If you thought diamonds were a head-turner, you should see a moissanite! Almost twice as bright as a diamond’s brilliance, these strange and beautiful stones are increasing in popularity for use in engagement rings and other significant or commemorative jewellery. Only one company, Charles and Colvard, holds the exclusive rights to the distribution of moissanite in the United States.

Found around the world in its natural state as silicon carbide, moissanite is a naturally occurring and easily processed compound that negates the need for invasive mining processes to get to the end result – a plus point that can definitely not be attributed to diamonds.

Are they fake diamonds?

Before going into further detail, let’s answer that question with a firm “no”. Moissanites are an independent jewel in their own right, and should by no means be confused with cheap fakes or knock-offs. The black market is already catching on to its growing popularity, and several websites, although they may look legitimate, exist for the sole reason of selling and distributing fake moissanites.

While they are by no means fakes, moissanites make excellent replacements for diamonds, and come with greater brilliance, nearly equal toughness and durability, and all this at a much lower price tag. While you will still be paying more for moissanite than for cubic zirconias, they are definitely more affordable than diamonds.

Unprecedented visual value      

The ideal colour for a diamond is the colourless tint, which appears absolutely clear. Similarly, a colourless moissanite is also the type that holds the highest value. As the tint of the stone moves through hues of grey, green and yellow, the corresponding value also decreases, with the so-called yellow tint holding the lowest value across the range.

Moissanite and diamonds, however much similarity they hold, are slightly different in the way they reflect light. While diamonds have a single refractive capability, meaning that the light the reflect outwards is equal to the light that enter the stone, moissanites are double refractive, which means that the light that enters the stone is split in two, and shows up twice as bright as a diamond.

In short, if a more subdued radiance is within your taste, you might prefer a diamond. A more radiant brilliance? Go for moissanite!

So much more affordable

A decent-sized moissanite could be yours for less than $500, which is an excellent price given what you would be paying for a diamond of a similar size. Take care though – if the price seems too good to be true, the chances of it being a fake are quite high.

The secondary beauty of a moissanite is that you are not paying for mining costs, nor contributing to conflicts, environmental destruction and exploitation as you would have when choosing a mined diamond. Of course, you always have the option of farmed diamonds, but the cost of a moissanite per weight of the stone is unbeatable. It’s easy to stay within budget and get a great-looking jewel when you go with moissanite!