This is a collaborative post – “Hey! What happened to the diamond?” you may ask. In truth, it is still very much alive. However, in the jewellery industry, a new gemstone has captured the hearts of jewel lovers – moissanite. What makes this gemstone special? Is it its blingy look? Its affordability? or its durability? There is so much to moissanite than meets the eyes. On the surface, it looks so similar to diamonds that you find it difficult to tell them apart. For this reason, some individuals tag it as the diamond replica or knock-off, with others even comparing it to the Ring Pop candy. However, this guide demystifies the world of moissanite. So, kindly grab a bucket of pocket and read along because you are in for an amazing adventure.
Shine Bright Like a Moissanite
Perhaps, Rihanna, the popular Barbadian singer, actress, and fashion designer was not aware of moissanite’s presence when she sang the popular song, “Shine Bright Like a Diamond.” But let’s pardon the honest mistake and create a remix in place. Diamonds reflect light rays but pale in comparison to moissanite. The latter being more brilliant and radiant than the former, its amazing optical features stem from its double-refraction properties, compared to its counterpart’s single-refraction qualities.
Diamond has a refractive index of 2.42, whereas moissanite sits at 2.65. Here is where it even gets more interesting. The classic gemstone also scores 0.044 in fire dispersion, which is nothing compared to the new contender’s rating in this category, scoring a staggering 0.104. Hence, your moissanite gemstone has more physical appeal than a diamond. While the latter gives a white light, the former produces a rainbow effect. And there is so much more.
Since silicon is present in moissanite, the gemstone is less susceptible to dirt or grease, compared to a diamond. You don’t need much to keep it clean. With proper maintenance, your moissanite jewellery will sparkle more than other gems, including the diamond.
Moissanites Lasting a Lifetime
Diamonds are the toughest minerals on Earth, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Next to them are moissanite gemstones, sitting at 9.5. This rating implies that your moissanite jewel can withstand scratches, chips, and cracks. Even when exposed to a careless jeweller’s torch, your gemstone will withstand great heat.
Your moissanite engagement ring, wedding ring, necklaces, earrings, and other related accessories will age along with you gracefully, retaining their brilliance and radiance even after several decades. Keep your jewellery looking brand new by using a small brush and a bowl of warm soapy water.
Moissanites Making a Home Run with Pricing
Undoubtedly, diamonds are expensive. A .5-carat. one-carat, and 1.5-carat GIA-certified diamond cost at least $1,000, $4,000, and $10,000 respectively. To own one of these pieces, you may have to save up several month’s worths of paychecks. However, you wouldn’t do the same with moissanite equivalents. A .5-carat moissanite gemstone will set you back by $269, while a one-carat and 1.5-carat worth of this jewel will only cost you $599 and $1,049 respectively. You can purchase a choice moissanite stone and still have enough to cater to other bills.