The brilliance, the beauty, the joy that diamonds bring to the heart of every man and woman is possible with Moissanite. What is Moissanite? Is it a Diamond? It is difficult to tell the difference with the naked eye.  

Let’s start with the Diamond. Where does it come from and what makes a Diamond so sought after? Natural Diamonds come from deep within the Earth. Did you know Carbon (an element) is everywhere? Carbon becomes a diamond deep within the earth’s mantle where the temperature is above 1000 degrees C. This intense heat causes the Carbon atoms to bond together. These bonds become unbreakable. When volcanic activity happens, these crystals are imbedded in the volcanic rocks that are spewed up to the earth’s surface. Diamonds have been found in many countries around the world and their value depends on the quality of the diamond. Diamonds are on the Mohs Scale at 10 making them the hardest mineral on the planet. (For more interesting read on Diamond Mining check out Beldiamond Guidance.)

Now let’s consider Moissanite. This naturally occurring stone was originally found in a meteorite deposit in a crater in the form of microscopic crystals in 1893 in Arizona by Ferdinand Henri Moissan. Moissan originally believed he found a Diamond. Unlike the purity of Carbon in a Diamond, Moissanite comes from the compound Silicon Carbon (SiC). The largest one ever found on Earth was just over 4mm. It is formed under immense heat and pressure combining the two elements. Not many meteors make craters here on Earth today. Because the Moissanite is so rare today it is formed in a lab. It is actually the rarest jewel on earth. Moissanite is no longer sourced from meteorites. To the untrained eye, the Moissanite and the Diamond look almost identical. The Moissanite is said to have more fire or flashes of light than a Diamond because it has a higher refractive index.  Stones are measured by hardness because the harder they are the more difficult to scratch. Moissanite is harder than Sapphires and Rubies. On the Mohs Scale the Moissanite ranks at 9.5 making it the second hardest mineral next to a Diamond. It is suitable for everyday wear. Like the Diamond, Moissanite has been used industrially since it’s discovery.  

Reasons to choose a Moissanite stone: 

Because Moissanite is lab created, it has minimal impact on our environment. Diamond mining was very controversial because of the Blood Diamond. Mining is tightly regulated today. 

Size and cost often matter, but as a guide you can expect to pay around $5000 for a nearly colorless 1-carat diamond compared to a completely colorless Moissanite at $600.

Thinking about the value of a Moissanite stone as an heirloom? The Moissanite will keep its value as well as its sentiment for generations to come. It is easy to keep clean, durable and lasting.

Sometimes the idea of a stone being form deep within the earth seems more attractive than a lab-grown stone. In the end both a Diamond and a Moissanite are man-cut regardless of where it was formed.

Durability a concern? There are very little differences between Moissanite and Diamonds. Diamonds are the most durable gem on the Mohs Hardness Scale rated 10/10 but the Moissanite comes in a very close second at a rating of 9.5/10. 

Lastly, the brilliance of a stone matters. The Moissanite takes the top place when it comes to the sparkle factor. This stone out-performs Diamonds creating a stunning sparkle effect. On the refractive index of 2.65-2.69, Moissanite is significantly more brilliant than a Diamond. A Diamond sits at 2.42.  

Are you looking for an engagement ring with brilliance and affordability? This gemstone has gained in worldwide popularity because of its stunning beauty, budget friendliness as well as durability for generations to come. When choosing, remember these considerations:

Competitive price.  Moissanite is priced according to weight. A value compared to a Diamond.

The cut and shape of the Moissanite will impact the price. 

Moissanite stones are graded on a similar scale as Diamonds for their clarity and color from near colorless to faint yellow appearance. The classic Moissanite (yellowish green) is much less expensive than colorless and near colorless Moissanite. 

The brilliance. Diamonds are singly refractive while Moissanites are doubly refractive. Look at the stones from an angle, this is where you notice the facets. This is refraction.

Moissanite will last forever.

Forever Anniversary offers a wide variety of truly beautiful Moissanite jewelry we know you will be awed by.