Moissanite Guide
Moissanite is a stunning gemstone that shines with incredible brilliance and fiery flashes of light. It is created in a laboratory and closely resembles the beauty of diamonds. What makes moissanite even more appealing is its remarkable strength, which means it can withstand daily wear without losing its sparkle. Plus, it offers great value for its price, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking for a gorgeous alternative to traditional diamonds.
Introduction to Moissanite
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone that occurs naturally in trace amounts but is primarily lab-created. It is composed of silicon carbide and exhibits exceptional brilliance and fire.
How does moissanite compare to diamonds?
Moissanite possesses similar optical properties to diamonds, such as brilliance and sparkle, but it has different chemical and physical characteristics. It is an affordable alternative to diamonds.
Is moissanite a natural gemstone?
Moissanite occurs naturally in very small quantities, but the majority available in the market is lab-created.
How durable is moissanite?
Moissanite is known for its exceptional hardness, rating 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It is highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear.
Appearance and Quality
What color are moissanites?
At Princess Bride Diamonds, we exclusively carry colorless moissanite.
Does moissanite sparkle like a diamond?
While moissanite does possess a high level of sparkle, it exhibits a slightly different type of sparkle compared to diamonds due to its unique optical properties. Moissanite has a property called birefringence, which can create a subtle doubling of facets and a different play of light compared to diamonds. This birefringence can give moissanite a distinctive sparkle that some people find equally captivating or even prefer over the sparkle of diamonds. Overall, the sparkle of moissanite is still highly impressive and can create a dazzling and eye-catching appearance.
What clarity are moissanites?
Moissanites typically have a clarity grade of VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) or better. This means that moissanites are generally very clear and free from visible inclusions or flaws when examined under magnification. The majority of moissanites available in the market have excellent clarity, contributing to their exceptional sparkle and brilliance.
Moissanite vs. Diamond Comparisons
Oval
Radiant
Comparison Chart
Moissanite, Diamond, and Lab Diamond
Moissanite
Lab Diamond
Diamond
Silicon Carbide
Carbon
Carbon
9.25
10
10
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
Very high
Colorless, Near-colorless, and Fancy
Colorless, Near-colorless, and Fancy
Colorless, Near-colorless, and Fancy
VVS or better
Internally Flawless to Included
Internally Flawless to Included
Lab-created
Lab-created
Natural
$
$$
$$$$$$$$$$
Second most popular
Most popular option
Traditional choice for engagement rings, but now third most popular option
*The popularity comparison provided is specific to our store and may not necessarily reflect the overall market trends or preferences.
Please note that specific characteristics may vary depending on the individual stone, quality, and manufacturer. It's important to consult with a jeweler or gemstone expert for more detailed and specific information when considering a purchase. Contact our team of jewelry experts for any questions you may have.