If you’re looking for the most viable diamond alternative then moissanite is the way to go! However, like other gemstones, it also has its own limitations.
Common Moissanite Problems
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common moissanite problems and answer frequently asked questions including;
- Is there a grading system for moissanite stones?
- Why do moissanite stones look fake?
- Do moissanite stones get cloudy?
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
What Are Moissanite Stones?
Moissanite stones have taken the industry by storm since they’re the most popular diamond alternatives. Their popularity has been on an upward spiral since their inception into the market especially when it comes to colorless gemstone diamond alternative.
Moissanites come second after lab created diamonds. Henri Moissan, a French scientist, discovered moissanite stones in 1893 when working in Arizona by the crater. He initially thought that the stones were diamonds.
After a little bit of research, the scientist discovered that it was a different gemstone altogether hence the name moissanite. Natural moissanites are also known as Stardust or Space Diamond since they were as a result of a single meteorite collision on earth.
Why Are Moissanites the Most Preferred Stones for Engagement Rings?
Just like other gemstones, moissanites also come with their own benefits and limitations. Here’s a highlight of some positive aspects of this sparkly gemstone:
- Moissanite stones are relatively cheap as compared to natural diamonds and its lab created counterparts.
- Moissanite is 100% ethical and conflict free. Lab created gemstones aren’t mined which typically means that you can trace their origin.
- Producing lab created moissanite stones is environment-friendly as compared to mining gemstones.
- Moissanite is best suited for those looking to stand out since it’s fierier than diamond.
- Moissanite stones are available in larger sizes for relatively affordable prices.
- Moissanite is rated at 9.25 on Mohs scale which makes it the second hardest mineral on earth after diamonds. Plus, it’s highly resistant to scratches especially from dirt and dust in the air.
Common Moissanite Problems
Let’s explore some of the most common moissanite problems to ascertain whether or not they’re deal breakers. Make your own judgement!
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Moissanite Rings Are Not Always Colorless
There are brands that usually sort moissanite stones in their collection to colorless and almost colorless grades. D grade moissanite stones and their colorless counterparts can have a slight tint under lighting. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that their quality is compromised in any way. It’s one of the things that you might have to deal with when you settle for a moissanite engagement ring.
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Moissanite is Very Sparkly
For the most part, people always go for moissanite engagement rings owing to their brilliance. However, there are those that prefer exploring other options for the same reason. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than that of a diamond.
The brilliance of moissanite will give you the famous disco ball effect. Besides, moissanite can sometimes look blurry since it’s a double refractive gemstone. Moissanite has a rainbow brilliance that dances in the light and some people find the spark too much especially if they’re looking for something subtle.
Some people believe that moissanite stones are not only fake but also tacky. They also compare it to cubic zirconia, a relatively cheap imitation diamond simulant.
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Moissanites Are Quite Expensive
High-quality moissanite rings are cheaper than natural diamonds engagement rings. However, when it comes to viable diamond alternatives, the moissanite stones available on the market are nothing close to cheap. That’s why some people can’t afford a premium grade moissanite engagement ring.
Thankfully, other lab grown semi-precious gems are cheaper moissanite alternatives especially if you’re going for color. Sapphires and rubies are reasonably priced as lab created gemstones than moissanites. The durability of sapphires and rubies is comparable to moissanites. Plus, they’re among the hardest minerals on earth according to Mohs scale of hardness.
The price of moissanite stones is pretty wide. There’s no standard cost per carat since most of it is usually based on color. You can find cheap moissanite stones on the internet as well as premium grade moissanite rings for a few bucks. What’s more, there are no set regulations for these sparkly gemstones in terms of quality. That’s why some online retailers sell them at lower prices.
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Moissanites Don’t Have an Actual Grading System
There’s a real grading system for every natural diamond and its lab created counterparts in the industry. The grading system is known as 4Cs and was put in place by Gemological Institute of America – GIA. Gemological Institute of America is one of the leading diamonds and gemstones authority.
The 4Cs that describe the quality of diamond stones focuses on the carat weight, color, clarity and cut of the gemstone. Moissanite, on the other hand, doesn’t have a real grading system. However, some online retailers usually sort them in different standards like Super Premium, Premium and Standard. For the most part, it’s based on color.
Moissanite stones color grades take some of their cues from the color grades of diamonds. In such a scenario, a Standard moissanite stone would be J-K range albeit a little faint. Premium, on the other hand, slightly colorless G-I range while Super Premium would be D-F color grade range.
Unlike diamonds, moissanites are not weighed in carats. Instead, they’re listed in millimeter measurements. Moissanite stones weight 10% less than authentic diamonds. There are few colored moissanite stones on the market because most jewelry stores usually carry colorless ones.
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Moissanite Stones Aren’t Natural
By now, you already know that moissanite stones are as a result of a single meteorite collision on earth. However, there are no moissanite rings in the jewelry industry that can share in the great origin story. Natural moissanites are quite rare since you can only find them in upper mantle rocks and meteorites.
Moissanite was lab created by scientists in place of a beautiful love story from space. This is not a dealbreaker per se, but suffice to say, some people prefer natural gemstones to manmade ones. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that lab created gemstones are fake.
Lab created gemstones are real albeit with different value, cost and origin.
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Moissanite Stones Have No Real Value
Most jewelry pieces cost an arm and a leg but their resale value is nothing to write home about and diamond rings are no exception. If the value of diamond rings is much less, what about moissanite rings?
However, I bet those buying moissanite rings don’t think about reselling them. But we can agree that most of us believe in leaving heirloom rings for generations to come hoping it increases in value over time. Most lab created stones don’t increase in value. However, you can get a significant amount of the original price on a resale marketplace but that goes for a diamond ring as well.
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Moissanites Tend to Get Cloudy
Moissanites are more susceptible to become cloudy unlike natural and lab created diamonds. A moissanite engagement ring can get cloudy when the stone is exposed to different environmental elements. Besides, you can’t remove the film layer on the stone by cleaning and neither will ultrasonic and steam cleaners do the magic.
You might also need to pay for polishing at an extra cost if your moissanite ring doesn’t have a warranty.
Conclusion
Moissanite rings are relatively cheaper than diamonds but quite expensive as diamond alternatives. You might have to settle for cubic zirconia or white sapphire if you’re looking for something cheaper diamond alternative.
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