What Is The Difference Between A Moissanite And A Diamond?

When you consider choosing the precious gem for your jewellery, choosing between a Moissanite and a Diamond is one of your top options. However, to truly compare the Moissanite-Diamond gems, you must understand more than the basic makeup. This comparison requires a detailed understanding of composition, appearance, durability, cost, and ethical implications.

After all, both gemstones have unique qualities that cater to various preferences and needs, and it is only after understanding things in depth that one can choose between Diamond and moissanite jewellery.

Once you know what you want, we also offer the best custom moissanite jewellery at Tianyu Gems, which is the most affordable and brilliant alternative to traditional diamonds. Still, whether you’re drawn to the affordability and sustainability of Moissanite or the timeless elegance and prestige of diamonds, use this chance to learn more about the distinctions between the two – take this chance to choose the perfect gemstone!

Composition and Origin

Diamonds are naturally occurring carbon crystals formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. They’re mined from different parts of the world, though most famously from Africa, Canada, Russia, and Australia.

Moreover, these stones are revered for their unparalleled hardness – in fact, they score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them the hardest known natural material!

On the other hand, Moissanite has a more extraterrestrial origin. French chemist Henri Moissan first discovered it in a meteorite crater in 1893, but because the natural occurrence of this on Earth is rare, moissanite jewellery today is exclusively lab-created.

The synthetic process involves the crystallization of silicon carbide, which results in a gem that ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This means it’s incredibly durable and perfect for everyday wear.

Brilliance and Fire

One of the top features of Moissanite is its brilliance. Since it has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamonds (2.42), it bends light much more effectively, which means you get a sparkle and a ‘disco ball’!

This makes custom moissanite jewellery particularly eye-catching, especially under direct light. Plus, Moissanite also exhibits a higher dispersion rate (fire) than diamonds, which splits light into a spectrum of colours more vividly than diamonds.

Visual Appearance

To the untrained eye, Moissanite and diamonds look the same, which means you can substitute one for the other in less formal settings. However, on closer inspection, several differences can become apparent.

For one, the higher brilliance and fire of Moissanite tend to showcase a more intense sparkle, which some people find more attractive, while others may prefer the subtler brilliance of diamonds. Another difference is that the Moissanite typically exhibits a slightly different hue under certain lighting conditions, sometimes appearing more yellow or grey compared to the clear white of a diamond.

Cost and Value

The most incredible moissanite-diamond difference is generally considered the cost. For one, despite all its similarities, moissanite jewellery is generally more affordable than diamonds. This makes it popular for people on a budget.

The affordability of Moissanite lets consumers opt for larger stones or more intricate settings without the hefty price tag associated with diamonds. That means it’s pretty appealing for engagement rings since couples will then be able to allocate their budget towards other expenses such as the wedding or future financial goals.

On the other hand, diamonds, especially high-quality ones, are much more expensive due to their rarity and the extensive processes involved in mining and grading them. In light of that, the price of a diamond is determined by the famous 4 Cs: carat, colour, clarity, and cut.

These factors significantly influence the overall costs of diamonds and Moissanite, making diamonds a long-term investment and a symbol of luxury and lasting love. In contrast, moissanites are a more cost-effective alternative.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

With more and more awareness of ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability at the forefront of any consumer’s mind, custom moissanite jewellery has become a much more compelling choice than ‘blood diamonds’.

Since these gems were created in a lab, the need for mining is eliminated. Mining, by definition, has horrible environmental impacts like deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, so having an option that doesn’t cause all of that makes it more appealing.

Moreover, producing Moissanite in a controlled lab environment is more likely to uphold ethical labour practices, making it more socially responsible.

On the other hand, we have diamonds, or, as we hinted at previously, ‘blood diamonds’. This is because the diamond industry has long been associated with unethical issues and environmental concerns connected with everything negative, from habitat destruction to armed conflict.

However, the industry has made strides in recent years through initiatives like the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Other initiatives have led to the rise of lab-grown diamonds, which follow in the same vein as the Moissanites.

Customization and Availability

Moissanite’s growing popularity has led to a tremendous increase in its availability and customization range (following the rule of supply and demand in economics). This means that jewellers offer several styles, settings, and cuts made precisely for Moissanite.  

