Moissanite and diamond are two popular natural gemstones often confused when choosing a perfect ring. The two stones have almost identical visual characteristics. Both are complex and clear gemstones that can be incredibly beautiful. However, the only way to tell which is better is by using professional equipment to examine the gemstones under a microscope. Read on to learn how Moissanite compares with diamond.
The difference in their optical properties is not as apparent as many people think. Moissanites are round, similar in shape and measurements to diamonds. A 2 carat round Moissanite is the same size as an 8mm moissanite. While the diamond has a higher refraction index, Moissanite will still give off more light, giving it a more sparkly appearance. These are some general comparisons that could differentiate diamonds and moissanites. In this write-up, we will highlight the understanding of Diamond vs. Moissanite sparkle.
Difference Between Diamond and Moissanite Sparkle
In the world of wedding and engagement rings, diamonds may reign supreme, but they are far from the exclusive gemstone choice. If you’re seeking something unique, Moissanite, a stone that looks remarkably similar to diamonds, is a reasonable alternative. But before you choose to consider Moissanite over the diamond, look at their differences.
“Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral called silicone carbide,” describes Don O’Connell, president and CEO of Charles &Colvard, the original creator of Moissanite. Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, with unrivaled thermal conductivity (100x more excellent than copper) and inertness, making poor grade ‘boart’ diamonds appropriate for various next-generation technology applications today. So, here are some of the significant differences between Diamond and Moissanite:
- One difference between diamond and Moissanite is their fire and brilliance. While diamonds are known for their fire, Moissanite’s fire is characterized by a rainbow-like effect. Despite its rainbow-like appearance, Moissanite does not have the brilliance of a diamond.
- The color and shape of Moissanite can be customized in a design meeting. When it comes to the brilliance of diamonds, Moissanite is slightly more expensive than diamonds. This is due to the difference in the diamond’s refractive index and the shape of its facet structure. This means that the two diamonds are different in their ability to reflect light.
- The former reflects light in three distinct ways: white light that hits the stone, called brilliance, while the latter reflects a rainbow of colors. The last type is scintillation, which is a surface sparkle.
- While diamonds are the most common stone in jewelry, Moissanite is a rare mineral that is much cheaper. It is composed of silicon carbide and is more durable than diamonds, but the difference is noticeable. Besides the higher cost, Moissanite is more challenging to use as jewelry than diamond. But it is still an excellent choice if you want a stone with more sparkle than a diamond. While both diamonds and Moissanite sparkle differently, they produce the same amount of color under intense light. The fire of a diamond is not as bright when both gemstones are in the same area. A good comparison between the two is the price. In addition to price, both stones are highly valued by consumers.
- A diamond has a higher refractive index than Moissanite, and it will reflect light differently than Moissanite. The difference in the sparkle is due to the different facets of the two stones. In addition to size, the size of the stone will also affect its appearance. The facets of Moissanite will not reflect the light like a diamond, so choosing the one with the best light reflection and color is essential.
- While diamonds are rugged and durable, Moissanite is not. It is the opposite: the two gems are very different in appearance. A diamond is easily recognized as a gem, while Moissanite has less. A large piece of jewelry with both types of diamonds can be hard to recognize. While both stones have different properties, they are both beautiful and durable.
- While the two gemstones can look almost identical, their differences are still notable. While diamonds are better known for their clarity and color, Moissanite is less prone to breakage and is a cheaper option. In addition, online jewelers often offer free shipping. It is also possible to find a moissanite ring that is 40% cheaper than a diamond. Many online jewelers are offering free shipping.
- The durability of diamonds is well-known. They are the hardest known mineral and can survive nearly any form of wear and tear, making them excellent for everyday use, particularly in engagement rings. “Diamonds have a higher degree of hardness. Therefore it will be substantially more resistant to abrasions,” JTV’s Kim Kanary adds. Moissanite, on the other hand, isn’t far behind. “On the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is second only to diamonds,” says O’Connell. “Diamonds are a ten on a scale of one to ten, and moissanite is a 9.25-9.5.”
- The brilliance of Moissanite and diamonds is the most noticeable distinction. Moissanite has a higher brightness than diamonds in general. “It has more fire and brilliance than any other gemstone, which means it sparkles more,” O’Connell explains. “Moissanite is cut differently than diamonds to enhance the shine because it is double refractive.” “Moissanite has over double the dispersion value of a diamond,” Kanary continues, “which means it has a higher fire (or exhibition of spectral colors) that is apparent when the stone is rotated.” On the other hand, Diamonds reflect whiter light, creating a rainbow illusion.
So, these are some of the general differences that you can find between diamond and Moissanite. In the description mentioned above, you can also find details for the sparkle of diamonds and moissanites.
How Do You Clean a Moissanite Ring?
Moissanite, second only to diamonds, is one of the most durable gemstones. It is challenging (Mohs 9.25), exceedingly scratch resistant, and can withstand extreme exposure. However, like with all gemstones, regular care is necessary to keep the stone looking its best. Fortunately, caring for a moissanite gemstone is simple, and with a few common-sense tips, you’ll be able to keep your Moissanite shining for generations.
