To tell if moissanite is real, look for its characteristic intense rainbow sparkle (fire) and double refraction (doubled facet lines) under magnification, use a moissanite-specific tester for electrical conductivity, check for a laser inscription/certificate, and note its slight yellow/green tint under some lights, as real moissanite refracts light more dramatically than diamonds and often shows this unique colorful brilliance.
Look at the color: Under certain lighting situations, moissanite frequently has a yellow or green hue, but diamonds do not. Your stone might be a diamond or another kind of gemstone if it appears colorless in all lighting conditions.
While today's more advanced testing can now detect moissanite, even a trained eye can't discern it from appearance alone.
One of the easiest ways to check the authenticity of a moissanite is to check for a certificate of authenticity that includes a unique, laser-engraved serial number on the stone's girdle. The number on the certificate should match the number on the stone itself.
GRA Moissanite Appraisal Certificate
With the certificate verification service, you can quickly and easily confirm that the information recorded in the certificate is consistent with the information archived in the GRA certificate database.
Since moissanite is synthetically produced, there is always a plentiful supply of this beautiful gemstone. This abundance means that consumers don't have to worry about limited availability driving up prices, making moissanite an affordable alternative —unlike the traditional diamond.
However, moissanite is still a valuable gemstone and can be an affordable alternative to a diamond, with prices typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the average retail price of comparable diamonds, as mentioned in this GIA publication.
Moissanite is robust enough to endure water exposure, but the particular kind of water can affect both its appearance and durability. For example, the chlorinated water found in pools or hot tubs may cause discoloration of the metal parts and accumulation of dirt that diminishes moissanite's sparkling quality.
Some pawn shops will accept moissanite jewelry, but it has the equivalent value of a diamond piece in different ways.
Sparkle: Moissanite's fire is more colorful and intense compared to cubic zirconia's subtler brilliance. Moissanite is doubly refractive, so it will split light rays in two as they enter the stone, whereas CZ is singly refractive, keeping incoming light in one ray.
The Aquamarine name comes from the Latin word for seawater and is said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. It is sometimes referred to as a poor man's diamond because of the pale color.
A 1-carat diamond can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on its quality and cut. On the other hand, a 1-carat moissanite can cost around $250 to $400, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still demand high quality and value.
The Cons: It's just not a traditional diamond
If you're set on tradition, or you want a stone that holds resale value, moissanite might not be your first choice. While it's beautiful and durable, it doesn't carry the same prestige as diamonds, and some jewelers or jewelry lovers may not see it as a true equal.
Look for Double Reflection: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, causing double reflections. Diamonds don't show this effect, so spotting it can help confirm your stone. Use a Diamond Tester: These tools can detect the different electrical properties of moissanite compared to diamonds.
A 1-carat diamond typically measures around 6.5mm in diameter. A 1-carat moissanite measures closer to 6.8mm—about the size of a 1.1 to 1.2-carat diamond.
Real diamonds don't fog up as long. If you take the stone and breathe on it—whether it's real or fake—it will fog up, just like a mirror. The difference, however, is in how long the fog lasts on the stone's surface. With real diamonds, the fog will disappear quickly because diamonds conduct heat.
The "3-month ring rule" is an outdated marketing guideline suggesting spending the equivalent of three months' salary on an engagement ring, a concept created by De Beers to boost diamond sales, evolving from earlier one and two-month suggestions. Today, it's widely seen as a myth, with most couples prioritizing personal financial comfort, open communication, and meaningful choices over this arbitrary rule.
For around $5,000, you can typically find a natural diamond ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 carats, depending heavily on quality (the 4Cs), cut, setting cost, and if it's lab-grown, but a good quality 1-carat diamond often starts near this price point. A $5,000 budget could get you a significant stone like a 1-carat diamond or even larger lab-grown options, but quality factors (color, clarity) will significantly impact size and price.
Out of all the moissanite varieties, Forever One Colorless Moissanite is the most expensive. However, it is still considered a cost-effective alternative when compared to natural or lab-grown diamonds, as it is relatively more affordable.
If your moissanite appears dull or discolored, it's likely due to surface residue from oils, makeup, or other environmental factors. This “oilslick” effect is easily remedied with regular cleaning, such as using a polishing cloth or mild soap and water.
Q. What can break a Moissanite gemstone? Even though moissanite is a hard gemstone like a diamond, it can still crack or break due to excessive force or a hard impact.
Its quality is judged by clarity, color, cut, and carat weight, just like diamonds. To find top-quality moissanite, check that the stone has no visible imperfections and is cut to enhance its shine. This will ensure the moissanite looks bright and stunning, similar to high-quality diamonds.
As of 2024, a high-quality 4-carat moissanite typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on factors like cut, color, and clarity. In contrast, a 4-carat diamond of similar quality can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more.
Quick Summary. Is Moissanite trashy? Absolutely not: Moissanite engagement rings are beautiful, durable, and sustainable alternatives to mined diamonds. Lab-created for consistency and quality, Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, offering impressive hardness and brilliant fire that often surpasses diamonds.
Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone that has become a popular alternative to diamonds. It has similar properties to diamonds and is often used as a diamond substitute in engagement rings and other types of jewelry. While moissanite is more affordable than diamonds, it still holds value and can be resold.