Moissanite: The Brilliant, Ethical Alternative to Diamonds

If you're searching for a stunning, ethical, and budget-friendly alternative to diamonds, you've likely heard of moissanite. But what exactly is this dazzling gemstone? At Realgrown Jewelry, we specialize in creating timeless pieces using ethically sourced moissanite, and we’re here to answer all your questions about this brilliant stone.

In this article, we’ll cover the origins of moissanite, its unique properties, how it's made, and whether you need to worry about moissanite getting cloudy over time.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone that was originally discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, after whom it is named. Found in a meteorite crater, natural moissanite is extremely rare. Today, virtually all moissanite available on the market is lab-grown, making it both an ethical and eco-friendly option for fine jewelry.

Is Moissanite Mined?

Unlike diamonds, moissanite is not mined from the earth. Due to the extreme rarity of natural moissanite, scientists have developed advanced techniques to create moissanite in laboratories. These lab-grown gemstones are nearly identical to their natural counterparts in terms of chemical composition and brilliance. By choosing moissanite, you’re opting for a conflict-free, sustainable gemstone that doesn’t harm the environment or exploit workers.

Moissanite Properties: Why It’s a Brilliant Choice

Moissanite has many qualities that make it an ideal alternative to diamonds, and in some cases, it even outshines them. Here are the key properties that set moissanite apart:

• Brilliance: Moissanite is renowned for its exceptional brilliance, which refers to how much light it reflects. In fact, moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65) than diamonds, giving it an even more dazzling sparkle.
• Durability: With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones available, second only to diamonds. This makes it highly resistant to scratches and ideal for everyday wear, especially in engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
• Fire: Moissanite’s fire, or dispersion, is higher than that of diamonds. This means that moissanite splits light into spectral colors more effectively, giving it a rainbow-like sparkle that many people find more eye-catching.
• Affordability: One of the most appealing aspects of moissanite is its affordability. Moissanite typically costs a fraction of what diamonds do, allowing you to invest in a larger, more dazzling stone without sacrificing quality.

How is Moissanite Made?

Since natural moissanite is so scarce, nearly all moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created. The process to create moissanite in a laboratory is complex and requires cutting-edge technology. Scientists use silicon carbide (SiC) crystals as a base material. Through advanced heat and pressure treatments, these crystals are grown into moissanite gemstones over several weeks.

After growth, each moissanite stone is carefully cut and polished to bring out its signature brilliance and fire. Lab-grown moissanite is virtually indistinguishable from natural moissanite, offering the same beauty and durability with a much more accessible price tag.

Will Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?

One common question about moissanite is whether it will lose its brilliance or become cloudy over time. The good news is that moissanite is incredibly resistant to clouding. Unlike cubic zirconia, which can become dull with age, moissanite remains brilliant and clear. The only time moissanite may appear cloudy is if it is dirty or has been exposed to oils or lotions. Regular cleaning with a gentle jewelry cleaner will keep your moissanite sparkling for years to come.

Why Choose Moissanite?

Whether you’re choosing a ring, necklace, or pair of earrings, moissanite is an ethical and affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. At Realgrown Jewelry, we only source high-quality moissanite, offering a range of moissanite jewelry, from stunning moissanite rings to elegant moissanite earrings, designed for the modern, empowered woman. With its superior brilliance, eco-friendly production, and affordability, moissanite is a perfect choice for those who want luxury without compromise.

Shop High-Quality Moissanite at Realgrown Jewelry

Explore our collection of moissanite jewelry and see for yourself why this gemstone is growing in popularity. From timeless engagement rings to eye-catching earrings, our pieces are designed to let you shine.

FAQs about Moissanite

• Is moissanite a natural gemstone? Moissanite was originally discovered in a meteorite, but today’s moissanite is lab-grown due to the extreme rarity of natural moissanite.
• How does moissanite compare to diamonds? Moissanite has a higher refractive index and fire than diamonds, making it even more brilliant. It is also more affordable and eco-friendly, as it is lab-created.
• Will my moissanite ring lose its sparkle? No. Moissanite is highly resistant to clouding or dullness. With proper care, your moissanite will maintain its brilliance for a lifetime.
• Can I wear moissanite every day? Absolutely. Moissanite is very durable and resistant to scratches, making it an ideal choice for daily-wear jewelry like engagement rings.

At Realgrown Jewelry, we’re passionate about offering our customers a brilliant, ethical alternative to traditional gemstones. Learn more about our moissanite collection today and find the perfect piece to complement your style.