Moissanite vs. Diamond – What Kind of Stone Should You Pick for Earrings
Choosing between a Moissanite and diamond stone for your earrings is a big decision. It can be a life-altering decision! The average engagement ring commissioned over the last century or so will cost you between two and three thousand dollars. However, moissanite earrings are affordable and fit almost every budget.
However, before you take out a loan to get your beautiful new engagement ring, there is one big problem. If you are not careful, it could turn out that the Moissanite stone in your ring is just a diamond glommed onto with an ugly green adhesive!
The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about the two materials. That is why we are here! We have put together some information that will help you understand each stone. Most importantly, you will know how they compare to each other.
What is Moissanite?
A French scientist named Henri Moissan while looking through a meteor crater in Arizona, USA first discovered the mineral Moissanite. He spent years studying the remains of the meteor and eventually concluded that he had discovered a new mineral. They named the stone after him.
Today, manufacturers synthesize the material and produce it in labs because it is extremely rare. It is unusually difficult to distinguish between Moissanite, which is natural and lab-created. However, there are some signs to look for if you suspect your stone is not real.
Sometimes Moissanite is referred to as “space-grade” or “laboratory-created” diamond. However, it is not a diamond and should not be confused with this very expensive stone.
The Moissanite vs. Diamond Debate
The ongoing debate between the advantages and disadvantages of Moissanite and diamonds will probably go on as long as these two stones are around. Which is better? That depends on what is important to you. Let us look at the facts.
- Man-Made vs. Natural: Moissanite vs. Diamond
Moissanite is a rare mineral found in meteorites. Therefore, it was not available to humans until very recently compared with diamonds. Today, Moissanite is lab-grown with the same quality of cut, shape and color as diamonds. Moissanites are composed of carbon and silicon atoms, just like most other rocks on Earth.
With the possibilities of making Moissanite in the lab, it is ethical to our use compared to the mined diamond. If this is something that you value, then Moissanite is a great gem choice for you.
- Moissanite vs. Diamond Cutting and Appearance
The cut of Moissanite is ‘brilliant.’ It has 58 facets. This is the same as an ideal brilliant-cut diamond. The cut maximizes reflected light and create the illusion of a larger stone. Because Moissanite mimic diamonds, their general appearance is very similar. They are usually colourless and have a high refractive index. This means they bend light to look white or clear.
- Moissanite vs. Diamond Price
The price of Moissanite depends on carat weight, color, clarity, cut whether it is set in jewelry or loose. The price of loose Moissanite is about 20% lower than diamonds. However, when you factor in the setting, it is more expensive than regular diamonds.
A regular diamond costs $3,000 for 1 carat, while 1-carat Moissanite will come to $4,000 – $5,000. However, if you are looking for an affordable alternative to diamonds, Moissanite will give you various options.
- Moissanite Color
Diamonds come in different colors. They are mainly colorless or have tints of yellow, brown, blue and sometimes red. It all depends on the type of impurities in the diamond while formed in nature.
Moissanite come in clear stones only! Therefore, if you are looking for a stone that is colorless or very close to it, then Moissanite are your best choice.
- Diamond Clarity
This is where moissanite shines over diamonds! Moissanite have fewer inclusions (flaws) and more brilliance (sparkle) than diamonds. They also tend to be about 2-3 times whiter than colorless diamonds. In addition, they are less likely to get “milky” or have a grey appearance, which is great for earrings.
Final Advice!
Moissanite is often called a diamond simulant or imitation stone. It looks very much like a real diamond. Therefore, you would not mind buying moissanite for a somewhat similar diamond experience. This is a great choice and alternative to diamond.