When the time comes to choose the perfect stone for your partner (or yourself) there are a lot of things to think about. From stone type, size, shape, and budget to name but a few. Below, is an easy to read but detailed guide to both stones, which should help you with one of our most commonly asked questions.
Diamond vs Moissanite: Whats the difference?
History:
The journey of your diamond begins a billion years ago a hundred miles deep in the earth’s crust. The pressure is so intense, 45,000 times the pressure at sea level, that atoms of carbon crystallize into diamond, the hardest material on earth. On average, miners must move 250 tons of earth to find a single carat of diamond.
First discovered in India in the 4th century BC. India remained the most important source of diamonds for millennia until diamonds were found in Brazil in the 1720s, North America in the 1840s, and Africa in the 1860s. The Kimberly Mine in South Africa was the first true large-scale diamond mining operation. Founded in South Africa in 1888, De Beers, a company that dominated diamond production and distribution for a century after that, now produces and sells only about 30% of the world’s diamonds.
The 4 C’s:
Diamond Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight are collectively termed the 4Cs – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. GIA created the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, which has become the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The creation of the 4Cs means that diamond quality can be communicated in a universal language so diamond purchasers know exactly what they are buying.
GIA’s diamond colour grading system measures the absence of colour, starting with D as colourless and continuing to Z representing light yellow or brown. The distinctions between colour grades are so subtle that they are often invisible to the untrained eye but can make a big difference in diamond quality and price.
Natural diamonds form from carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. Diamonds often contain clarity characteristics, called inclusions or blemishes. Inclusions are enclosed within the gem and blemishes are on the surface of the diamond. If all else is equal, the closer a diamond is to flawless, with no inclusions or blemishes, the higher its value.
A diamond’s cut determines its sparkle. To fashion, a stone with proportions, symmetry and polish worthy of an excellent cut grade requires artistry and workmanship. The finer the cut quality, the more sparkle the diamond has.
When buying a diamond, you know how important the 4Cs are in defining diamond quality. But well before buying comes dreaming. And when you envision the perfect diamond you’ll own one day, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is its shape. A diamond’s shape refers to the general silhouette of the stone and is not to be confused with cut, or the stone’s facet arrangement. For more information on how to differentiate between diamond shape and cut, go here.
Diamond Fluorescence:
Fluorescence? What does this mean? Fluorescence refers to a diamond’s tendency to emit a glow under ultraviolet light (ie: a black light). Approximately 30% of all diamonds have fluorescence to a degree. Fluorescence in diamonds is described by its intensity. Depending on the level of “glow” from a diamond, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) describes a diamond’s fluorescence using the following terminology/scale: None, Faint, Medium, Stong & Very Stong.
Diamond Fluorescence: Good or Bad?
The effect of fluorescence on a diamond is quite a controversial topic. GIA conducted a study on blue fluorescence and concluded that it doesn’t affect the quality of the stone for the average person. However, some jewellers say that diamonds with very strong fluorescence can sometimes appear foggier. Others say that it doesn’t have a significant enough effect on the appearance of diamonds to exclude it from another diamond.
If you are concerned with a diamond that has documented fluorescence, ask to see a diamond of similar quality to see if you can see any difference in the colour. For us, what is most important, is that you fall in love with the diamond you choose.
The 4 C’s:
Diamond Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight are collectively termed the 4Cs – the factors that, when combined, define a diamond’s quality and ultimately determine its value. GIA created the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, which has become the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The creation of the 4Cs means that diamond quality can be communicated in a universal language so diamond purchasers know exactly what they are buying.
Moissanites are highly sought after for their resemblance to diamonds as well as their unique sparkle. Beyond their diamond-like appearance, Moissanites are known for their fiery brilliance, uncompromised durability and attractive price, making them an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings. That said, Moissanites can be used in any type of jewellery. From pendants to bracelets, rings to earrings and more.
Whilst Moissanites are very similar in appearance to diamonds, they are not graded in an identical way. Moissanites Colour and Clarity grading are slightly different, but cuts remain the same. Regarding weights, most Moissanites are sold using a millimetre size and/or a diamond equivalent size. (Often shown as DEW)
How is Moissanite Graded?
The grading of a diamond is extremely strict and precise and very different from grading moissanite. Although the grading is similar in terms of cut, colour, and clarity using diamond clarity grade terminology for any gemstone other than a diamond can be misleading.
