Moissanite vs. Diamond
Moissanite looks very similar to a diamond. It is near-colorless, very similar in refractive index to a diamond, and the GIA has deemed moissanite the closest imitation of a diamond. Understand the key differences between moissanite and diamond, such as their durability, brilliance, and color, and how to choose the gemstone that best matches your lifestyle. You can learn what to look for in a Moissanite ring here. Knowing what to ask for in your Moissanite ring is essential for getting it right.
Moissanite is considered a diamond alternative by most jewelers, and not an imitation, although you’ll see a lot of that language online. Although sometimes described as a diamond fake or as a cubic zirconia replacement, moissanite is in fact a totally unique gemstone that is found in meteorites and occurs naturally in the earth. Because of its beauty and durability, moissanite is often used by celebrities.
Moissanite is one of the few gemstones that’s perfect for fine jewelry. However, it’s very hard to get pure moissanite stones. Therefore, a great deal of moissanite jewelry is lab created.
Similarities Between Moissanite and Diamond
Natural moissanite is comparable to a certified K-color diamond which cannot be directly graded on a diamond color chart, however untrained, non-jeweler eyes cannot discern differences in diamond color until about this point.
The larger the moissanite center stone the more color you can see, and the harder it is to differentiate between it and a diamond. Because of this, some people prefer moissanite center stones below a certain carat weight. However, not everyone will see the difference. However, the hardness of moissanite ranges from 9.5 on the Mohs scale as compared to a diamond’s perfect.
It is important to note that if you are not a trained jeweler, you will rarely get to know the difference between a colorless diamond and a white diamond, even if the two stones show the faintest yellow tinge. Natural moissanite has a slight yellow tinge.
In the past, moissanite exhibited faint tones of green, yellow, and gray. Today most moissanites are enhanced, so they are nearly colorless. If Moissanite and diamond are placed side by side, some knowledgeable jewelry experts might still be able to detect a slight yellow or gray hue in moissanite under certain conditions, but it’s becoming more difficult as technology improves.
How To Tell Moissanite From Diamond
Diamond testers measure how heat moves through a stone to determine whether or not it is a real diamond. However, because moissanite heat conductivity is very close to that of a diamond, it’s not a sure bet. In addition to diamond testers that measure electrical conductivity, moissanite testers are specifically designed to identify moissanite by measuring how the stone conducts electricity.
Moissanite testers measure how a stone conducts electricity to identify moissanite. Diamond testers determine whether a stone is a diamond by measuring electrical conductivity, not exactly what the stone is.
Why is it Necessary to Test Moissanite and Diamond?
It is necessary because no matter what stone , it must be strong enough to withstand the daily bangs and bumps jewelry often encounters.
Can Moissanite Pass for Diamond?
Yes, if you are not a jeweler;
No, If you are a jewelry expert.
You won’t sense any difference if you are not a jewelry expert and everyone you show your moissanite ring to for the rest of your life. Most are unaware moissanite exists and would never. The general public, your nosy friends, and everyone with whom you show off your moissanite ring will not realize the difference. Many don’t even realize moissanite exists and wouldn’t think to question it.
