The beautiful, bright, and sparkly gemstone called Moissanite is a diamond simulant and also a gemstone in its own right. First discovered in 1893 in the desert of Arizona by a French man named Henri Moissan, who believed he had found diamonds. It was not diamonds, but crystals made up of silicon carbide. It was found in a crater formed by a meteorite falling from the sky. It became known as the gemstone born from the stars.
What are Moissanite Rings?
“The naturally occurring silicon carbide minerals are rare. They are not large enough to be cut into a size similar to a one-carat or greater diamond. In the 1980’s they began to experiment with using silicon carbide to create a gemstone that would be a simulant of diamonds. Engagement rings became the natural use of Moissanite.”
Is Moissanite OK for an Engagement Ring?
Moissanite’s brilliance makes it the perfect alternative to a diamond for an engagement ring.
- It is almost as hard as a diamond.
- It does not collect dirt as often as a diamond.
- It is durable, “conflict-free,” not mined like natural diamonds, and
- has a smaller carbon footprint.
Are Moissanite Diamonds Fake and Tacky?
Moissanite gemstones are neither fake nor tacky.
Moissanite is a gemstone that occurs in nature and can also be created. While most Moissanite stones used in jewelry are lab-created, they are actual gemstones and not synthetic. Moissanite is the second hardest gemstone next to diamonds making it.
It is known for its durability, fiery rainbow flashes, and ability to never lose its luster.
Do Moissanite Rings Get Cloudy?
Often it is inclusions in gemstones that make them look cloudy. Inclusions are imperfections created during the formation of the stone. Moissanite gemstone is not known for inclusions. The other thing that may cause a gemstone to look cloudy is when they get dirty, particularly the back of the stone, the light is blocked, and the ring needs to be washed.
Can I Wash My Hands with Moissanite?
Yes, you may wash your hands with your Moissanite ring on.
- The best way to clean your Moissanite ring is with warm soapy water.
- Be sure to rinse your ring well so that soap does not collect on the surface.
Can I Shower with Moissanite?
Yes, the same is OK for showering with your Moissanite ring on as washing your hands with your ring on. Again, be sure to rinse your Moissanite ring well; soaps, shampoos, and conditioners can make your ring look cloudy.
One thing to remember is it is a good thing to remove your ring when putting on lotion and using any chemical processes.
Can I Wear a Moissanite Ring Every Day?
Yes, Moissanite is known for its durability. Diamond is the hardest of gemstones, rated 10 on the Mohs scale. On the Mohs scale, Moissanite is rated 9.25-9.5, the second hardest. Like all gemstones, they can scratch, so do not wear them when you are using harsh chemicals or are using your hands in a situation where your ring is vulnerable to scratching.
Will Moissanite Turn Your Finger Green?
Moissanite will not turn your finger green. It is copper in the metal that turns your finger green. There is no copper in Moissanite. Most engagement ring settings are made of white gold, yellow gold, platinum, or palladium. Usually, these metals will not turn your finger green.
There is one exception if you have an extreme nickel allergy, you should refrain from gold (all gold has some nickel mixed in it, nickel may have copper in it).
Does Moissanite Get Dirty Easily?
Moissanite can go longer between cleaning than diamonds. Because Moissanite is made from silicon, it is less likely to attract dirt. Still, particularly if you wear your Moissanite all the time, it is recommended to clean it once a month.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Moissanite?
The best way to clean it is to
- prepare a bowl of warm soapy water (use liquid dish soap),
- drop in your jewelry, and
- use a soft toothbrush.
- You may let it air dry or use a hairdryer or a paper towel.
What Can Damage Moissanite?
Any product containing chlorine can damage or discolor your Moissanite. Also, other pieces of jewelry can scratch your Moissanite. Always remember to wrap or store your jewelry pieces separately. Stones may become loose and fall out if settings and prongs are damaged. If participating in high-risk activities, you might consider removing your rings.
What is A,B,C, and D Grade Moissanite?
People search for A,B,C, and D grade Moissanite.
Moissanite has three grades:
- colorless by GIA standards (D-E-F range),
- near-colorless (G-H-I range ), and
- with faint hues of color (J-K range).
D-E-F are the highest grades and have the highest value because they are closest to colorless. There is no A, B, C grade Moissanite. Diamonds are graded on The 4C’s, Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat.
Moissanite Rings Versus Diamond Rings
- Moissanite is brighter and more radiant than diamonds.
- In hardness, Moissanite is second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale, making both stones durable and long-lasting and wearable daily.
- Moissanite is never mined; therefore, it is “conflict-free” and more eco-friendly.
- Moissanite is less expensive than diamond for the same size stone.
- Diamonds weigh more, so they are not compared by weight but by size.
Moissanite Rings Versus Cubic Zirconia Rings
Moissanite is much harder than Cubic Zirconia on the Mohs scale, which makes it more suitable for everyday wear. That also makes it more resistant to damage and abrasion. This also makes it more suitable for engagement rings. Moissanites are more heat resistant than diamonds. Because it is made of silicon, Moissanite is more able to resist dirt than Cubic Zirconia.
“Moissanite is a lovely, durable, eco-friendly, and less expensive diamond alternative. Moissanite is bright, beautiful, and durable. Many people are looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly, beautiful alternative to diamonds because of the violence, slavery, and destruction of the environment associated with mined diamonds.”
For couples on a budget, Moissanite is a welcome alternative because it is less expensive, just as beautiful, and just as long-lasting. Joseph’s jewelry carries Moissanite center stones in many sizes and shapes.
At Joseph’s Jewelry, we carry the largest selection of fine gold and diamond jewelry near you on the Treasure Coast, including jewelry for men. You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for without having to drive around Stuart, Hobe Sound, Palm City, Jensen Beach, or Port St. Lucie for fine jewelry. Our professional jewelers will help you find the perfect gift every time you visit us nearby. You just don’t get that with an online jewelry store.
Schedule your virtual jewelry showing or come in our jewelry store in Stuart and let our jewelry experts help you finding the perfect Moissanite for your engagement ring!
