I will start out by just saying an empahatic “no, absolutely not” all Moissanite is not alike. As Moissanite continues to grow in popularity, many suppliers are flooding the market. We get our fair share of suppliers contacting us with “cheap” Moissanite. Sometimes the prices are just so cheap that you have to wonder about the quality, that it probably isn’t going to be up to our standards. For sure, the gem cutters aren’t being paid a fair wage. For us at LARACI, as I have mentioned countless times, the Ethical side is of the utmost importance to us. The quality of the Moissanite must be top notch but not at the expense of those producing it. Possibly some of the cheaper brands are ok or even good quality but at that price, for sure the stone cutters aren’t making a fair wage – cannot be possible when they are selling a 1 ct Moissanite for $100 – $200.
Also worth mentioning, the cut of these cheaper Moissanite may not be the same as the pricier brands that are cutting for optimal sparkle, which would impact the dazzle of your 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.
I have read many forum threads and reviews on cheap Moissanite bought from China and India, it concerns me that people may then have a poor opinion of Moissanite if this is their only experience. The quality side, or lack thereof, of “cheap” Moissanite can tarnish the Moissanite industry. These Moissanite can lack the clarity, color and strength of a quality name brand Moissanite gem. They may also lack the proper cut that allows the light to enter the stone and disperse with the optimal sparkle that quality Moissanite is known an loved for. The worst part though is that often small children, as young as 7 yrs old are cutting the stones (think about this for a moment. We as humans are all alike, can you imagine your 7 yr old beloved child, grandchild, niece or nephew having to endure this??! NEVER!! It wouldn’t happen in our first world and it shouldn’t happen elsewhere either. Stories of stone cutters (including the children) with poor vision and arthritis in their necks, backs and fingers from the small detailed work and the hunching over. Child labour is a huge reason LARACI disagrees with the diamond trade so we absolutely cannot endorse it in the Moissanite trade either. Stone cutting is a very precise job that takes it toll on a stone cutters body so even an adult doing this profession should be paid a fair wage, which just isn’t a possibility with these cheaper Moissanite.
We understand that consumers probably don’t realize these conditions and if they did, they wouldn’t purchase the cheap Moissanite from eBay, Amazon and other such sources. We also know that much of the “cheap” Moissanite is a lower grade and doesn’t measure as strong on the MOH’s scale. The strength of a stone determines it’s durability, it’s ability to withstand chipping, scratching and breaking. As well, we have heard from a few Moissaniite suppliers that not all of these Moissanite stones register 100% silicon carbide. This would also affect the durability and the color. Even if the stone looks the same in the beginning, it could discolor over time which won’t happen in genuine quality Moissanite.
We have received some of the cheaper Moissanite from wholesalers, much of it has visible flaws to the naked eye, poor, inconsistent cuts and often a poor polish. Which at the very least, would impede the dazzle of a Moissanite but at te visible flaws in the stone could compromise the strength and durability. So when looking at “cheap” Moissanite that way, it’s not that cheap. If you are reducing a Moissanite to Cubic Zirconia quality, you might as well buy a cubic zirconia for pennies on the dollar. A 1 ct CZ will cost you about $3 compared to the cheap $100 or $200 sub par Moissanite. While CZ is perfectly acceptable for an occasional dinner ring or a fashion ring that won’t be worn often or for long, it’s not adequate for an engagement ring that will be worn daily for a lifetime.
So like most things, if it looks to go to be true, it probably is. I would forgo the cheap moissanite, even if you think it looks the same.
FAQs
I will start out by just saying an empahatic “no, absolutely not” all Moissanite is not alike. As Moissanite continues to grow in popularity, many suppliers are flooding the market. We get our fair share of suppliers contacting us with “cheap” Moissanite.
Is moissanite ethically sourced? ›
Yes! Moissanite is among the most ethical, sustainable engagement ring choices out there. This is because Moissanite is a man made stone. So, no mining is needed to give you a perfectly brilliant Moissanite.
