Understand how to identify and value moissanite (2024)

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Understand how to identify and value moissanite (20)

I’ve never seen anything like it. So much sparkle in one place. As the new marketing director here at Charles & Colvard (hi folks!), I recently attended JCK Las Vegas—the industry’s leading tradeshow. As I walked the floor (industry lingo for a convention center full of vendors), absorbing as much industry goodness as possible, I became fully aware of just how many gemstone and design options there are in the world. Everyone there was exploring a multitude of options.

As retailers and designers flocked to the booth, I met so many moissanite fans and moissanite newbies. I had several conversations about the differences between moissanite and diamond. So, I feel that this is the perfect time to discuss what makes moissanite unique.

Moissanite is not a fake diamond. It’s a rare and natural mineral also known as silicon carbide, which is used to produce gemstone quality crystals. Charles & Colvard has been cutting moissanite gemstones for more than 20 years. And as the original creator of moissanite gemstones, we know a thing or two about what makes it different.

What makes it shine?

Moissanite has more fire and brilliance than a diamond due to its higher refractive index and dispersion. Dispersion, or fire, is a property of a gemstone caused as light radiates through the gemstone on certain wavelengths – each wavelength producing a specific color. When shining a light over moissanite it will produce a wider color spectrum than a diamond.

Understand how to identify and value moissanite (21)

A comparison between the brilliance and fire of moissanite (left) and diamond (right). Moissanite displays 2.4 times the fire of diamond, and more brilliance than diamond as shown above.

The brilliance of a moissanite gemstone refers to its “sparkle.” Moissanite is exceptionally brilliant due to its remarkably high refractive index, which describes how light spreads through the gemstone. In fact, moissanite is 10% more brilliant than diamond!

How can you tell?

Using a jeweler’s loupe for magnification, moissanite can be identified by the doubling of junction facets. In layman’s terms, facets are flat surfaces cut into gemstones in order to best reflect light, and facet junctions are where these surfaces meet.

Furthermore, we go to great lengths to avoid confusion with not only diamonds, but any other moissanite that might be out there. Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® can be identified by brand inscriptions on our Forever Brilliant® and Forever One™ gemstones that are 4 millimeters and larger.

Understand how to identify and value moissanite (22)Understand how to identify and value moissanite (23)

From left: Loose moissanite gemstone being laser inscribed. From right: Laser inscription as seen with 10x jeweler’s loupe.

Secondary to identifying these visual characteristics, there are tools that if used properly can help gemologists and jewelers verify the identity of the gem. These tools test the electrical conductivity of the material. There are two moissanite testers on the market that we suggest: The GemOro PRO-M3 and GemOro Testerossa. By following the manufacturer’s instructions, jewelers using the Testerossa can identify moissanite, diamond and white sapphire in one simultaneous test.

Obviously, we are proud of our moissanite gemstones (for so many more reasons than we’ve discussed here) and never want our customers or any consumer to be confused about our products. We want you to choose moissanite, intentionally.

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Understand how to identify and value moissanite (2024)

FAQs

Understand how to identify and value moissanite? ›

To calculate the value of a moissanite stone, consider its carat weight, cut quality, color, and clarity. The carat weight is a measure of the stone's size, while the cut, color, and clarity grades will give you an idea of the stone's overall quality and appearance.

How to tell good quality moissanite? ›

Grades of moissanite differ in terms of color, clarity, and cut. High-grade moissanite typically exhibits near-colorless to colorless quality, exceptional clarity with few inclusions or blemishes, and a precision cut that maximizes brilliance and fire.

How to identify real moissanite? ›

Color: Typically, moissanite appears colorless or near-colorless. However, some stones may display a slight yellow or green hue. If your stone exhibits intense color or a brownish tint, it may indicate that it is not authentic. Double Refraction: Moissanite possesses a higher double refraction compared to diamonds.

How valuable is moissanite? ›

Depending on the quality grade and the brand, a 1-carat moissanite can cost anywhere between $200 to $600. Are Moissanite and Lab Diamonds the same? No, both are different stones. Moissanites have a 9.5 rating on the Mohs scale, are made from silicon carbide, and offer a more colorful rainbow-like reflection.

