Moissanite vs. Diamonds
Choosing Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Comprehensive Guide
For ages, natural diamonds have been celebrated as the quintessential emblem of enduring elegance and remarkable resilience, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. In the quest for alternatives that mimic the brilliance of natural diamonds, Cubic Zirconia (CZ) has often been presented as a close counterpart. However, with a hardness of only 8.5, CZ falls short of the enduring strength of diamonds, making it susceptible to scratches with daily wear. This challenge motivated scientists to develop a lab-grown alternative that could offer the durability needed for everyday jewelry while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of natural diamonds. Enter Moissanite, a creation that emerged in 1998 by C3 Inc., later known as Charles & Colvard, which obtained patents to produce and sell lab-grown silicon carbide gems, marking a significant innovation in the jewelry industry.
Moissanite's discovery is credited to Dr. Henri Moissan, a Nobel Prize-winning French chemist who, over 120 years ago, unearthed silicon carbide in an Arizona meteorite crater while exploring efficient electrical conductors. Named in his honor, moissanite quickly became a favored choice for engagement rings and jewelry, appreciated for its affordability and resilience, until the advent of lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds, sharing the same carbon composition and properties as their natural counterparts, began to reshape consumer preferences.
Initially, lab-grown moissanite, made from silicon carbide, stood out as the only viable diamond alternative next to CZ, offering a more affordable price point and greater durability with a Mohs hardness of 9.25. It's crucial to understand, though, that the Mohs scale does not imply a proportional increase in hardness between numbers; the gap between 9.25 and 10 is significantly larger than it appears, making moissanite substantially less hard than natural or lab-grown diamonds. This misunderstanding led some to overestimate moissanite's durability compared to diamonds. Despite this, moissanite remains a commendable second choice for those seeking a diamond alternative.
As time passed, some began to notice moissanite's limitations, such as its susceptibility to scratching and chipping, though replacements were often available through warranties from brands like Charles & Colvard. A distinguishing feature of moissanite, compared to diamonds, is its tendency to develop a rainbow or oily sheen after extended wear, requiring periodic polishing to restore its original luster—a phenomenon not observed in diamonds.
Another point of differentiation is moissanite's greater fire or dispersion, producing more colorful sparkles under certain lighting conditions. This characteristic can make moissanite appear more sparkly than diamonds to some, although the difference is subtle and often unnoticed by the casual observer.
The most significant distinction between moissanite and diamonds lies in their optical properties. Moissanite is doubly refractive, meaning light passing through the gem splits into two rays, unlike the single refraction seen in diamonds and CZ. This characteristic can give moissanite a hazy or milky appearance, especially in fancy cuts or shapes, making it less appealing to diamond connoisseurs and professionals.
At Bespoke Brilliant, while we appreciate the beauty of both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds as alternatives to natural diamonds, we recommend lab-grown diamonds for their unmatched durability and optical properties, particularly in fancy shapes where moissanite may not perform as well. Nevertheless, we offer a selection of moissanite for those who prefer its unique qualities, ensuring a range of options to meet diverse preferences and needs.