
Which stone has better value?
Moissanite, in comparisons to diamonds, has more value for the center gemstone choice due to it’s lower cost at a similar visual size.
Choosing the Ideal Stone
There’s no need to choose based on just the type of gemstone when selecting a ring. Appearance and durability matter just as much as the certificate included with the item and value offered by the seller. A moissanite diamond is well worth your consideration if brilliance, durability, and value are your main concerns. If it’s the physical qualities of a gemstone that determines the choice between moissanite and diamond rings for an engagement ring, compare natural to laboratory diamonds. The ability to visually assess multiple options side-by-side is the prime manner when trying to view which item fits your preference.
