Moissanite is a very affordable alternative to diamonds, one that
everyone can afford. The reproduction of moissanite in a laboratory
began in 1995. Created moissanite is a lab created stone that is based
on the structure of natural moissanite, which is a crystal found in
meterorites. Because moissanite occurs so rarely and is so small in
nature in order to supply jewelry needs it is grown in labs.
Moissanites are not sold by carat size like diamonds, but are sold by
size measured in millimeters. Charles & Colvard who are the
sole-source manufacturer of moissanite do not allow jewelers to sell
loose stones.
Laboratory created moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25. The
hardness rating of a diamond is 10. It is said that the most important
characteristics of a jewel are it's beauty, durability and rarity. Some
lab created moissanite stones actually have more brilliance and luster
than actual diamonds. These are called optical qualities. Created
moissanites are as clear or "eye clean" as SI quality diamonds. Created
moissanite is able to withstand heat better than a diamond. At a
temperature of 1100 degrees Celsius a diamond will catch fire, burn,
and eventually vaporize. A created moissanite stone will remain intact.
The good news about created moissanite is that some jewelers cannot
tell the difference between colorless created moissanite and colorless
diamonds. However, you want to make sure that what you are purchasing
is actually a moissanite and not a much cheaper imitation CZ. There are
lab instruments available to jewelers to help them distinguish the
difference. Jewelers can use a probe called a moissanite probe or
microscope and some know how to distinguish "double refraction" in
moissanites.
To make sure that what you purchase is a moissanite and not a cheap
imitation make sure you buy from a reputable dealer and get a written
verification from this dealer. It is also suggested that you get a
written verification of the stone as well as a certified appraisal.
