Introduction
Moissanite has gained significant popularity in the jewelry world as a stunning alternative to diamonds. For those considering Moissanite jewelry, understanding the different types available is crucial to making an informed decision. This blog post will delve into the three main types of Moissanite: Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, and Forever One. We’ll explore their unique characteristics, visual differences, and optimal use cases to help you choose the perfect Moissanite piece for your needs.
What is Moissanite?
Before diving into the specific types, let’s briefly understand what Moissanite is. Discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, natural Moissanite is extremely rare and typically found only in meteorites or volcanic rocks. The Moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created, composed of silicon carbide, and shares many visual properties with diamonds while being more affordable and sustainable.
Forever Classic Moissanite
Characteristics
Forever Classic Moissanite is the original type of lab-created Moissanite. It’s known for its brilliant fire and dazzling brilliance, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry. The key characteristics of Forever Classic include:
- Exceptional fire and brilliance
- Colorless to near-colorless appearance
- Slight green or yellow undertones
- Excellent clarity
- Hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale
Visual Properties
One of the most distinguishing features of Forever Classic Moissanite is its fire - the way it disperses light into a spectrum of colors. While diamonds have a more subtle rainbow effect, Moissanite’s fire is more vibrant and colorful. This creates a unique visual appeal that many people find more dazzling than a diamond.
However, Forever Classic Moissanite does have some green or yellow undertones, which are most noticeable in larger stones. These undertones can be minimized by pairing the stone with the right metal, such as white gold or platinum, which helps neutralize the color.
Applications
Forever Classic Moissanite is ideal for:
- Engagement rings and wedding bands
- Statement jewelry pieces
- Larger carat weights where its fire is most noticeable
- Settings that showcase its brilliance, such as prong or bezel settings
Forever Brilliant Moissanite
Characteristics
Forever Brilliant represents an advancement in Moissanite technology. It was developed to address some of the color-related concerns of Forever Classic while maintaining its signature fire and brilliance. Key characteristics include:
- Improved color neutrality with fewer yellow or green undertones
- Enhanced clarity
- Same hardness as Forever Classic (9 on the Mohs scale)
- Slightly lower fire but more diamond-like appearance
Visual Properties
Forever Brilliant Moissanite has been engineered to appear more colorless than Forever Classic, making it visually closer to a high-quality diamond. While it still maintains Moissanite’s signature fire, the effect is slightly less intense, giving it a more diamond-like appearance. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want the brilliance of Moissanite with a more neutral color profile.
Applications
Forever Brilliant Moissanite is particularly well-suited for:
- Smaller carat weights where color neutrality is more apparent
- Solitaire engagement rings
- Pieces where a more diamond-like appearance is desired
- Settings that showcase the stone’s clarity and color neutrality
Forever One Moissanite
Characteristics
Forever One represents the latest innovation in Moissanite technology. It combines the best attributes of the previous types while minimizing their drawbacks. The characteristics of Forever One include:
- Virtually colorless appearance with no detectable yellow or green tones
- Exceptional fire and brilliance
- Same hardness as previous types (9 on the Mohs scale)
- Available in a wider range of sizes
Visual Properties
Forever One Moissanite has been engineered to be nearly indistinguishable from high-quality diamonds in terms of color, while still maintaining Moissanite’s signature fire. This makes it the most diamond-like of all Moissanite types. It’s the only type of Moissanite graded D in color by independent gemological laboratories, placing it in the same category as the most valuable natural diamonds.
Applications
Forever One Moissanite is ideal for:
- Larger carat weights where color neutrality is crucial
- Solitaire or near-solitaire settings
- High-profile jewelry pieces
- Settings that showcase the stone’s exceptional clarity and color
Comparison Table
| Feature | Forever Classic | Forever Brilliant | Forever One |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Slight green/yellow undertones | Improved neutrality | Virtually colorless (D grade) |
| Fire | Very high, more vibrant than diamond | Slightly less than Classic, more diamond-like | Exceptional, signature Moissanite fire |
| Clarity | Excellent | Enhanced | Exceptional |
| Price | Most affordable | Mid-range | Most expensive |
| Sizes | Limited to smaller carats | Medium range | Available up to 20 carats |
How to Choose the Right Type for You
When selecting the right type of Moissanite, several factors should be considered:
Budget Considerations
- Forever Classic: The most affordable option, perfect for those on a budget who still want exceptional brilliance
- Forever Brilliant: Mid-range pricing, offering improved color neutrality at a reasonable premium
- Forever One: The most expensive option, ideal for those who want the most diamond-like appearance
Aesthetic Preferences
- If you love Moissanite’s signature fire and don’t mind slight color, choose Forever Classic
- If you want a more diamond-like appearance with good fire, choose Forever Brilliant
- If you want the most diamond-like appearance with Moissanite’s fire, choose Forever One
Metal Pairing
The metal you choose for your jewelry can significantly impact how your Moissanite looks:
- White gold or platinum: Best for all types, especially helping to neutralize any color in Forever Classic
- Yellow gold: Can accentuate any yellow tones in Forever Classic
- Rose gold: Creates an interesting contrast with colorless Moissanite
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, and Forever One Moissanite is essential for making an informed purchasing decision. Each type offers unique advantages:
- Forever Classic provides exceptional fire and brilliance at an affordable price
- Forever Brilliant offers improved color neutrality with a more diamond-like appearance
- Forever One delivers the most colorless option with Moissanite’s signature fire
By considering your budget, aesthetic preferences, and intended use, you can select the perfect type of Moissanite to create a stunning, sustainable, and beautiful piece of jewelry that will be treasured for years to come.