Is Moissanite Worth Learning About?

When it comes to purchasing gemstones, as it offers a beautiful, ethical, and budget-friendly alternative to diamonds. Understanding its qualities, like its durability and low maintenance, allows you to enjoy stunning jewelry without compromising on values or breaking the bank. Plus, being knowledgeable about moissanite can empower you to choose a stone that matches your lifestyle and preferences.

How to Keep Your Moissanite Jewelry Crystal Clear

Prioritize Hygiene
Always ensure you’re fresh and clean before wearing your jewelry. Taking a quick shower beforehand helps prevent natural oils, lotions, and sweat from building up on your Moissanite’s surface.

Wear Over Clean Clothing
Avoid direct contact with bare skin when possible. Wearing your jewelry over a clean shirt can help preserve its brilliance and protect it from body oils that can cause cloudiness.

Let the Experts Restore the Sparkle
Over the years, daily wear can soften the shine. When that time comes, contact our team of professional jewelers—we’ll polish your Moissanite to perfection and return it gleaming like the day you first wore it.

Jewelry Care Essentials

Keep Chemicals Away
Harsh elements like salt, chlorinated water, perfumes, and cleaning products can dull your jewelry’s brilliance. Keep your pieces chemical-free to preserve their sparkle and strength.

Clean Gently
Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to wipe away dust, fingerprints, and any moisture. This simple step keeps your jewelry looking as radiant as the day you got it.

Store Smart
Humidity and sunlight can cause long-term damage. Store your pieces in a cool, dry place—preferably in our Icecartel Jewelry Box—to keep them safe, untarnished, and ready to wear anytime.

Education

Findings and Origins

At first, it was believed to be diamonds until Henri Moissan found the mineral in a meteorite crater in Arizona. But after more investigation, it turned out to be silicon carbide. Since natural moissanite is so uncommon, practically all of the moissanite gemstones on the market today are made in labs. Henri Moissan made the discovery of moissanite, a silicon carbide gemstone, in 1893. Because of its hardness and brilliance, it is frequently compared to diamonds and is therefore a common substitute for diamonds in jewelry.

Properties of Moissanite

Hardness:
- Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, just below diamond (which is a 10). This makes it one of the hardest substances and suitable for daily wear.
Brilliance:
- Moissanite is known for its high refractive index (2.65 – 2.69), which is higher than diamond (2.42). This gives it a more fiery sparkle, which many people find attractive.
Dispersion:
- Moissanite has a high dispersion rate (0.104), meaning it splits light into its spectral colors more than diamonds do. This creates a "rainbow" effect under certain lighting conditions.
Durability:
- Moissanite is highly durable, resistant to scratching, and does not chip or break easily. This makes it a practical option for rings and other jewelry that is worn frequently.
Heat Resistance:
- Moissanite is incredibly heat-resistant, capable of withstanding higher temperatures than diamonds, making it ideal for jewelry worn in all kinds of conditions.

Moissanite vs. Diamond

Cost: Moissanite is much more affordable than diamonds, which is one of the reasons it has become popular as an alternative.
Ethics: Since most moissanite is lab-created, it is considered an ethical and sustainable choice compared to diamonds, which may come from conflict zones.
Appearance: While moissanite looks similar to diamond, its higher brilliance and fire may make it look a bit more "sparkly" or colorful in certain lighting. Some people prefer this, while others prefer the more subdued brilliance of diamonds.

Types of Moissanite

Colorless: Closest in appearance to diamonds, these are the most popular type.
Near Colorless: Slight hints of warmth or color can be seen under certain lights, though this can often go unnoticed.
Fancy Colors: Lab-created moissanite can also come in various colors, such as yellow, green, and gray.

Uses

Primarily used in jewelry, especially as an alternative to diamonds in engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Conclusion

Moissanite offers many advantages for those looking for a high-quality, durable gemstone that closely resembles diamonds but is more affordable and ethically sourced. Its brilliance, durability, and lower price point make it an increasingly popular choice in the jewelry market.