Diamonds, being the most popular gemstone, often and understandably overshadow any and all other gemstones in sales as well as popularity. However, most first time buyers are given the option to select between a moissanite stone and a diamond, which leaves many of them stumped.

But fear not, differentiating between a moissanite and a diamond is easy enough if you just note down a few simple truths.

But first we shall address the problem that most people have, what really is Moissanite, and where did it come from? 

Moissanite is a rare mineral discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893, and it is from him that moissanite attained its name. This rare mineral is naturally occurring silicon carbide and is registered as 9.5 on the Mohs scale. It is mainly found as colourless, green and yellow and tends to emit a rainbow sparkle. But because of the rarity of this mineral, most moissanite today is lab grown. To buy moissanite, one would either go through a local vendor, or to seek professional help, online. If you would like to have a look, you could get to this link.

Origin

Moissanite was assumed to have originated from a meteorite until the 50's. When Henri was examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona in 1893, he first mistook the crystals for diamonds, but soon he realized the difference in chemical properties and identified the crystals as silicone carbide.

Both moissanite and diamond, due to the strong covalent bonding can withstand high pressures and are graded on the D to K range on the diamond colour grading scale.

Now let's take you though some notes to get you to pick the one you want…

Price

To answer the first question on everybody's mind, moissanite is relatively cheaper than diamond. Do we hear a sigh of relief? 

Since natural moissanite is difficult to retrieve, most moissanite in the market is lab grown , this paves the way for people to purchase natural diamonds, which are not rare. Also popularity, colour and clarity will also factor in the price. Designers looking to make moissanite jewelry, opt for loose moissanite diamonds, in different colours, rose cuts, brilliant cuts and many more.

History

The speciality of moissanite is that it originated from a meteorite. And diamonds occur naturally in the earth. Silicone carbide grains found in the Murchison meteorite indicates it came from outside our solar system. Astronomy buffs or anyone for that matter should find this concept exciting, possibly much more exciting than a natural diamond perhaps? But since diamonds are famous world over and involved in a little history themselves ( and natural moissanite is anyway hard to come by), diamonds win this round.

Sparkle

Because isn't this what people look for? That sparkle, shine and mesmerising glow? All that glitters isn't gold. But it very well can be diamond and moissanite. Under observation it is well known that moissanite is sparklier than a diamond. While it emits a more of a rainbow sparkle, diamond emits pretty flecks of white as well as rainbow.

But since moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, it is considered to be sparklier. This uniqueness is what pushes customers to go buy moissanite online.

Background

Diamonds have a dark history, where, unlike today were not conflict free, and were mined in the midst of intense bloodshed and suffering. This problem does not exist with moissanite, since the majority of it is lab grown. But if you wish to be on the safe side, many traders offers diamonds that are 100% conflict free.

Durability

Diamond is the hardest substance in the world, registering a 10 on the Mohs scale, whereas moissanite registers just below that as a 9.5. If you need to compare the durability of a diamond and moissanite, best to compare with cubic zirconia, which will yellow with age, and will need to be replaced. However both moissanite and diamond are weather resistant, can stand the test of time and will last forever.

Metal Band Pairing

If you can spend less on the stone you automatically have a larger sum to spend on the band, and since Moissanite is anyway durable and affordable, you can invest in a higher quality precious metal to go with the stone.

Safe Buying

While we work around the pandemic within safety protocols, measures need to be taken until a vaccine rolls out. So shopping for diamonds and gemstones in this climate is tricky but not difficult. Your business can still run smoothly and all it takes is a few extra precautions.

So? What's your final pick? If you're still undecided, pop over to our website and we can guide you on your next best investment, with moissanite diamonds for sale site wide.