A Beginner’s Guide to Identifying Moissanite Diamonds
A Beginner’s Guide to Identifying Moissanite Diamonds
Diamonds have long been considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. However, with the increasing popularity of alternative gemstones, it has become essential for buyers to be able to differentiate between a genuine diamond and its look-alikes. One such alternative is moissanite, a stunning gemstone that closely resembles a diamond. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore how to identify moissanite diamonds effectively.
1. Brilliance and Fire:
One of the most distinguishing features of moissanite is its exceptional brilliance and fire. Brilliance refers to the white light that reflects off the surface of a gemstone, while fire refers to the colored light that disperses from within the stone. Moissanite typically exhibits more brilliance and fire than a diamond, giving it an undeniable sparkle that catches the eye.
2. Color:
While diamonds are graded on a color scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), moissanite falls within the near-colorless to colorless range. However, some moissanite stones may exhibit a slight yellow or greenish tint, particularly in larger sizes. If you notice any noticeable color variations, it is likely that you are looking at moissanite rather than a diamond.
3. Double Refraction:
A unique characteristic of moissanite is its double refraction property. When you look closely through a moissanite stone, you may notice a doubling of the facets or edges. This is due to the gemstone’s high refractive index, which causes light to split and create this effect. Diamonds, on the other hand, do not exhibit double refraction, so if you observe this phenomenon, it is a strong indication that you are dealing with moissanite.
4. Clarity:
Clarity refers to the presence of any internal or external flaws within a gemstone. Moissanite is known for its exceptional clarity, often appearing flawless to the naked eye. However, it is essential to note that moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, meaning it is almost always free from inclusions or blemishes. In contrast, diamonds may have varying degrees of clarity, with most exhibiting some form of imperfections.
5. Hardness:
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking as a 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite comes in close with a rating of 9.25, making it one of the hardest gemstones available. While this may not be evident to the naked eye, it can be a helpful indicator when comparing stones. If a gemstone scratches easily, it is unlikely to be a diamond.
6. Price:
Perhaps one of the most significant differences between moissanite and diamonds lies in their price points. Moissanite is a more affordable alternative to diamonds, costing significantly less per carat. So, if you come across a stone that looks like a diamond but is priced much lower, chances are it is moissanite.
In conclusion, identifying moissanite diamonds requires a keen eye and some knowledge about their unique properties. By considering factors such as brilliance, color, double refraction, clarity, hardness, and price, beginners can become more confident in distinguishing between moissanite and genuine diamonds. Whether you choose the classic elegance of a diamond or the stunning allure of a moissanite, both gemstones have their own distinct beauty and charm.