Which grade of moissanite is best? ›

While ideal grades can vary by a person's taste, we recommend getting a colorless moissanite with D to F color grades, clarity grades that fall from FL to VS1, and has an Excellent or Very Good cut grade. With these desirable grades, you will be sure to have an exceptionally beautiful moissanite stone.

Does moissanite have resale value? ›

As for resale value, moissanite jewelry typically has a lower resale value compared to diamonds. This is primarily due to it being a lab-created gemstone, making it more abundant and less precious than natural diamonds.

Who has the highest quality moissanite? ›

Forever One Moissanite is widely recognized as the most premium brand of Moissanite in the market. Created by Charles & Colvard, a US-based company, it stands as the original creator of Moissanite gems, with a wealth of experience in creating and faceting Moissanite gems that is unparalleled.

Is moissanite pawnable? ›

Is moissanite pawnable in the Philippines? In the Philippines, moissanite can sometimes be pawned, although it depends on the pawnshop's policies and their expertise in identifying and valuing moissanite.

How do you authenticate moissanite? ›

While identifying a stone, jewelers may use specialist equipment like a loupe or microscope to check the stone's clarity and inclusions. They might also employ a diamond tester, which can tell whether a stone is a moissanite or a diamond by measuring its electrical conductivity.

Is there a way to test moissanite? ›

Double Refraction

The most effective way to tell Moissanite apart from a diamond is to use a loupe to look through the top, or the crown, of the jewel at an angle. You will see two slightly blurred lines that indicate double refraction, an inherent quality of Moissanite.

Can moissanite be appraised? ›

Many jewelers cannot distinguish moissanite from diamond. Be sure the appraiser is a Graduate Gemologist (GG), preferably a Certified Insurance Appraiser™ (CIA).

How much is a 1 carat moissanite? ›

What is the price range for 1 carat moissanite rings? The price range for 1 carat moissanite rings can vary widely depending on factors like the stone's quality and the type of setting and band material. In general, however, 1 carat moissanite rings can cost between $300 and $1,500.

What is the downside of moissanite? ›

Cons of Moissanite

Durability: Although moissanite is still a durable gemstone, it may be more prone to scratches and damage over time due to its lower hardness than diamonds. Color: Whereas diamonds have an almost colorless look that some people like, moissanite has a little yellow or greenish hue.

How can you tell if moissanite is high quality? ›

Examine the cut and shape of the stone carefully. Checking for Inclusions and Blemishes: Authentic Moissanite is relatively free from inclusions and blemishes.

How do you pick a good moissanite? ›

When choosing a moissanite stone, there are a few factors you will need to consider. These traits, known as “the Four C's,” include cut, clarity, color, & carat.

What color moissanite is most expensive? ›

The most valuable Moissanite stones are colorless (grade D-E-F) and their value decreases as the color becomes stronger. For some couples, an inclusion or blemish-free stone that has a near-colorless grade or even slight tinting may be a cost-effect way of owning a beautiful stone that is known for its brilliance.

How to make sure moissanite is real? ›

A refractometer is another affordable tool that measures refractive index, confirming moissanite. Fake gems will have inaccurate refractive readings. Thermal testers probe conductivity to identify real moissanite, which conducts heat better than diamond. Fakes that are CZ or glass will fail this test.

Does the brand of moissanite matter? ›

While unbranded Moissanite is more affordable than the top Moissanite brands we offer, you are unsure of its beauty, quality, and authenticity. SUPERNOVA and Forever ONE Moissanite will always have a higher price point than unbranded ones because of their beauty and heirloom quality.

Is there low quality moissanite? ›

A good quality Moissanite has very few flaws (none to the naked eye – can only be seen under 10x magnification) and therefore the cutters are able to cut an ideal cut as the stone is ideal. However, with the lesser quality Moissanite, there are generally visible flaws that wont allow for an ideal Moissanite cut.

How do you pick moissanite? ›

When selecting a moissanite, opt for one labeled as "eye-clean," meaning any inclusions or blemishes are not visible to the naked eye. This way, you can enjoy a flawless appearance and maximum brilliance in your moissanite engagement ring.

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