Meet Moissanite, Diamond’s Closest Cousin

Redefining the world of luxury jewellery, this gleaming gemstone makes for a compelling diamond substitute. Find out how…

It is no secret that the mined-diamond industry is witnessing unprecedented challenges. The birth of these disruptions can be attributed to the entrance of lab-grown diamonds in the market and their growing popularity. And these man-made diamonds found greater legitimacy in 2018, when the United States Federal Trade Commission stopped distinguishing between mined and lab-grown diamonds (which were previous considered to be ‘fake’) as it ruled that both these categories were equally ‘natural’ as they essentially have the same chemical, optical and physical properties. Plus, just as concluded by De Beer Group’s The Diamond Insight Report in 2022, there is an increasing consumer interest in ethically sourced diamonds. With more awareness about conflict diamonds, the diamond industry is being held to higher standards of environmental and social accountability.

Now another man-made gem is set to prove itself as a worthy substitute for diamond, the silicon carbide polymorphs known as moissanites. Even though moissanite does occur naturally as a rare mineral in the earth’s crust, it is found in such small quantities that it would not even be enough to cut into a one-carat gemstone. Fun fact: Henri Moissan, the French Nobel laureate who first discovered moissanite in 1893 as microscopic particles in a meteorite crater, initially mistook it to be diamond. With years of research and development, this stellar gemstone lends itself to the creation of fine jewellery effortlessly, and cannot be easily distinguished from a diamond (unless done by an expert). Here are a few reasons you too should consider opting for moissanite jewellery to commemorate any special occasion in style:

Durability

If diamonds are forever, so are moissanites as they are the second hardest material used as a gem. Scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness, diamonds have conventionally been the preferred choice for engagement rings due to their high durability. But with a score of 9.25-9.5 moissanites too are ideal for daily wear and can withstand surface scratching. In fact, diamonds have inherent cleavage planes along which their crystals can split, while moissanites do not. This gives moissanites a slight advantage in terms of toughness.

Brilliance

A clear winner with more fire, moissanite has over twice the dispersion value of a diamond. Since it is double refractive, it is also cut differently than diamonds to enhance its sparkle. On closer inspection, one can observe how diamonds reflect a whiter light as compared to moissanites, which are more like disco balls that produce a rainbow-like effect.

Price

The factors responsible for grading and determining the price of diamonds and moissanites are similar – carat, cut, colour, clarity, their origin, and shape. The more colourless the gem, the higher is its value. But in the case of moissanites, there is a little more focus on their colour since these man-made gems usually do carry slight yellow, brown, green, or gray undertones. Moissanites are drastically cheaper as compared to diamonds, even the lab-grown ones. They are usually priced at one-tenth the cost of a mined diamond of equal size and quality.

Source

Another major advantage that moissanites have is that they are manufactured in controlled environments and not mined. They have a smaller carbon footprint than naturally occurring gemstones and have lesser environmental impact. Their origins are easily traceable, negating any concerns that one may have regarding their procurement in terms of ethical and social responsibility.

Where to Shop?

Many brands globally as well as in India now offer an array of fine moissanite jewellery, and you can easily shop for them online. If you are seeking the best of the very best then head straight to Charles & Colvard, the original creator of moissanite gemstones. Their online store offers a range of decadent wedding bands and engagement rings, along with beautiful drop earrings perfect for your special someone. They can also purchase matching sets of pendants and earrings in both white and yellow gold. Nothing says you care about someone like customised jewellery and here you can even get a sterling silver tennis bracelet with a moissanite accent personalised for your loved one too.

Indian brands like Moissani and Fiona Diamonds will efficiently cater to your nuptial jewellery needs as they have exquisite moissanite collections of rings, bangles, mangalsutras, pendants, and much more. You can browse through their offerings online or also visit their showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai respectively. Gujarat-based brand Miscaro’s online store is also worth exploring for its moissanite creations. With minimalist and contemporary designs for the woman of today, their pieces are versatile and perfect for everyday wear.

So, whether you are looking for gifting options for family and friends or about to get engaged or married, do consider moissanite jewels to add the much-needed sparkle to your celebrations. Equally appealing in terms of aesthetics and way more affordable than diamonds, moissanites are ideal for eco-conscious and socially aware individuals, who do not hesitate in breaking free from conventions while making their own style statement. Who says diamonds have to be a girl’s best friends forever?