Moissanite and diamonds can both be colourless, however, Moissanite’s colour grading is broken down into smaller groups than diamonds. Common colour descriptions for Moissanite include: Colourless, near colourless, slightly tinted and tinted.
Colours also include Blue, Green, Grey, Yellow, Champagne, Black and Cognac (non-chemically coated colour moissanite). Other colours of Moissanite are available. However, it must be noted that any colouring that’s applied to a Moissanite stone is permanent but would require gentle cleaning and repairs as it may scratch with everyday wear.
Eye clean, very lightly included, lightly included, moderately included, heavily included are descriptive terms that are used to describe the clarity of Moissanites.
Like Diamonds, a Moissanites cut determines its sparkle. To fashion, a stone with proportions, symmetry and polish worthy of an excellent cut grade requires artistry and workmanship.
Our Moissanites have a lifetime replacement warranty through Namaqua Moissanite against scratching, chipping or discolouration.
As well as being available in classic diamond shapes, we are able to order custom cuts and shapes according to your requirements.
The sizes of Diamonds vs Moissanites are almost identical in millimeters. However, Moissanites are slightly lighter than Diamonds. The weight of gemstones historically is measured in carats (ct) with 1.00ct equalling 200 milligrams.
As an example, the carat weight of a 6.5mm round brilliant cut diamond is 1.00ct, whilst a Moissanite of the same size and cut would weigh approximately 0.88ct or 1.00ct Diamond equivalent carat weight.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a beautiful eco-friendly lab-grown gemstone. It occurs in nature but only in very small amounts with crystals that are too small to be used in jewellery. The composition of Moissanite is Silicon Carbide (SiC).
Does moissanite weigh the same as diamonds?
No, it does not. Moissanite gemstone will weigh approximately 15% less than a diamond of the same size. Using a high precision jewellery scale will easily show the difference in weight.
What is Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation?
Diamond & Moissanite fire is simply the coloured sparkle that you can see when the stone is exposed to light. In contrast to fire, brilliance is the colourless light that is emitted from the stone.
Scintillation is a term that refers to the flashes of light you can see when you hold and move the stone.
How can Moissanite be distinguished from other colourless gemstones?
Moissanite can be identified by using:
• Moissanite testers
• A gravity test
• Double refractive properties
Can you tell which stone is which?
Whilst both Diamonds and Moissanites are very similar in appearance, there are obvious differences.
- On a chemical level, Diamonds are made of pure carbon whilst Moissanites are made of silicon carbide.
- Diamond is the hardest substance on earth, scoring 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, whereas Moissanites come in very close at 9.5.
- Large diamonds are often graded by independent labs including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or European Gemological Laboratory diamonds with certificates from these labs are highly sought after. When purchasing a Moissanite from us, we have the stone independently tested at the Gem Lab in Cape Town.
Well, as much as we would like to tell you choosing one stone over another is correct, it all comes down to your personal choice. Neither choice is wrong. When the time comes for choosing a stone for your partner (or yourself) in our experience, most of the time a stone choice primarily is based on budget.
From a logical point of view, both Moissanites and Diamonds are visually indistinguishable from one another. Both gemstones are clear and very high on the Mohs scale of hardness. They are both beautiful stones with such eye-catching brilliance which will last a lifetime and are both fantastic options for wearing every day.
Diamonds are more expensive simply because of their rarity and the huge costs that come with mining diamonds. They also cause a huge amount of environmental damage that is done to obtain such, which brings up the subject of sustainability. As Moissanites are made in a lab, their impact on the environment is practically nil. So for those looking for a stone that is both ethical and sustainable Moissanite ticks all the boxes.
But, does this mean a Moissanite is better than a diamond? It’s ultimately a subjective question that we can’t answer. Both stones are unique and have their own special qualities, and yet they are so very different whilst looking so similar.
Are you ready to take the first step in your bespoke jewellery journey? We are here to guide you through the process. Click on “Book A Consultation” to book an appointment with one of our sales team or design consultants for either an online meeting or in-store consultation.
Still a little confused? Do you have a question not answered above? We are here to help. Click on “Contact us” to speak to one of our friendly team members today and experience what sets us apart.
Certified Stones
We have a wide range of both certified Diamonds & Moissanites available in-store for viewing. Should we not have what you are looking for, we will do our utmost to source the stone for you. Simply speak to one of our team, who will advise you of the process and assist you, to find your perfect stone.
