La moissanite, une bonne alternative au diamant?

Moissanite, a good alternative to diamond?

Introduction

In recent years, the synthetic stone called moissanite has been gaining popularity. Consumers looking for an alternative to diamond naturally turn to this synthetic stone for ethical and financial reasons but also because moissanite is a very beautiful stone.


Moissanite is neither a synthetic nor an artificial diamond and although it looks very similar to a diamond, this stone has its own identity and chemical makeup. This article aims to familiarize you with this unique stone, to know its advantages, its differences and the maintenance it requires to remain beautiful and shiny.


Where does moissanite come from?

In 1893, French chemist Henri Moissan discovered the first naturally occurring sliver of moissanite in a canyon in Arizona, United States. A meteorite that fell 50,000 years ago is the cause. Initially believing in diamond crystals, Henri Moissan concluded in 1904 that they were silicon carbide (SiC) and not carbon (C). It is therefore in honor of this first winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry that this rarity from the sky was named moissanite.

Henri Moissan

Moissanite used in jewelry is a stone created in the laboratory since it is practically non-existent in its natural state. Charles & Colvard, located in North Carolina, USA, is the first and one of the largest manufacturers of moissanite in the world. Progress in recent years has allowed them to manufacture a stone of very high quality and rare beauty called Forever One . Flamme en rose jewelry store is an authorized seller of Forever One moissanite.

The properties of moissanite and its hardness comparable to those of diamonds intrigue lovers of large stones. And the prices for an engagement ring with a 1 carat moissanite or a 2 carat moissanite are much lower than those with a diamond of the same size. That's a lot of positives for this stone, don't you think? Wait until you know what happens next.

Comparison between moissanite and diamond

In terms of hardness, moissanite vs diamond , it is practically the same impact resistance. All stones are listed from 1 to 10 according to a classification system called the Mohs scale. Moissanite is one of the best ranked with a 9.5 which makes it a virtually indestructible stone. Only the diamond is ahead, ranking at the top at 10. This very slight difference in hardness between moissanite and diamond has practically no impact in jewelry.


When it comes to appearance, it takes a trained eye to notice the difference between a moissanite and a diamond. From a distance, all you can see is fire. To decide between these two stones, jewelers first study its shine since moissanite has a refractive index higher than that of diamond. It disperses light better and when well lit, the stone offers more shine and more rainbow-colored reflections.


If moissanite is a stone that interests you for these qualities, wait until you let its price convince you. A moissanite the same size as a 1 carat natural diamond costs ten times less than this. This price difference allows many young brides to obtain the ring with the stone size they want. Make the comparison for yourself between our moissanite rings and our diamond rings . In addition, this stone made of silicon carbide is an ethical and eco-responsible choice.

Comparison Between Moissanite and Other Gemstones

Wrongly confused with what is commonly called a cubic or a CZ (zirconium oxide), moissanite is extremely resistant compared to this other synthetic stone. So if you have to choose between cubic zirconia vs moissanite for your engagement ring, moissanite is a much more informed choice.


And if you are hesitating between neo moissanite vs Forever One moissanite, know that these stones are both of excellent quality. However, we recommend Forever One moissanite from Charles & Colvard, the world's largest moissanite manufacturer that produces its stones in a trustworthy environment and where human rights and the environment are prioritized.

Benefits of Moissanite

Synthetic moissanite stands out on three points in particular.

  • Its price is lower than laboratory diamonds. We are talking here about a notable difference for a quality synthetic stone.
  • Its manufacturing process is controlled, eco-responsible and ethical.
  • The stone is available in all sizes and sizes (shapes).


4 criteria to consider when choosing a moissanite

  • The strength of moissanite is 9.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • The brilliance of moissanite displays a higher refractive index than diamond.
  • The cost of moissanite is lower than diamond.
  • The origin of moissanite , whose carbon footprint from laboratory production is not neutral but far from the damage caused by mining.


Maintenance and care for moissanite

We recommend two ways to clean moissanite :

  • Soak for a few seconds in an ultrasonic machine.
  • Scrub lightly with a toothbrush and dish soap.

Maintaining a moissanite is usually done in a trusted jewelry workshop which at the same time ensures the solidity of the prongs on which it is set. A piece of jewelry adorned with this stone that is worn every day should be maintained at least once a year.

Conclusion

Moissanite is a good alternative to diamond. Its strength, its shine, its cost and its provenance are all elements which lean in its favor. But please be aware that moissanite is not a diamond and will never replace it. You have to love this stone for what it is.


Finally, whether for your engagement ring, wedding band or any other piece of jewelry that you would like to offer or treat yourself to, it will now be easier for you to know if moissanite is a stone that suits your tastes, your values. and your wallet. Take a look at our selection of handmade rings with moissanites . Can't find exactly what you like? Do not hesitate to make an appointment with us for a tailor-made creation.


FAQs

  1. Is moissanite more durable than diamonds? This stone made of silicon carbide is almost as resistant to shock as diamond.
  2. Is moissanite considered a gemstone? No, moissanite is neither a precious nor a semi-precious stone.
  3. Does moissanite scratch easily? No, it is an extremely scratch resistant stone.
  4. Can moissanite be considered an ethical alternative to diamonds? Yes, its manufacturing and distribution process is completely ethical.
  5. How is moissanite made? It is grown in the laboratory using an HPHT (High pressure, high temperature) machine.

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