MOISSANITE
discover the extraordinary brilliance and beauty of moissanite, a stunning ethical alternative to diamonds that offers exceptional value and dazzling sparkle.
WHAT IS MOISSANITE
moissanite is a rare naturally occurring mineral, silicon carbide (SiC), that was first discovered in 1893 by nobel prize-winning scientist dr. henri moissan in a meteor crater in arizona.
- the natural form of moissanite is incredibly rare, so today's moissanite gemstones are created in controlled laboratory environments.
- though lab-created, moissanite is not a 'fake' diamond or simulant, but a unique gemstone with its own optical and physical properties.
- moissanite is composed of silicon carbide, giving it extraordinary brilliance, fire, and durability.
- it has become increasingly popular as an ethical and affordable alternative to diamonds in fine jewelry, particularly engagement rings.
- the technology to create gem-quality moissanite was developed in the 1990s, making it a relatively recent addition to the fine jewelry world.
MOISSANITE VS DIAMOND
while moissanite and diamonds may appear similar at first glance, they differ in several important ways. understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision when choosing between these two exquisite gemstones.
| PROPERTY | MOISSANITE | DIAMOND |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9.25-9.5 | 10 |
| Refractive Index | 2.65-2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire Dispersion | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Brilliance | Higher (more colorful) | High (white light) |
| Composition | Silicon Carbide | Carbon |
| Origin | Lab-Created | Natural or Lab-Created |
| Price Point | 10-15% of comparable diamond | Premium price point |
| Colors Available | Colorless, near-colorless, fancy colors | Full spectrum from colorless to fancy colors |
BRILLIANCE & FIRE
moissanite is known for its exceptional optical properties, which in some ways exceed those of diamonds.
- moissanite's brilliance (white light return) is exceptional due to its high refractive index of 2.65-2.69, compared to diamond's 2.42.
- fire (colored light dispersion) in moissanite is 2.4 times greater than in diamonds, creating more colorful flashes of light, especially in sunlight or bright lighting.
- this combination of brilliance and fire creates a distinctive, eye-catching sparkle that many find even more captivating than diamonds.
- the faceting pattern of moissanite is specifically designed to maximize its unique optical properties.
- larger moissanite stones (over 1 carat) may display more noticeable fire, making them especially dramatic for statement pieces.
DURABILITY
one of moissanite's most impressive qualities is its outstanding durability, making it suitable for everyday wear.
- with a hardness of 9.25-9.5 on the mohs scale, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones available, second only to diamonds (10).
- moissanite is highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking, making it ideal for engagement rings and other daily-wear jewelry.
- unlike some gemstones, moissanite is heat-resistant and won't cloud or change color over time.
- moissanite is more resistant to chips and fractures than many other gemstones including sapphires and emeralds.
- with proper care, moissanite jewelry can be passed down for generations, just like diamond jewelry.
COLOR & CLARITY
modern moissanite is available in various color grades, allowing you to choose the perfect stone for your jewelry.
- premium moissanite is typically offered in colorless (D-E-F) and near-colorless (G-H-I) grades.
- colorless moissanite appears bright white, with no visible tint, while near-colorless may show subtle warmth.
- under certain lighting conditions, some moissanite may display slight secondary hues, typically in the yellow or gray spectrum.
- clarity in moissanite is excellent, with most stones appearing eye-clean with no visible inclusions.
- lily dia selects only premium high-clarity moissanite for our jewelry, ensuring exceptional beauty and brilliance.
ETHICAL ADVANTAGES
choosing moissanite offers significant ethical and environmental benefits compared to mined diamonds.
- lab-created moissanite has a completely transparent supply chain, free from the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.
- moissanite production has a significantly smaller environmental footprint than diamond mining, which can cause habitat destruction and soil erosion.
- no habitats are destroyed or communities displaced in the creation of moissanite.
- the laboratory creation process ensures moissanite is 100% conflict-free.
- choosing moissanite allows consumers to own a beautiful, durable gemstone while adhering to their ethical and environmental values.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
while moissanite is extremely durable, proper care will help maintain its exceptional brilliance and beauty for generations.
CLEANING & STORAGE
- clean with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush
- store separately to prevent scratching other jewelry pieces
- ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are safe for moissanite
- remove before activities involving harsh chemicals or abrasives
EXPLORE MOISSANITE JEWELRY
browse our collection of exquisite moissanite jewelry, from stunning engagement rings to elegant everyday pieces.