logo

Guide to Buying Moissanite Jewelry - What to Look For

May 09, 2024

Introduction

Moissanite is a stunning gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC) that has gained popularity as a diamond alternative. Discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater in Arizona, it was initially mistaken for diamond before being identified as a new mineral. Today, moissanite is primarily lab-created due to its rarity in nature, offering buyers an affordable and durable alternative to diamonds.

Moissanite’s unique optical properties make it an attractive choice for jewelry. It has a higher refractive index (2.65) compared to diamond (2.42), which gives it more brilliance and fire. This means moissanite sparkles more than diamond and produces vivid flashes of rainbow-like colors. Despite its lower density (about 15% less than diamond), moissanite’s exceptional brilliance and durability make it a desirable gemstone for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know when purchasing moissanite jewelry, focusing on quality factors, setting options, and reputable sources.

Understanding Moissanite Properties

Optical Properties

Moissanite’s optical properties are what make it stand out from other gemstones:

  • Brilliance: With a refractive index of 2.65, moissanite is slightly more brilliant than diamonds, which have a refractive index of 2.42.
  • Fire: Moissanite has almost twice as much fire as diamonds, meaning it produces more colorful rainbow-like flashes of light.
  • Dispersion: This high dispersion gives moissanite its dazzling fire, making it sparkle more than diamonds.

Durability

Moissanite is extremely durable and resistant to scratching:

  • It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear .
  • Unlike diamond, moissanite lacks a cleavage plane, which means it’s less likely to split along specific directions when hit.
  • It’s very durable for engagement rings, especially since the material doesn’t scratch easily.

Size and Weight

Moissanite’s density affects its size compared to diamonds of the same carat weight:

  • Moissanite is approximately 15% lighter than diamond, meaning a 1-carat moissanite stone will be physically larger than a 1-carat diamond.
  • For the same size or diameter, a moissanite stone will weigh less than its diamond counterpart.

The 4 C’s of Moissanite Quality

When buying moissanite jewelry, the quality is determined by four main factors: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. These are similar to the diamond grading system but with some differences specific to moissanite.

Cut

The cut of a moissanite stone refers to its proportions, symmetry, and how well it’s polished. A good cut maximizes the gem’s brilliance and fire.

  • Round Cut: This is the most popular cut for moissanite and is the closest in appearance to a diamond. It’s excellent for maximizing brilliance and fire.
  • Fancy Cuts: Other popular cuts include oval, emerald, pear, cushion, princess, and marquise. These provide unique touches of personality and a distinctive level of fire.
  • Quality Grading: Look for Excellent or Very Good cut grades for maximum brilliance.

Color

Moissanite color grading is similar to diamonds, with some differences:

  • Color Grades: Moissanite is graded using the GIA scale from D (colorless) to Z (tinted yellow).
  • Color Categories:
    • Colorless: D-F
    • Near-colorless: G-I
    • Faint hues of color: J-K
  • Natural Colors: Moissanite can occur in various natural colors, including gray, green, gold, brown, blue, purple, pink, and yellow.
  • Recommendation: For the most premium option, choose colorless (D-F) moissanite .

Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of internal and external flaws (inclusions and blemishes) in the gemstone.

  • Clarity Grades: Moissanite uses similar clarity grades to diamonds, including FL (flawless), VVS (very, very slightly included), VS (very slightly included), SI (slightly included), and I (included).
  • Quality Range: The best quality moissanite typically has VVS1 and VVS2 clarity .
  • Average Clarity: On average, moissanite has higher clarity than diamonds because it’s created in a lab, whereas diamonds are formed naturally.
  • Recommendation: Look for FL to VS1 clarity for the best quality.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the measurement of a gemstone’s weight.

  • Measurement: One carat equals 200 milligrams.
  • Size Consideration: Since moissanite is less dense than diamond, a 1-carat moissanite stone appears larger than a 1-carat diamond.
  • Impact on Price: As carat weight increases, the price increases exponentially, similar to diamonds.

Setting Options for Moissanite Jewelry

The setting is crucial for showcasing the beauty of your moissanite gemstone and ensuring its security. Here are some popular setting options:

Prong Setting

  • Description: The gemstone is held in place by several metal prongs that allow maximum light to enter the stone, enhancing its brilliance.
  • Advantages: Allows the most light to reach the stone, creating maximum brilliance; offers an elegant and classic look.
  • Security: Provides good security while allowing visibility of the stone’s pavilion.

