Moissanite is a gemstone that's been slowly gaining popularity as an alternative to diamonds. Even jewelers who deal with high-end jewelry are starting to consider moissanite as a viable option because of its durability, clarity and affordability. If you're planning on buying earrings for yourself or someone else, it might be worth considering investing in a pair of moissanite earrings. In this professional guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about these stones; their history, how they’re formed, differences between other types of stones including diamonds and cubic zirconia and why you should choose moissanite over other options when purchasing your next piece of jewelry. We'll also share some useful tips that can help make sure that your purchase not only looks beautiful but will last through the years while remaining timeless in style.
The History of Moissanite: From Outer Space to Fine Jewelry
The history of moissanite spans over a century, starting with its discovery in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan. He found naturally occurring silicon carbide crystals from a meteorite that landed in Arizona, mistaking them for diamonds at first. After further analysis, he realized they were composed of an entirely different mineral – now known as moissanite. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that scientists learned to recreate moissanite in laboratories and began using it for jewelry purposes. At first, it was mostly used in industrial applications due to its hardness and thermal conductivity properties. However, jewelers soon discovered its exceptional brilliance and fire similar to high-quality diamonds but with much lower cost and ethical concerns.
Moissanite is now considered a popular gemstone option for engagement rings, earrings or any fine jewelry piece thanks to its affordability and durability compared to diamonds while being an environmentally friendly alternative often grown through renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity instead of mined resources destroying natural ecosystems worldwide.
Moissanite vs Diamonds: How They Compare in Terms of Price, Durability, and Brilliance
When it comes to price, moissanite is considerably more affordable than diamonds. A one-carat diamond can cost up to ten times the price of a one-carat moissanite stone. This makes moissanite an excellent option for those looking for a significant piece of jewelry without breaking the bank.In terms of durability, moissanite is also comparable if not superior to diamonds. On the Mohs scale (a measure of gemstone hardness), diamonds score 10 while moissanite ranks close behind with 9.25 out of 10 making it highly resistant to scratches and chips. Additionally, due to its high thermal conductivity compared with Diamond's poor heat transfer capabilities; Moissanite stones are less likely to crack or become damaged during setting.
When it comes to brilliance - and this is where many people mistakenly believe that diamonds are irreplaceable - Moissanites offer far stronger "fire flashes" – Mostly because their fire index rating (how well light disperses through when illuminated) scores at least twice as strong as their Diamond counterparts. The dispersion in combination with faceting techniques allow them smouldering sparkles and enchanting colour play which make them stand out on any occasion!
Choosing the Right Cut and Setting for Your Moissanite Earrings
When it comes to choosing the right cut and setting for your moissanite earrings, there are a few factors you should consider. First, think about the overall style you want to achieve. Do you prefer a classic look with round-cut stones in simple prong settings, or do you like something more modern with alternative shapes like pear or cushion cuts in a bezel or halo settings? Next, think about how the earrings will be worn - if they're for everyday wear, consider studs or smaller hoops that won't interfere with activities; for dressier occasions, longer drop earrings can add an elegant touch. Another important factor when selecting the right cut is the color of the moissanite stone itself. While most moissanite has a near-colorless appearance similar to diamonds, some may have slight green or yellow undertones depending on their origin and grade. In general, higher quality moissanite are less likely to display any unwanted hues and tend to look more diamond-like overall.
Ultimately, your personal taste and preferences should guide your final decision on which cut and setting will best complement your individual style so that you can enjoy wearing them for years to come. Remember that while trends may come and go in fashion jewelry styling stays timeless now!
Caring for Your Moissanite Earrings: Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Caring for your moissanite earrings is essential if you want to maintain their quality and lustre for many years. It's important to avoid exposing the stones to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning agents, perfume or hairspray which can cause damage over time. One easy way of doing this is to make sure you put on your moissanite earrings last while getting ready, so that they’re not exposed to the harsh chemicals in personal care products. Another tip is to avoid wearing your earrings during rigorous activities such as sports or swimming. While Moissanites are known for being highly durable because of their robustness (due to their crystal structure), it’s always wise that one handles them with care by packing the jewelry into a soft bag instead in case an accidental drop happens.
When it comes to cleaning your moissanite earrings gentle handling would ensure no damage occurs during cleaning; use warm water and soap solution than using a soft-bristle brush and scrub gently before rinsing under clean running water. At times one can also wipe down with a microfibre cloth instead of soaking in water for quicker maintenance between less intensive cleanings which should be done when dirt build-up has occurred
If you would like more information about Moissanite earrings, we recommend you visit Zen Moissanite, our preferred vendor.
