For your next gemstone purchase, you may be debating the pros and cons of moissanite vs. diamonds. With a big difference in price, it is important to understand the difference between the two. To save you from hours of research, our gemmologists will guide you through the pros and cons of moissanites and diamonds. From their brilliance, versatility and value, we cover everything you need to know about these two gemstones.
WHAT IS MOISSANITE?
Moissanite may be a popular diamond alternative, first discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893. Moissan was examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona and mistakenly thought that he found diamonds. In 1904, Moissan realized that he had actually found a silicon carbide, which later became known as moissanite. While synthetic carbide was produced a couple of years before Moissan’s discovery, moissanite was introduced into the market in 1993 when Charles & Colvard received the patent to produce it.
As natural moissanite is rare, all moissanite used in jewellery is synthetic. Moissanite is designed to look similar to diamonds and are a diamond simulant like cubic zirconia and rhinestones. Rather than carat weight, moissanite is measured by their size in millimetres because they weigh less than diamonds. For example, a 1 carat diamond is comparable to a 6.5mm moissanite.
How to see if a diamond is real?
WHAT IS A DIAMOND?
Renowned their captivating brilliance and timeless beauty, diamonds are simply carbon that has been exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Diamonds are created deep within the earth or artificially in a controlled environment.
If certain minerals are present during the formation process, such as boron or nitrogen, this creates a fancy coloured diamond. They can also be enhanced through artificial treatments such as fracture filling or HPHT to improve its colour or clarity. While these treated diamonds may look more enticing, they are considered less valuable in comparison to their fully natural counterparts. Be careful when purchasing these diamonds:
- The seller must make you aware of these treatments
- The laboratory certificate must state that you are purchasing an enhanced stone
- These stones are not stable for any type of heat and you must treat the stones with great care
HOW MOISSANITE DIFFERS FROM DIAMONDS
There are 4 main differences between moissanite and diamonds:
- Due to moissanite’s unique composition, they appear to have more facets than diamonds do, even when cut the same.
- They also produce a strong fire which appears as a rainbow of flashes. While diamonds also produce fire, this effect is so intense in moissanite’s that they are sometimes referred to as “disco balls.” Depending on your tastes, this strong rainbow of colours may be off putting and give the appearance of costume jewellery.
- Moissanites are far less valuable than natural diamonds.
- Moissanite is also available in four colour groups:Colourless: comparable to a D, E or F colour grade.
Near colourless: comparable to a G, H or I colour grade.
Slightly tinted with yellow or green hues: comparable to a J or K colour grade.
Fancy coloured: such as yellow, green or blue.MOISSANITE VS DIAMONDS: PROS AND CONS
Now that you know the essentials about moissanites and diamonds, below are their benefits and drawbacks:
Moissanite
PROS:
• Greatly resemble diamonds
• Significantly cheaper than diamonds
• Available in fancy colours and fancy diamond cuts
• Have a high refractive index like diamonds
• A 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them resistant to abrasions
• Do not become cloudy over time like cubic zirconia
• Free from exploitative mining practices
CONS:
• Some people do not like the strong “disco ball” affect which intensifies in sunlight
• Not rare or valuable
How to clean your diamond jewellery
Diamonds
PROS:
• Considered by many to be the must-have gemstone
• Choice of natural or man-made
• When well-cut, diamonds provide exceptional brilliance and sparkle
• The hardest mineral on earth at a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness
• Better maintains its value in comparison to diamond simulants
• Much more valuable than moissanite
CONS:
• Much more expensive than moissanite
• Mining diamonds can be harsh on the environment
WHAT ARE MOISSANITE AND DIAMONDS WORTH?
In the moissanite vs. diamonds debate, one of the biggest factors to consider is their price. Moissanite costs far less than diamonds. While a nice one carat diamond can easily cost you over R50000, a comparable moissanite will only cost about a third to half of that. If you’re considering buying an ornate coloured stone, the price difference jumps considerably.
There is no value in a second hand moissanite.
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