For centuries, diamonds have been considered a sign of prosperity and elegance. As a result, they are the preferred choice for wedding and engagement rings, symbolic of love and commitment. However, diamonds are not the only choice in the market today. There are various options available, each differing in quality and price. One of them is moissanite.
Moissanite has become widely popular due to its similarity to diamonds. But it's more than just a substitute. Its unique properties and rarity make it one of the most incredible gems to exist in the market.
2.41 CT Cushion Cut Colorless Loose Moissanite Diamond for Wedding Earrings
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite, also known as silicon carbide, is a naturally occurring rare mineral. It was first discovered in 1983 by a French chemist named Henri Moissan — hence the name — in a crater left behind by a fallen meteor. It occurred in upper mantle rocks and meteorites. Due to this connection with outer space, moissanite is also called a 'space diamond.'
How Are Moissanite Stones Created?
Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, which is why most moissanite gems are synthetically-created. It is an elaborate process that takes place in a laboratory. Essentially, the labs recreate the same natural processes that form moissanite in the first place. First, silicon carbide powder is heated to become a gas. After putting enough pressure, the gem starts to form.
Here's how the production process goes:
Step One: Collect Silicon Carbide Crystals
The first step is to collect the mineral. Once the mineral is accumulated, it is precisely cut into small pieces, which can be called seeds or performs.
Step Two: Polish the Preform
Once the performed crystals are collected, they are polished and shaped to attain maximum brilliance and fire. This will ensure that the end product is of superior quality.
Step Three: Grinding and Shaping
The preform is attached to a guidance tool called dop. In this step, they use a faceting machine. This machine is made of aluminum and industrial-grade diamond chips.
The preform crystal is positioned securely using the dop, and as the faceting machine spins, it shapes and polishes the pavilion, crown, girdle, and table one by one. The final shape is a carefully shaped moissanite gem, ready for use.
Step Four: Grading
Once the moissanite stones are cut and polished, they undergo a grading process. Like diamonds, moissanite also follows the 4 C's of grading- color, cut, carat weight, and clarity.
Is Moissanite As Good As Diamond?
Unfortunately, the answer is not that straightforward. Both gems have varying properties. They look the same, with slight differences that one can notice only upon careful examination. Here are a few ways in which moissanite differs from standard diamonds.
Weight
This difference is usually noticeable only if you put both under a weighing scale. Moissanite is lighter than diamond. A moissanite gem weighs around 3.21 g/cm3, and a diamond weighs approximately 3.52 g/cm3. However, note that this weight can vary depending on the cut and size of the gem.
Brilliance
Brilliance is the amount of light reflected from the interior of the stones and is measured using the refraction index. Moissanite scores higher on the index, with a score of 2.65-2.69. Some people think it's an advantage, while for some, it produces a 'disco ball' effect when hit with a bright source of light. Diamond scores slightly low, with a 2.45 on the index.
Color
Natural moissanite has a yellow-green tint, graded K on the GIA scale. However, lab simulated moissanite is now created in both color and colorless form. As far as diamonds are concerned, nothing can ever beat their spark and crystal-clear finish.
What Are the Benefits of Moissanite Gems?
Moissanite has recently gained popularity as a precious stone. It has several benefits that have led to the increase in their demand.
Mining Free: Moissanite Is Lab Created With Minimal Environmental Impact.
The world today is informed and aware. Every decision we take has a negative or positive impact on the environment. The same applies when we buy precious jewelry.
Diamonds are the epitome of luxury, grace, and grandeur. It holds a lot of respect in the market for its beauty and rarity. But what most people have not known for long is that mined diamonds aren't always ethically sourced.
Diamond mining has a high carbon footprint. In addition, it involved the clearing of land, which can potentially lead to erosion. Also, the mining process produces liquid and solid waste, which, if not treated properly, could lead to environmental destruction and pollution.
Furthermore, it also puts the lives of miners' at risk. The term 'conflict diamond' came to being when diamonds' unethical and illegal smuggling started to fund wars in Africa.
Moissanite is so rare that it has to be lab created so that more people can enjoy its beauty. These laboratories create these gems in a controlled environment; many even use renewable energy to power their tools. So, as a consumer, you can be sure that you're making an informed choice.
Since many people are still learning about this eco-conscious alternative to diamonds, your partner might ask, "What are moissanite rings?" Take your time to explain what it is, and tell them that you're making a sustainable decision by wearing a moissanite ring.
2.91 TW Cushion Cut Split Shank Halo Moissanite Engagement Ring
This is a perfect example of how you can get an extravagant moissanite ring while being ethically conscious. This beautifully designed engagement ring by Diamondrensu is fully encrusted with side stones, making it a breathtaking piece of jewelry.
Value: Moissanite is Less Expensive
What makes moissanite so popular is its affordability. Diamonds, specifically mined ones, cost a bomb. Moissanite, on the other hand, is an inexpensive alternative to diamonds.
That does not mean that its quality is lower. Moissanite stones are considered to be longer lasting than diamonds. Since they are silicon, dirt and oil do not easily stick to their surface. Therefore, they do not become cloudy in appearance over time.
Of course, a diamond is a diamond. Even lab grown diamonds are an ethical alternative to mined diamonds. But if you're on a budget and want a gem that resembles the quality of a diamond and is as rare and gorgeous, then moissanite is the right choice for you.
To see the difference in their price value, here are two designs with the same cut, one is moissanite, and the other is a lab grown diamond.
2.92 CT Emerald Cut Solitaire Moissanite Engagement Ring
This dainty solitaire ring has a magnificent emerald cut moissanite stone. It is the perfect engagement ring, symbolizing simplicity and poise. It is Diamondrensu certified and costs $320.
1.0 CT EF Emerald Cut Lab Created IGI Certified Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
This ring has a beautiful design with a delicately placed 1 carat emerald cut diamond as its highlight. However, compared to the moissanite ring, it is smaller and costs $1,190, making it almost two times more expensive than the moissanite one.
So if you're looking for gems that are bigger and blingier, but do not wish to spend on diamonds, then moissanite rings are the right choice for you.
Durability: Moissanite Gemstones Score 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness
Buying jewelry is not done just for vanity or aesthetics; it is an investment. This investment is not profitable only in monetary ways but also in terms of how long lasting and durable it will be.
Diamond has always been known as the strongest material, scoring a ten on the Mohs scale. This scale measures a stone's resistance and strength level. While diamonds are the strongest, moissanite is a close second with a score of 9.25. It is highly durable, with high resistance to scratches or any other form of damage.
You should only get the best when you spend a lot of money. At Diamondrensu, only the highest quality moissanite gems are used to create intricate jewelry pieces. In addition, they are tested and certified.
In Conclusion
Diamonds have ruled the market forever. It ought to, considering how rare and significant it is. But people are now becoming aware of the benefits of moissanite. It is affordable, durable, long-lasting, eco-conscious, and most importantly, incredibly beautiful.
As consumers, you can consciously choose to wear conflict-free gems like moissanite, standing for what is right and ethical without compromising on style. With moissanite, the beauty not only lies on the outside but also in the story behind creating it. Embrace the change and choose moissanite.
If you're looking for certified moissanite gems and jewelry, head over to Diamondrensu and find your perfect match. You can find moissanite in different shapes, cuts, and colors and customize the design to your liking. Have doubts? Speak to experts and learn more about moissanite and its numerous benefits. Happy shopping!
