Moissanites are one gemstone that can leave heads turning wherever you do. In actuality, their brilliance exceeds that of diamonds. Charles & Colvard, a notable jewel manufacturer, has the exclusive rights to produce moissanite crystals for jewel making. Another company, Cree Inc., manufactures various products using this material, including LED light bulbs. In its naturally occurring state, moissanite, also known as silicon carbide (SiC), forms in several rock formations in the world, including the Green River Formation in Wyoming.
Are Moissanites Knock-Offs of Diamonds?
Charles & Colvard manufactures moissanite solely for jewel making and distributes the gemstones to several retailers in the United States. Unfortunately, some shady companies have introduced moissanite knock-offs into the market scene through various websites.
Does that mean that moissanite gemstones are fake diamonds or knock-offs as some individuals claim? Definitely, no. Kindly understand that moissanite is a jewel in its right. It does not share any relationship with its counterpart (diamond), even though both gemstones look similar to each other.
Moissanites are great diamond replacements, as they have more brilliance, matching toughness, and lower price options. They beat other jewels hands down, including emeralds, rubies, and CZ’s. Your moissanite engagement ring will last you a lifetime without you having to worry about scratches, chips, or scratches.
Mesmerizing Optical Qualities You Can’t Ignore
When you pick up a colourless diamond engagement ring, you will notice that it is free from hues, appearing ice white. Contrastingly, a moissanite gemstone may have traces of other colours, like green, yellow or brown. You can easily spot this condition in larger crystals. However, Charles & Colvard has taken care of this factor by introducing the Forever Brilliant Colour and Forever Brilliant Colourless.
Moving on to optical properties, both moissanite and diamonds engagement ring have different faceting patterns. Consequently, this implies that they can reflect light differently. When light rays enter a moissanite gemstone, it bends and splits them into halves, giving more spectral colours, known as the rainbow effect. As such, its double-refraction qualities make it sparkle more than diamonds with single-refractive properties. You may prefer the fiery optical quality of a moissanite gemstone, while someone else may go with a diamond’s classic radiance.
Moissanites reflect light rays up to 2.4 times more than diamonds. Hence, when placed exposed in the open or a well-lit environment, it is easy for anyone to spot the jewel.
Moissanite’s Affordability
With $300 to $400, you could purchase a moissanite gemstone. Anything less than that price may scream Fake! One thing you don’t have to worry about when shopping for this precious stone is its ethical background. Unlike diamonds, they don’t have environmental challenges.
Still on cost, kindly note that the price of a moissanite gemstone depends on its size and quality. However, you’ll get value for your money. A 1-carat diamond worth $4,000 may only cost you $400 to get its moissanite alternative. In the same vein, a 3-carat oval GIA certified diamond that will set you back by $30,000 may only cost you $3,000. As such, you don’t have to break the bank to get that amazing piece of jewellery for your loved one.