Moissanite: Properties, Brilliance & Jewellery Guide

Brilliance and Fire

Moissanite is renowned for its exceptional optical properties. Its high refractive index produces strong sparkle and brilliance, whilst its dispersion creates colourful flashes of light known as fire. This fire is generally more pronounced than that of diamond, giving moissanite a distinctive visual character.

Unlike diamond, moissanite is doubly refractive. This means that light entering the stone is split into two rays, which can create a subtle doubling effect when viewed from certain angles or in particular cuts. This characteristic is one of the ways in which moissanite can be distinguished from diamond.

Durability and Hardness

With a hardness of approximately 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is one of the hardest materials commonly used in jewellery. This makes it highly resistant to scratching and well-suited to pieces designed for frequent or daily wear, including engagement rings and wedding bands.

Whilst moissanite's hardness is impressive, it does not render the stone indestructible. As with all fine jewellery, moissanite pieces should be protected from severe impacts and damage to their settings. Regular inspection and proper care will help ensure your jewellery remains in excellent condition.

Moissanite is suitable for a wide range of jewellery applications, including engagement rings, wedding jewellery, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and other pieces intended for regular wear.

Moissanite vs Diamond

Moissanite and diamond are distinct materials with different chemical compositions and physical properties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice when selecting gemstones for your jewellery.

• Composition: Diamond is composed of carbon, whilst moissanite is silicon carbide.
• Fire: Moissanite generally displays more colourful fire than diamond due to its higher dispersion.
• Hardness: Diamond is harder on the Mohs scale (10) compared to moissanite (approximately 9.25).
• Origin: Moissanite used in jewellery is normally laboratory-grown, whilst diamonds may be natural or laboratory-grown.
• Refractive properties: Moissanite is doubly refractive, whilst diamond is singly refractive.

It is important to note that moissanite should not be described as a diamond. Whilst both materials are valued in fine jewellery, they are chemically and physically different. This comparison is intended to be educational and neutral; neither material is universally superior, and the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Moissanite and Diamond Simulants

Moissanite is sometimes grouped with diamond simulants, but it is important to understand that moissanite is its own distinct gemstone material with unique chemical and physical properties. Whilst moissanite can be used as an alternative to diamond in jewellery, it is not an imitation or substitute in the traditional sense. It is a genuine gemstone in its own right, valued for its own optical and physical characteristics.

Colour and Clarity

Modern laboratory-grown moissanite is available in a range of colour grades, from colourless to near-colourless, as well as some deliberately coloured varieties. The colour and clarity grading terminology used for moissanite may differ between manufacturers and should not automatically be treated as identical to internationally recognised diamond grading systems.

When selecting moissanite, it is advisable to view the stone in person or request detailed information from your jeweller to ensure the colour and clarity meet your expectations.

Choosing Moissanite

When selecting moissanite for your jewellery, several factors may influence your decision:

• Cut: The quality of the cut affects brilliance, fire and overall appearance.
• Colour: Choose a colour grade that suits your personal preference and the metal setting.
• Clarity: Consider the visibility of any inclusions and how they may affect the stone's appearance.
• Carat-equivalent size or dimensions: Moissanite is less dense than diamond, so size is often described in millimetres or diamond-equivalent weight.
• Brilliance and fire: Evaluate the stone's sparkle and colourful light dispersion.
• Overall visual appearance: Ensure the stone meets your aesthetic expectations in its intended setting.

Because moissanite is less dense than diamond, a moissanite stone and a diamond of the same physical dimensions will not have the same carat weight. For this reason, jewellery retailers often use millimetre measurements or diamond-equivalent size descriptions to help customers understand the visual size of a moissanite stone.

Laboratory-Grown Moissanite

Virtually all moissanite used in modern jewellery is laboratory-grown. This process involves creating silicon carbide crystals under controlled conditions, ensuring consistent quality, colour and clarity. Laboratory-grown moissanite is real silicon carbide and should not be confused with imitation materials such as glass or cubic zirconia.

The laboratory-grown origin of moissanite allows for reliable availability and quality control, making it a practical choice for fine jewellery.

Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are entirely different materials and should not be used interchangeably. Key differences include:

• Composition: Moissanite is silicon carbide, whilst cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide.
• Hardness: Moissanite is significantly harder (approximately 9.25 on the Mohs scale) than cubic zirconia (approximately 8 to 8.5).
• Optical properties: Moissanite has higher brilliance and fire than cubic zirconia.
• Durability: Moissanite is more resistant to scratching and wear over time.

Whilst both materials are laboratory-grown and used in jewellery, moissanite is generally considered a more durable and optically impressive choice for pieces intended for long-term wear.

Caring for Moissanite Jewellery

Moissanite is a durable gemstone, but proper care will help maintain its brilliance and appearance over time. Follow these practical care guidelines:

• Clean moissanite with warm water, mild washing-up liquid or gentle soap and a soft brush or cloth.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that could affect the jewellery setting or metal.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning products that may scratch the metal or setting.
• Protect your jewellery from severe impacts and knocks.
• Remove jewellery during activities likely to damage the setting, such as heavy manual work or contact sports.
• Have frequently worn pieces, such as engagement rings, professionally inspected to ensure the setting remains secure.

Regular cleaning and inspection will help keep your moissanite jewellery looking its best for years to come.