Moissanite Cleansing at Home
Keep things as simple as possible. One of the most effective methods is cleaning moissanite jewelry with a bar of light soap, warm water, and either a soft cloth or a toothbrush. Place the moissanite jewelry in the soapy solution, gently brush the stone, and pay attention to the hard-to-reach places. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soapy residue. On a lint-free cloth, thoroughly dry the moissanite jewelry.
Jewelry Cleaners on the Market
If you want something more sophisticated than soapy water, you can use a commercial jewelry cleaner designed for gemstones like diamonds, Moissanite, and corundum. To keep your Moissanite sparkling clean, use a non-toxic, quasi cleaner like this highly suggested one and follow the procedure.
Moissanite Ammonia Treatment
Although ammonia may appear to be a harsh chemical, it is a harmless, natural solution that is particularly effective in cleaning moissanite jewelry. Wear goggles and gloves if you think you’ll be sensitive to ammonia, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Dilute 1 part ammonia with 1-2 parts water to form the solution. Place your moissanite jewelry in the solution and clean it well with a delicate brush. After that, you can either wash with soap and water or rinse under running water.
Ultrasonic Cleaners and Moissanite
Moissanite is durable enough to be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners, which is a fantastic technique to restore the stone’s luster if it has faded. The powerful vibrations may easily remove dirt from your stone.
To clean jewelry professionally, most jewelers utilize ultrasonic cleaners. If the stone is set in a more delicate setting, such as a pave setting, the ultrasonic cleaner should be avoided since it can cause small stones to come out.
What to Avoid While Cleaning Moissanite Jewelry?
Contaminated Chemicals
When cleaning your Moissanite, stay away from strong chemicals. Household detergents, cosmetics, hair sprays, and chlorine are all examples. While these may not immediately damage the Moissanite, they add to the filth build-up and decrease the stone’s brilliance.
Moissanite and Other Jewelry Storage
Moissanite is a tough gemstone, which means it will harm weaker gemstones and metals. Moissanite jewelry should be kept in a separate pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box.
Uneven Exposure
True, Moissanite can endure abrasion, but that doesn’t imply it can’t be harmed. Moissanite can chip if it is hit hard along its grain. When participating in strenuous activities such as sports, hiking, gardening, and so on, it’s preferable to remove your moissanite ring (pendants and earrings are acceptable).
What is the Moissanite Oil Slick?
Due to natural film build-up, this relates to the oily look on the crystal’s surface that can appear as rainbow stains. This is a non-permanent stain that can be cleaned away.
According to top moissanite retailers, the best way to clean this oil slick is to use silver polish and a hairbrush. Use a brush to apply a silver cleaning solution like this to the top of your Moissanite, then rinse it off. The oil slick will disappear, and the stone will sparkle brilliantly. If you want your Moissanite to be exceptionally clean, you can do this as desired.
Unexplored Points to Keep Your Diamond Sparkling
The most potent natural material on the planet is diamond. It can cut any rock or metal type, but it can only cut another diamond. To burn, a diamond should be warmed to between 1290 and 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the oil deposited by a human finger can induce dirt to gather, causing this seemingly indestructible gemstone to lose its lustrous appearance swiftly.
So, how do you preserve your diamond in tip-top shape? Here are specific tips on how to maintain your diamond sparkle.
Handle your Diamond with Care
Diamonds are natural grease magnets, making them difficult to keep clean. When you handle a diamond, the oils from your fingers attach to its surface, reducing its brightness and fire.
Often Clean your Diamond
To keep your diamond jewelry looking lovely:
- Immerse it in a light degreasing solution once or twice a week, such as water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Remove any leftover dirt with a soft, clean toothbrush after removing the diamond from the cleaning solution. The toothbrush should be brand new and only be used to clean your jewelry.
- Use it to clean hard-to-reach areas like the diamond’s back, which collects the most oil and debris.
Avoid Using Harmful Alternatives
Never use chlorine bleach or abrasives (such as household cleaning products or toothpaste). Some metals used to alloy golden for diamond placements can be damaged by chemicals like chlorine, while abrasive particles can scrape gold and other alloys.
Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution.
To remove encrusted dirt on diamonds, an ultrasonic cleaner is sometimes required. Ultrasonic cleaners work by delivering low-frequency sound waves through a solution, causing a vibrating fluid to remove accumulated dirt and grime. They can, however, knock stray stones out of their mountings or chip the girdles of diamonds set next to each other. If the diamond has been fracture-filled, avoid using ultrasonics.
Before putting your diamond in an ultrasonic cleaner, check the diamond’s grading report to see if it has been treated. Before having your jewelry cleaned, you should see a competent jeweler see whether it requires any repairs, such as checking for loose stones and tightening them.
Facets, which operate as many small mirrors reflecting light in and out of the stone, are the key to a diamond’s radiance. Regularly cleaning the facets will keep your diamond dazzling, and your diamond jewelry is gleaming, ready to dazzle for your next special occasion.
Conclusion
So these are some of the points to remember while you choose to wear Diamond and Moissanite jewelry. Before choosing any of these products, go through the differences mentioned above for these items and choose your favorite and reasonable one to wear. Don’t compromise for a limited gemstone because it’s all you could buy; if you search about it, you’ll almost certainly discover higher-quality stones at the very same cost. This article will guide you to find some of the best jewelry pieces for your special occasions. Buy gemstone without worry and enjoy wearing sparkles.
