Discover the Magic
Your Guide to Moissanite Education
Moissanite, a celestial gemstone, traces its origins back to a serendipitous discovery in 1893 by the renowned French chemist Henri Moissan. Unearthed in Arizona within a meteorite impact crater, these microscopic crystals initially baffled Moissan, who mistook them for diamonds. However, subsequent analysis revealed their true composition: silicon carbide.
Given the scarcity of natural moissanite, today's supply is primarily cultivated in laboratories. Through meticulous synthesis, scientists have succeeded in replicating the captivating allure of this gemstone, resulting in one of the most radiant gems known to humanity.
Often likened to diamonds, moissanite serves as a brilliant diamond alternative, engineered to emulate the visual appeal of its counterpart. However, distinctions in durability, brilliance, and color set these gems apart. Notably, both diamonds and moissanites share exceptional thermal conductivity, further highlighting their remarkable properties.
How are Moissanite Made?
Moissanites are crafted through a meticulous process that begins with the synthesis of silicon carbide in high-temperature furnaces, replicating the natural conditions found in meteorites. These raw crystals undergo precision cutting and polishing by skilled artisans before undergoing the Lely process. Named after its inventor, this sophisticated technique involves the deposition of vaporized silicon carbide onto a seed crystal, layer by layer. The result is meticulously crafted gemstones renowned for their extraordinary brilliance and fire.
Moissanite's allure surpasses even that of diamonds, boasting a refractive index that dazzles with kaleidoscopic brilliance. Unlike diamonds, which originate from the earth's depths, moissanites are born from the controlled alchemy of science, imbuing them with a unique and captivating radiance.
How are Moissanite Certified & Graded?
Unlike diamonds, whose histories are steeped in tradition, moissanite's beauty is authenticated by independent gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These esteemed institutions employ precise gem grading techniques, meticulously evaluating four key characteristics: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
Carat weight serves as a measure of size, defining the stone's presence and significance. Color reveals a spectrum ranging from the crisp brilliance of grade D to the warm, inviting tones of grade J. Clarity delves into the gem's inner world, ensuring the absence of even the slightest imperfections. Lastly, cut, the orchestrator of light, is scrutinized with meticulous detail, ensuring that each facet contributes harmoniously to the gem's brilliance.
Why Choose Moissanite?
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MINING FREE
Moissanite is lab created with minimal environmental impact.
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VALUE
Moissanite is less expensive per carat than many other gemstones.
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DURABILITY
Moissanite gemstones are a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Moissanite VS. Lab Grown Diamonds
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MOISSANITE
Composition: Composed of silicon carbide (SiC) and is a distinct mineral with its own unique properties. It has a different crystal structure than diamonds.
Hardness: Very hard, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Brilliance and Sparkle: Exhibits a high degree of brilliance and fire, often displaying more colorful flashes of light than diamonds.
Color: Generally exhibits more rainbow-like flashes of color, especially under certain lighting conditions.
Cost: More affordable than both natural and lab-grown diamonds, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Origin: Discovered in meteorites, but moissanite used in jewelry is typically created in a lab.
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LAB GROWN DIAMOND
Composition: Composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, identical to natural diamonds.
Hardness: Shares the same hardness as natural diamonds, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, making it the hardest known material.
Brilliance and Sparkle: Displays a similar level of brilliance and sparkle to natural diamonds, characterized by white light reflections.
Color: Can be produced with a range of colors, but high-quality diamonds are typically colorless or near-colorless.
Cost: Usually more affordable than natural diamonds but can still vary in price based on factors such as size, quality, and cut.
Origin: Created in controlled laboratory conditions, replicating the natural diamond formation process.
How is moissanite made?
Moissanite is grown in a laboratory by professionals with advanced, specialized equipment.
How long does moissanite last?
Moissanites are strong, long-lasting gemstones. With proper care, moissanites can last throughout your lifetime and be passed down to future generations.
Are Moissanite stones high-quality?
Yes. Just like diamonds, moissanite is graded for color, clarity, cut, polish and symmetry. Our moissanites are considered top gem quality as they are colorless (D-E-F), high clarity (VS1 or better) and have excellent cut, polish and symmetry.
Is moissanite durable?
Moissanite is one of the toughest known gemstones which makes it perfect for an engagement ring, a piece of jewelry that is usually worn every day. Studies in high pressure research have shown that moissanite stone is highly resistant to breaking and chipping.
Does moissanite lose its sparkle?
Moissanite will not lose its sparkle as time passes. The clarity and color of the stone won’t change through the years. Dirt and grime are the only common elements that may inhibit a ring’s sparkle until it is cleaned. Damaging the surface of moissanite can inhibit sparkle, as it would for any gemstone.
Are Moissanite Rings Worth It?
Moissanite offers unmatched brilliance and fire at a fraction of the cost of diamonds. Moissanite’s durability makes it an ideal gem for daily wear and ensures it will last a lifetime. So is Moissanite worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. onses as that has a tendency to improve trust overall.
Why Is Moissanite So Expensive?
Moissanite is an incredible gemstone that costs a fraction of what a mined diamond costs. Though more affordable, the quality of moissanite production influences its price. Our process starts in a high-tech lab and once the moissanite is grown, it’s then hand cut and faceted by our experts (using patented technology) to ensure only the highest quality gems are produced.