Are all moissanites the same quality? ›
Moissanite is a form of silicon carbide and it is recognized for its hardness, which is second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale, and for its brilliant sparkle. Quality variations in moissanite are often determined by factors such as clarity, color, cut, and carat weight—similar to traditional diamond grading.
Can a jeweler tell if moissanite is real? ›
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.
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.
Who should not wear moissanite? ›
People born under Pisces, Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra can wear moissanite as a beneficial zodiac gemstone. Who should not wear moissanite according to astrology? As per astrology, people who have Venus in its proper place in their horoscope should not wear moissanite gemstones.
How can you tell if moissanite is synthetic? ›
Moissanite is a manmade stone that looks like diamond. Its significance is that it tests as 'diamond' on standard (thermal conductivity) diamond testers. Therefore, it is better to get a 'multi' diamond tester (e.g. Multi-exp) which tests for diamond and Moissanite (and also sapphires and rubies).
Who is the best manufacturer of moissanite? ›
Charles & Colvard
Charles & Colvard is the original creator of moissanite and the leading brand of moissanite jewelry. Charles & Colvard moissanite brand is called Forever One, which is the highest quality of moissanite available on the market.
Is moissanite a garbage? ›
Moissanite delivers show-stopping fire and is considered the most brilliant stone on earth. Moissanite is not a fake stone or a poor-quality substitute for a diamond or other stones–it is a durable sparkling gem grown in a lab.
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.
The proliferation of fake Moissanite has significant implications for both the jewelry industry and consumers. For the jewelry industry, the presence of counterfeit stones undermines the integrity and reputation of reputable jewelers and manufacturers.
Can normal people tell the difference between moissanite and diamond? ›
Unless you've seen a lot of diamonds and just as much moissanite, you probably can't tell the difference. Even to a trained eye, because natural diamonds come in an infinite amount of colors, clarities, and cuts, some diamonds just look like moissanite.
Is cubic zirconia or moissanite better? ›
Moissanite is more durable than cubic zirconia due to its greater hardness. With a Mohs hardness of 9.25, moissanite is nearly as hard as a diamond, while cubic zirconia has a Mohs hardness of 8 to 8.5, making it more susceptible to scratches and damage.
What are the side effects of wearing moissanite? ›
Anyone can wear it; there is no side effect of wearing moissanite stone. Many people wear it for astrology purposes and many people wear it for fashion purposes. But In astrology, moissanite is recommended to the people having weak Venus or wrongly placed Venus.
Do moissanite diamonds turn green? ›
Look at the color: Under certain lighting situations, moissanite frequently has a yellow or green hue, but diamonds do not.
What ruins moissanite? ›
Use the brush to gently scrub the ring, then rinse it under running water. Use a gentle cloth to pat it dry. Avoid harsh chemicals: Although moissanite is a hard gemstone, harsh chemicals can still harm it. Keep your ring away from substances like chlorine, bleach, and sulfuric acid.
Is moissanite conflict free? ›
Contrary to diamonds, Moissante is sustainably sourced and does not involve child labor as it is made in a lab, so you know that it is conflict free and ethically sourced!
Are any diamonds ethically sourced? ›
Australia, Canada, and Botswana are the biggest producers of ethical diamonds. Safe mining practices, fair wages, and humanitarian efforts to better the lives of mine workers characterize mines in these countries. South Africa and Botswana are famous for producing big diamonds.
Are moissanite rings made in a lab? ›
Moissanite is lab-grown, therefore, doesn't require mining, and has a lower carbon footprint than natural diamonds. But then, so do lab-grown diamonds, so you get to own a real diamond without any concerns about how it was sourced or mined.
Will moissanite pass a diamond tester? ›
Yes, some diamond simulants can pass a diamond tester.
For example, moissanite, a man made gem, may pass as a diamond on a standard tester pen. This is because moissanite also has very high thermal conductivity! Other diamond simulants, such as CZ, will not pass the tester.
