If you want a diamond, why do you need to know about moissanite? The reason is that it can be even hard for jewelers to tell the difference between diamond and moissanite when determining real diamond jewelry. If they can be fooled, couldn’t you? That’s why it’s important to pick a diamond merchant with a solid reputation.
Moissanite vs. Diamond
Moissanite is actually Silicon Carbide, a material that in crystallized form resembles diamond closely. It was first discovered in a meteorite sample and mistaken for diamond until further tests were done. It was named after its discoverer, Dr. Henri Moissan. Its hardness is close to diamonds and it has a thermal conductivity that is also similar to diamonds. Later it was manufactured, as the natural occurrence of moissanite is rare, but it’s easy enough to duplicate in the laboratory. It’s for that reason that it’s often used in manufacturing applications where diamond may be too prohibitive. In jewelry, it is referred to as a “diamond simulant” and for that reason can sometimes be passed off as a real diamond.
Similar but Different
That’s about where the diamond resemblance ends. It’s not actually diamond, nor is the value similar to a natural diamond. It’s used in fake diamond jewelry to mimic the real thing, but it has no where near the value of real diamonds. It appears fierier than diamonds and some experts say that it has a greenish or gray hue under natural light. The choice to buy a moissanite ring rather than a diamond ring is personal, but it should be stated up front that it is a simulated diamond, and not the real thing.
Shop With Reputable Jewelers Online
You should get a certificate with your diamond that proves it’s a real diamond, to keep you from getting conned with fake diamonds that are close the real thing. Select only companies or jewelers who have a good reputation and have it in their best interest to keep the public informed about diamond simulants out on the market today. While it is difficult to tell a real diamond from moissanite, it is not impossible. The experts should be able to tell you whether you are purchasing a real diamond or a moissanite stone.