Bezel Setting

  • Description: The gemstone is partially or fully surrounded by a metal edge or " bezel" that protects the girdle and part of the crown.
  • Advantages: Provides excellent protection for the stone; gives a more vintage or elegant appearance.
  • Lighting: Allows less light to enter the stone compared to prong settings but can enhance the stone’s color.

Tension Setting

  • Description: The gemstone is held in place by the tension of the metal band, creating the illusion that the stone is floating.
  • Advantages: Creates a modern, sleek look; shows the full girdle of the stone.
  • Security: Provides good security and is less likely to catch on clothing or other objects.

Halo Setting

  • Description: The center stone is surrounded by a halo of smaller stones, which can be moissanite or other gemstones.
  • Advantages: Enhances the appearance of the center stone by adding additional sparkle; creates a larger visual impact.
  • Customization: Can be designed with various shapes and sizes of accent stones.

Solitaire Setting

  • Description: A single stone set in a simple setting, often with prongs or a bezel.
  • Advantages: Showcases the beauty of the center stone without distractions; offers a classic and timeless look.

Three-Stone Setting

  • Description: Features three stones in a row, often with the largest stone in the center and two smaller stones on either side.
  • Symbolism: Represents the past, present, and future, making it a meaningful choice for engagement rings.
  • Enhancement: Creates a wider, more impressive appearance.

Choosing the Right Metal

The metal used for the setting can significantly impact the overall appearance of your moissanite jewelry:

White Gold

  • Appearance: Gives a bright, silvery-white look that complements all colors of moissanite, especially colorless and near-colorless stones.
  • Durability: Can be rhodium-plated for added durability and shine.

Yellow Gold

  • Appearance: Provides a warm, classic look that pairs well with warmer-colored moissanite stones.
  • Traditional: A traditional choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.

Rose Gold

  • Appearance: Offers a pinkish hue that can complement certain colors of moissanite, particularly those with a hint of yellow or brown.
  • Trendy: A modern and trendy option that adds a touch of romance to the jewelry.

Platinum

  • Durability: One of the most durable metals, perfect for everyday wear.
  • Appearance: Has a bright white luster that enhances the brilliance of moissanite.
  • Hypoallergenic: Suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Palladium

  • Properties: A member of the platinum group, it’s durable, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.
  • Cost: Generally less expensive than platinum but still provides a similar look and durability.

Maintenance and Care

Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of your moissanite jewelry:

Cleaning

  • Regular Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap to clean your jewelry.
  • Ultrasonic Cleaners: Generally safe for moissanite, but check with the retailer first.

Storage

  • Proper Storage: Store your jewelry in a soft pouch or separate compartments in a jewelry box to prevent scratching.
  • Avoid Exposure: Keep it away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Inspection

  • Regular Inspection: Check the setting periodically for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Professional Checkup: Have your jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler annually or after any significant impact.

Important Considerations Before Purchasing

Before making a purchase, consider these factors to ensure you’re getting the best value and the right piece for your needs:

Budget

  • Determine Your Budget: Decide on a budget before shopping to avoid overspending.
  • Value: Consider the quality (color, clarity, cut) relative to the price.

Personal Style

  • Style Preferences: Think about your personal style and how the jewelry will complement it.
  • Occasion: Consider whether the piece is for everyday wear or a special occasion.

Size and Shape

  • Finger Size: For rings, make sure to get the correct size.
  • Shape Preference: Decide on the shape of the stone and the setting style that appeals to you.

Ethical Considerations

  • Ethical Sourcing: Some retailers emphasize ethical practices in the creation and sale of moissanite.
  • Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of the jewelry’s production.

#Conclusion

Moissanite is a beautiful and affordable alternative to diamond, offering exceptional brilliance and fire that makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. When purchasing moissanite jewelry, pay close attention to the 4 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight, and choose a setting that complements the stone and your personal style.

By understanding the unique properties of moissanite and knowing what to look for in terms of quality, you can make an informed decision and select a piece that will be treasured for years to come. Remember to purchase from reputable sources and take proper care of your jewelry to maintain its beauty and longevity.