Introduction to Moissanite

Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone composed of silicon carbide, often referred to as the “gemstone from the stars.” Its fascinating story begins in 1893 when French chemist Henri Moissan discovered tiny crystals of this mineral in a meteorite fragment found in Arizona’s Canyon Diablo. Initially mistaken for diamond, it was later identified as a new mineral and named moissanite in his honor.

Natural moissanite is exceedingly rare, primarily found in meteorites and in limited quantities in terrestrial environments. Due to its scarcity, the moissanite used in jewelry today is almost exclusively lab-created. The process of creating lab-grown moissanite involves high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis, where silicon carbide is cultivated into gem-quality crystals.

Lab-grown moissanite offers several advantages over its natural counterpart. It can be produced in consistent sizes and colors, and at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds with similar visual properties. The creation process allows for precise control over the stone’s characteristics, ensuring high clarity and colorlessness.

Properties of Moissanite vs Diamond

One of the most notable advantages of moissanite is its exceptional brilliance and fire. With a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, which is higher than diamond’s 2.42, moissanite has more intense sparkle. Additionally, it disperses over two times the colored sparkle (“fire”) than diamond. This gives moissanite a more colorful sparkle compared to diamond.

However, moissanite is not as hard as diamond; it has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, while diamond is 10. This means moissanite can scratch glass and other common materials but may be scratched by diamond and other harder substances.

Moissanite is also less dense than diamond, which means a moissanite stone of the same size as a diamond will weigh less. In terms of thermal conductivity, diamond is an excellent conductor, while moissanite is a poor conductor, which is one way to distinguish between the two.

Environmental Impact of Moissanite vs Diamond

When comparing moissanite vs diamond, environmental impact is an important consideration. Moissanite, being lab-created, is often promoted as a more sustainable choice.

On the other hand, Moissanite is created without any harmful chemicals or pollutants, requires less energy, and produces less waste than diamond mining. This lab-controlled environment ensures that moissanite is conflict-free and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to mined diamonds.

Not only does it offer exceptional brilliance and durability, but it also has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional diamonds.

Understanding the Emerald Cut

The Emerald Cut is a specific type of step cut for gemstones, characterized by its rectangular or square shape with truncated corners, creating a distinctive octagonal outline. This cut is named after the emerald gemstone, for which it was originally designed to enhance its color and minimize the appearance of inclusions.

History of the Emerald Cut

The Emerald Cut has a rich history that dates back to the 1500s. Its stylistic origins can be traced back to the table cut of the 1500s. Emeralds were the first stones to be carved in this fashion, in order to prevent chips and cracks in the soft stone.

Diamond cutters took notice of the clean, elegant look of the Emerald Cut and began applying it to diamonds as well. Over time, the Emerald Cut has become one of the oldest and most enduring diamond shapes, appreciated for its timeless elegance and sophisticated appearance.

Characteristics of the Emerald Cut

Key features of the Emerald Cut include:

Step Facets: These are parallel rows of facets that resemble stair steps, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect that emphasizes the stone’s clarity and can make it appear more luminous.
Truncated Corners: The corners are cut off to prevent chipping, especially important for emeralds, which are relatively soft and prone to damage.
Large Table: The top facet (table) is large, allowing maximum light transmission and visibility into the stone’s interior.

In diamond grading, the ideal length-to-width ratio for an Emerald Cut diamond is typically between 1.30 and 1.50 for a rectangular shape. However, personal preference plays a significant role, and some may favor a more square or elongated shape.

The Emerald Cut is characterized by its rectangular shape with step-like facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect, enhancing the stone’s clarity and brilliance. This cut was originally developed for emeralds because it helps to show off their color and hide inclusions. But now, it’s used for many different gemstones, including diamonds and moissanite.

Why Emerald Cut is Suitable for Moissanite

When applied to moissanite, the Emerald Cut highlights the stone’s exceptional brilliance and fire. The step facets allow light to reflect and refract in a way that showcases moissanite’s high refractive index and dispersion, creating a dazzling display of colors and sparkle.

