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Moissanite
Everything You Need to Know About Moissanite
The Pave Natasha with a 2 carat Round cut Moissanite in Yellow Gold
Moissanite is the best diamond simulant on the market today. It looks a lot like a diamond - a little more sparkle but otherwise identical - and is nearly as hard. It costs a fraction of what diamonds do, and many L'Amour Brilliance customers choose it for their engagement ring’s center stone.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring, rare mineral made of silicon and carbon. It was originally discovered in an Arizona meteor crater in a huge quantity–but natural moissanite is too small for jewelry. Any moissanite you’ll see in a ring, necklace, and other pieces is lab-made! Moissanite looks a lot like diamonds. In the video below, the top stone is a diamond; the one below is moissanite... But most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
The Advantages of Moissanites
If you’re looking for a center stone that’s hard and shiny but cheaper than diamonds, moissanite is a good choice. It has the following upsides.
1 to 5 carat Cushion Moissanites
Cost
A moissanite stone looks similar to a diamond and costs far less. That means you can go higher in carat weight without paying a fortune.
Looks
Moissanite has near-flawless clarity. You won’t see any flaws or inclusions in a good stone. Moissanite stones also offer more fire and brilliance than diamonds.
3.01 carat G SI1 Cushion cut Diamond
Durability
Second only to diamonds, moissanite is the next most durable gemstone around. It has a ranking of 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are a 10). It doesn’t scratch, tarnish, or rub out like many other gemstones.
Sustainability
Moissanite is 100% lab-grown - never mined - so it’s both sustainable and ethical.
Round, Radiant and Oval Cut Moissanites
Moissanite: Disadvantages
Moissanite is the best diamond alternative, but it’s not quite a diamond. Here are some differences you should be aware of.
Rainbow Colors
Moissanite reflects much more color under bright light than diamonds. This gives it what’s known as the “rainbow effect”, with much of the sparkle being colorful.
The Morgan with a 3 carat Princess cut Moissanite in White Gold
Intense Brilliance
Moissanites have more shine than diamonds. A diamond expert will be able to tell one apart from a diamond.
Moissanite Engagement Rings
Moissanite is a beautiful, durable gem that will last a lifetime. It makes a gorgeous center stone for engagement rings and pairs well with all settings. In these ways, it’s exactly like a diamond.
The Pave Coco with a 3.5 carat Emerald cut Moissanite in Rose Gold
Moissanite is 100% eco-friendly, so it’s a perfect choice for your environmentally conscious partner. When choosing a setting, make sure to choose lab-grown diamond side stones to keep the ring totally sustainable!
Conclusion
Moissanite is a wonderful option for those looking for a diamond alternative. While these stones are different from diamonds, they are stunning gems. Moissanite offers very similar brilliance, fire, and durability without the hefty price tag.
