Moissanites: The Perfect Alternative

What Is Moissanite?

A beautiful alternative to diamonds, sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow – discover why moissanite is becoming such a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Moissanite is a rare mineral, first discovered by (and named for) the French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893. The stone’s durability makes it suitable for everyday use and wear, while its unique faceting pattern gives it a brilliance all its own. Moissanite is less expensive per carat than diamonds and other gemstones, making it an affordable choice for engagement rings without sacrificing any of the luster

Moissanite or Diamonds?

When French scientist Henri Moissan encountered microscopic particles of the gemstone in a meteorite crater in Arizona, his first thought was that he had discovered diamonds. Although he later determined the particles were composed of silicon carbide, the mineral’s similarity to diamonds has not gone unnoticed. Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, scoring 10 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Moissanite is measured at 9.25 on this scale – an exceptional score that reflects the gemstone’s durability and makes it an excellent material for engagement rings, resistant to scratches and wear.

Sparkle and Flash

Moissanite’s brilliance is comparable to that of a diamond, but its surface has a particular faceting pattern which causes it to reflect light differently. Moissanites display dramatic flashes of rainbow-hued light, sometimes known as the “disco ball effect.” While colorless diamonds appear completely clear, moissanite may have an underlying yellow hue, although this is less noticeable with smaller specimens. At Diamonds Forever, we carry both the Forever Brilliant and Forever One lines of moissanite, which display greater clarity than other forms of moissanite.

Stones from the Stars, Recreated in the Lab

In its natural form, moissanite is extremely rare on Earth. For a time, it was thought that meteorites were the only source of this unique gemstone. Specimens have since been found to occur within diamond mines and other geological formations, but naturally occurring moissanite is quite scarce. Today, most moissanite on the market is synthetically created in a laboratory, but it is chemically identical to the naturally occurring mineral. As with lab-created diamonds, many consumers prefer purchasing man-made gemstones as an ethical and ecologically conscious choice over mined minerals.

Forever Brilliant and Forever One

We offer moissanites created by Charles & Colvard, the original producers of synthetic moissanite who have refined their process for over 20 years to create the most flawless specimens on the market. We carry both the Forever Brilliant and Forever One lines of moissanite, providing you with the most scintillating and finely wrought stones available. Forever One is a completely colorless gemstone, skillfully cut to mimic the purity and clarity of a diamond. Forever Brilliant is a near-colorless, dazzlingly glamorous stone that will shine and sparkle in any setting. Come visit our San Diego store where our trained gemologists will be happy to help you decide which exquisite option is the best for you.

The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between moissanite and diamonds? You can have both! We often center moissanites in our custom-made rings with surrounding diamonds, offering you the best of both worlds for a fraction of the cost. Call us at (619) 223-2151 or contact us to set up an obligation-free consultation to learn more.