Moissanite’s high refractive index (2.65-2.69) and dispersion (0.104) make it even more brilliant and fiery than diamond, offering a unique and striking visual appeal. The Emerald Cut enhances these natural properties, making every angle and light play particularly striking.

Moreover, the Emerald Cut is particularly flattering for those with shorter fingers, as it has the ability to elongate and lengthen shorter fingers. This makes it a versatile choice for different hand shapes and finger lengths.

Emerald Cut Moissanite: A Unique Combination

When moissanite is cut in an Emerald shape, it combines the elegance of the step cut with the exceptional brilliance and fire of moissanite. The Emerald Cut enhances moissanite’s natural properties, making every angle and light play particularly striking.

Affordability of Emerald Cut Moissanite

One of the most notable advantages of Emerald Cut moissanite is its affordability. For the price of a one-carat diamond, which might cost around $3,000, you could purchase a moissanite stone that appears larger and more brilliant. This makes Emerald Cut moissanite an excellent choice for those who want a visually impressive center stone without the high price tag of a diamond.

A 1 carat diamond can easily cost $4,000 or more, while a 1 carat moissanite of similar appearance will typically be around$1,000. This price difference allows for more flexibility in design and setting choices, as the budget can be allocated to other aspects of the jewelry.

Color and Clarity of Emerald Cut Moissanite

Most Emerald Cut moissanite available today is premium colorless, providing a bright, white appearance that mimics high-quality diamonds. This makes them particularly appealing for those who prefer the classic, traditional look of a diamond.

Moissanite is typically colorless or near-colorless, although some stones may exhibit a slight yellow or green tint in certain lighting. However, the highest quality moissanite is completely colorless, and this is what is typically used in premium jewelry.

Moissanite is known for its clarity, with options available in VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) clarity. This means that any inclusions are extremely difficult to see even under magnification, providing a clean, brilliant appearance.

Sustainability and Ethics

Choosing Emerald Cut moissanite is not only a financially wise decision but also an environmentally conscious one. As a lab-created gemstone, moissanite does not contribute to the environmental impacts associated with diamond mining.

The process of creating lab-grown moissanite is more sustainable than diamond mining, as it requires less energy, produces less waste, and does not involve the disruption of natural ecosystems. This makes Emerald Cut moissanite an excellent choice for those who value sustainability and ethical practices.

Selecting the Perfect Emerald Cut Moissanite Piece

When choosing an Emerald Cut moissanite, several factors should be considered to ensure you select a piece that meets your expectations for beauty and durability.

Size and Proportions

The optimal form for an Emerald Cut moissanite is typically rectangle-shaped, with the proportion characteristically varying from 1.30 to 1.50. Here are some approximate sizes and their corresponding carat weights:

7x5mm: 1.00ctw 7.5x5mm: 1.15ctw 8x5.5mm: 1.35ctw 8x6mm: 1.75ctw 8.5x6mm: 1.80ctw 9x6.5mm: 2.20ctw When selecting the size, consider how the stone will look on your finger or the setting you choose. A larger stone may be more impressive, but a smaller, well-proportioned stone can be just as beautiful. The traditional ratio for an emerald cut gemstone ranges between 1.30 to 1.50, though this can vary depending on personal preference.

Color

Most Emerald Cut moissanite is premium colorless, providing a bright, white appearance that mimics high-quality diamonds. It’s important to select a stone that appears white to the eye, as any hint of yellow or gray can affect its overall appeal.

Moissanite is generally in a DEF color range, with D being the best possible grade. When looking for high-quality moissanite, focus on its look. Choose stones that are clear, colorless, and free from visible flaws.

Clarity

When examining the stone, look for any visible inclusions or blemishes that could detract from its beauty. The cut of the stone can also affect its clarity appearance. A well-cut Emerald Cut moissanite will have good symmetry and alignment of facets, which enhances its overall brilliance and beauty.

Setting

Emerald Cut moissanite engagement rings come in a variety of settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. The setting can significantly impact the overall look and price of the ring.