Whether you want a classic round cut or a unique design like the Empress or Lotus cuts, Moissanite has the flexibility to create stunning, personalized jewellery pieces.

Alternatively, diamonds have long been the traditional choice for fine jewellery. They offer a great variety in terms of customization and availability and thus have a conventional appeal. From solitaire engagement rings to intricate halo settings, diamonds have countless designs perfect for their cut.

In addition, the extensive history of diamond jewellery makes finding skilled artisans to create bespoke diamond pieces relatively straightforward.

Durability and Daily Wear

Diamonds are known to have an unmatched hardness at a full 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes them extremely durable and ideal for jewellery pieces intended for daily wear and tear.

Additionally, their resistance to scratching and abrasions promises the maintenance of their brilliance and lustre over time, making them suitable for different jewellery settings, from engagement rings to earrings and bracelets.

However, while diamonds are the hardest known natural material, Moissanite is one of the most complex man-made materials at 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It’s also resistant to scratching and can withstand the rigours of everyday activities.

Moreover, the resistance to heat and chemicals further enhances its suitability for various jewellery settings, which is why it’s a practical choice for those who lead active lifestyles.

Custom Moissanite Jewelry

Custom moissanite jewellery allows a great personalization in terms of individual tastes and preferences, and at Tianyu Gems, we offer a wide range just for you.

From selecting the perfect moissanite cut and size to choosing the ideal setting and metal, we have everything you will need to build your perfect piece. Our skilled artisans work closely with clients to create bespoke jewellery pieces that reflect their unique style and vision.

Some of the most popular cuts for Moissanite include:

● Round Brilliant Cut: This one is known for its impressive sparkle and timeless appeal, making it the most popular choice for engagement rings.

● Princess Cut: This square-shaped cut brings a modern look and excellent brilliance and fire.

● Emerald Cut: As a rectangular shape with step-cut facets, this emerald cut promises excellent elegance and sophistication.

● Cushion Cut: This cut has rounded corners and larger facets, making the cushion cut combine vintage charm with contemporary style.

● Oval-Cut: Finally, the elongated shape of the oval cut makes for a fairly flattering look. It’s a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces.

At Tianyu Gems, we also offer the more unique cuts, such as the Empress and Lotus cuts, which bring a more distinctive and artistic touch to your custom moissanite jewellery.

Care and Maintenance

When you do have your perfect moissanite jewellery piece, you’ll also want to consider how to care for it. After all, even if these jewels are pretty durable, they need some care for better longevity.

Luckily, we have a few tips so you can ensure your Moissanite retains its brilliance for years to come:

Regular Cleaning

Firstly, you’ll want to clean your custom moissanite jewellery regularly with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub the stone with a soft toothbrush and rinse dry with a lint-free cloth so you can maintain its sparkle.

Commercial Cleaners

You can use commercial jewellery cleaning solutions, but make sure they’re perfectly formulated for gemstones, and, if possible, make sure they don’t negatively impact the gemstone before you clean it thoroughly. You can also follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage.

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Most moissanite pieces can withstand ultrasonic cleaning, which uses high-frequency sound waves to dislodge dirt and grime. However, you’ll want to check with your jeweller to ensure that the setting and accompanying stones are safe for this type of cleaning.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Always remember to keep your jewellery away from harsh chemicals like chlorine and bleach, which can damage the metal setting.

Proper Storage

Lastly, store your Moissanite separately from other pieces to avoid scratching. This is because even though they’re incredibly durable, all stones have limitations. So, to maintain a good environment, use a jewellery box with individual compartments or soft pouches.

Conclusion

Choosing between Moissanite and diamonds ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and ethical values, but you can consider the differences to determine which options suit you best. Moissanite jewellery provides great brilliance, durability, and affordability, making it an attractive alternative. The ethical and environmentally friendly production of this gem also adds to its appeal to conscious consumers.

On the other hand, diamonds promise timeless elegance, prestige, long-term value, and more durability, making them perfect for those who love traditional styles.

If you choose Moissanite, we at Tianyu Gems take that into account and craft custom Moissanite jewellery that reflects your unique style and vision!

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