Kurt Paro Do you want to choose between a diamond and moissanite? Both of these stones can sparkle beautifully in jewellery.. What are the differences in material and how are they graded? This information matters for people buying rings, earrings, necklaces and other items in Spain. The phrase moissanite diamond shows up a lot online. That can be misleading. Technically moissanite is silicon carbide. A natural or laboratory-grown diamond is made mostly of carbon.
Is Moissanite a Real Diamond?
Moissanite is not a diamond. Moissanite is a diamond simulant. That means moissanite can look similar to a diamond. Moissanite has a different chemical makeup and different optical properties. A lab-grown diamond is different from moissanite. A lab-grown diamond is still a diamond because the material is made in a laboratory. Therefore it is wrong to say that moissanite, diamonds and cubic zirconia are all the same even though all of these can be used as centre stones in rings and other jewellery. People who are looking for a moissanite diamond must understand that moissanite is a simulant, not a diamond.
Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds Look Different
The two stones have optical properties. Lab grown diamonds have brilliance, fire and scintillation. Moissanite has a dispersion. That means moissanite displays flashes. The way that the stones interact with light makes the two stones look different. However the differences might not be obvious in a picture. It is also worth considering the cut, shape and proportions of the stone. For some buyers moissanite is a choice because of these flashes of colour. Other buyers will be drawn to the sparkle and glamour of a diamond.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Evaluated
Lab-grown diamonds are assessed using the 4 Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Cut refers to how brilliance the stone has. This is based on the way that the stone is faceted. Colour and clarity are factors that are considered. Buyers who are unfamiliar with these terms might find it helpful to look at an image of a brilliant diamond and compare it to a picture of a moissanite stone. The difference in properties makes the two stones look different. Some people might find it difficult to see the differences.
Carat refers to weight although a carat is not a measurement of length. It is possible for two diamonds to have the carat weight but to look different. This is because of differences in the cut and proportions of the stones. Two round diamonds can also look different if the width of the stones is different.
Images of the stones can be misleading. It is useful for a buyer to inspect the stones under types of lighting if this is possible. People who have a preference for how the stone looks will benefit from seeing the stone under different conditions.
Other buyers will be interested in the appearance of the jewellery. A round stone looks different from an oval, emerald, pear or cushion shape. Solitaire, halo and pavé settings also make a difference to how prominent the centre stone’s Warm metals such as rose gold appear different from white gold and platinum.
Moissanite or Lab-Grown Diamond for an Engagement Ring?
It is not possible to say which is a choice between a moissanite lab-grown diamond and another type of lab-grown diamond. The choice depends on what the buyer wants. A buyer who wants a diamond will choose an lab-grown diamond. A buyer who prefers moissanite will select moissanite.
The reality is that moissanite and a lab-grown diamond should be compared as materials. Buyers need to take care and make sure that they are purchasing the stone that they want. Buyers should not assume that moissanite and a lab-grown diamond are the thing.
Before buying from a jeweller in Spain it is worth looking at the product description, the appearance and cut of the stone the setting (metal type, size and shape) any certificates and other information about the ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are moissanite and lab-grown diamonds the same?
Moissanite is silicon carbide. A lab-grown diamond is diamond material that has been created under laboratory conditions.
Does moissanite look like a diamond?
Moissanite and diamond have optical properties. Therefore moissanite does not look like a diamond. Moissanite displays flashes because it has a high dispersion.
Is moissanite suitable, for engagement rings?
Moissanite can be used for an engagement ring. Moissanite is a matter of preference. Some buyers will insist on a diamond whereas others will choose Moissanite because of Moissanite appearance without thinking that Moissanite is a type of diamond.