A solitaire setting allows the stone to be the focal point, while a halo setting adds a frame of smaller diamonds or moissanite to enhance its brilliance. Three-stone settings can create a more elaborate and elegant appearance, with the Emerald Cut moissanite as the center stone and smaller gems on either side.

Metal Options

Most retailers offer Emerald Cut moissanite engagement rings in a variety of metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Some also offer eco-friendly options made from recycled gold.

White gold or platinum is often preferred for colorless moissanite, as they complement its white color. Yellow gold can provide a warm contrast, which might be appealing for certain styles. Rose gold offers a unique, romantic look that can be particularly beautiful with the brilliance of moissanite.

When selecting a metal, consider its durability, as well as how it will complement the moissanite’s color and the overall design of the piece.

Caring for Your Emerald Cut Moissanite

Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of your Emerald Cut moissanite piece.

Cleaning

To clean your moissanite jewelry, start by preparing a small bowl of warm soapy water. Use a mild liquid detergent that does not contain harsh chemicals.

Grab a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the piece, paying special attention to cleaning between the facets and other hard-to-reach areas. For a tried-and-true, quick-and-easy way to clean your moissanite jewelry, all you need is warm water, mild dish soap, a soft-bristled toothbrush and a soft cloth.

For a deeper clean, you may want to have your piece professionally cleaned by a jeweler. However, avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone or setting.

Ammonia is also a good option – simply mix one part ammonia to 2 parts water and gently scrub with a toothbrush before rinsing under warm water. We recommend about 3/4 parts of water and 1/4 part of the cleaning chemical. Let the Moissanite jewelry soak for about 10 minutes and with a toothbrush gently scrub the piece.

Storage

When not wearing your moissanite jewelry, store it in a soft cloth or a jewelry box with compartments to prevent scratching. Moissanite is harder than many gemstones but softer than diamond, so it can be scratched by diamonds or other hard substances.

Keep your jewelry in its own pouch or compartment to avoid contact with other jewelry that might scratch it. This is especially important for Emerald Cut moissanite, as the step facets can be more susceptible to damage if not stored properly.

Handling

Be careful with accidental bumps and knocks. These mishaps may dislodge your Moissanite gem and cause dents or scratches. Avoid wearing your jewelry during activities that could subject it to rough handling, such as sports or heavy lifting.

Moissanite, while durable, is not as hard as diamond, so it requires a bit more care to maintain its beauty over time. Handle your Emerald Cut moissanite piece with care to ensure it remains in excellent condition.

Professional Services

Inform your jeweler that your piece contains moissanite before any repairs or cleaning, as some treatments might not be suitable for this stone. Avoid having your moissanite piece treated with chemicals or high heat, as this could damage the setting or the stone itself.

Professional jewelers who are experienced with moissanite can provide the best care and maintenance for your piece. Make sure they are aware of the type of gemstone you have, so they can take the appropriate precautions during any services.

Conclusion

The Emerald Cut Moissanite represents the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern brilliance. Its rectangular or square shape with step cuts creates a sophisticated look that complements a variety of settings and metals. With its high refractive index and dispersion, moissanite provides exceptional sparkle and fire, making it an excellent alternative to diamond.

For those who appreciate the timeless appeal of the Emerald Cut but want a more affordable option than diamond, Emerald Cut Moissanite is a fantastic choice. It offers the same elegant appearance at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to enjoy a larger, more impressive stone or to allocate your budget to other aspects of the jewelry design.

Additionally, choosing Emerald Cut moissanite is not only a financially wise decision but also an environmentally conscious one. As a lab-created gemstone, it does not contribute to the environmental impacts associated with diamond mining, making it a sustainable and ethical choice for those who value both style and sustainability.

With proper care, your Emerald Cut Moissanite piece will remain beautiful for years to come, providing you with a stunning and affordable statement of style and sophistication. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, a fashion piece, or a special gift, Emerald Cut moissanite offers a unique combination of beauty, brilliance, and affordability that makes it a truly special gemstone.