All moissanite gemstones today are lab-created, guaranteeing outstanding quality across the board. More than just an “affordable diamond alternative,” moissanite is a precious stone. In reality, moissanite gets graded according to its system, which roughly resembles the four facets of a diamond: cut, clarity, color, and carat.
While these criteria are designed to grade diamonds, they have been adapted to evaluate Moissanite rings, a gemstone that has gained immense popularity for its brilliance, ethical production, and affordability. Every moissanite gemstone gets examined by seasoned gemologists who methodically look at color and inclusions to ensure excellent standards. This article delves into the 4C’s of moissanite to help you understand what to look for when purchasing this dazzling gemstone.
How can you choose your moissanite?
There are many things to consider when picking your stone, but ultimately, it comes down to desire. Do you wish to have a diamond-like appearance? Or do you want to appreciate everything Moissanite offers because you adore it? We at Slate & Tell appreciate each exquisite feature that this stone offers.
Using the highest gradient each stone gets chosen. We advise sticking with moissanite that is between 1-2 carats in weight if you want to mimic the appearance of a diamond. How to choose your moissanite?
There are many things to consider when picking your stone, but ultimately, it comes down to desire. Do you wish to have a diamond-like appearance? Or do you want to appreciate everything Moissanite has to offer because you adore it?
Carat: Size Does Matter, but Not Exactly How You Think
The first ‘C’ stands for carat, which is a measure of weight, not size. When comparing moissanite and diamonds, it’s important to note that moissanite is less dense, so weight doesn’t always indicate size. As a result, a 1-carat moissanite will appear slightly larger than a 1-carat diamond. It makes moissanite an excellent choice for those who desire a larger gemstone without breaking the bank.
Moissanite stones are roughly 17% lighter in weight than diamonds. Because of this, a 6.4mm moissanite weighs 0.84 carat compared to a 6.4mm diamond’s 1.0 carat weight. To avoid confusion, all moissanite is described in millimetres and all diamonds measured by carat. When considering carat weight, it’s essential to talk about your personal preferences and the design of the jewelry. A larger carat may not always be better if you prefer a more delicate or understated look. Similarly, the setting can make an important difference in how the carat weight is perceived; settings can cause the stone to appear larger or smaller.
Cut: The Facets of Brilliance
The cut of a gemstone has a massive impact on its sparkle and brilliance. Moissanite rings are almost always precision-cut by a computer program that optimizes the angles and facets to enhance their inherent brilliance. The most common cut for moissanite is the brilliant round cut, designed to maximize the stone’s sparkle. However, moissanite is available in cuts like oval, square, and even intricate cushion cuts. More traditional cuts like the round or princess cuts offer timeless appeal, whereas modern cuts like the emerald or cushion cut provide a contemporary flair.
Color: A Spectrum of Choices
While diamonds range from colorless to shades of yellow or brown, moissanite offers a variety of options. It is available in a colorless form, often compared to a high-grade diamond, and can also be found in hues like green, yellow, and grey. The grading system for color in moissanite is similar to that of diamonds, classified from D (colorless) to Z (visible color). If you’re looking for a stone that most closely resembles a diamond, aim for a colorless or near-colorless moissanite.
Clarity: Clarity Counts, but Not as Much as You’d Think
Clarity is the measure of imperfections or inclusions in the stone. Because moissanite is lab-created, it usually has fewer inclusions compared to most diamonds. In many cases, any inclusions or imperfections are microscopic and require magnification to be seen. The clarity of moissanite is generally categorized as ‘eye-clean,’ meaning that any imperfections are not visible to the naked eye.When determining a stone’s clarity, five elements are taken into account.
These factors include the number of flaws, the size, features (and if they affect the stone’s durability), where the spot is on the moissanite and the flaw’s obvious contrast from the rest of the stone. The scale for grading clarity goes from Flawless (F) to Included (I). The Flawless (F) classification is given to less than 1% of all diamonds because they have no visible flaws when magnified ten times. Unbelievably uncommon and exorbitantly expensive are flawless diamonds. Included (I) diamonds contain blatant, apparent inclusions to the naked eye.
When it comes to moissanite, clarity is generally less of a concern compared to natural gemstones. However, it’s wise to examine the stone under different lighting conditions to ensure you’re happy with your selection.
Very Good (VG) Moissanite Clarity
Most moissanite gemstones used in jewelry are of very excellent (VG) quality. These high-quality moissanite stones include eye-clean inclusions, such as tiny micro-pipes and faint crystals or feathers, that are too subtle. The unaided eye cannot detect these little defects. Finding inclusions under 10x magnification is difficult for even seasoned graders. VG moissanite gemstones also have relatively little effect on light refraction. Any environment enhanced by the fire and light of fine grade moissanites.
The Fifth C:
Cost
While not officially one of the 4C’s, cost is an essential factor to consider. Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamonds, allowing for more flexibility in size, cut, and setting. This affordability does not compromise the quality, durability, or brilliance of the stone, making it an excellent choice for those looking for both beauty and value.
Character
Since this decoration represents who you are, you could desire to stand out from the crowd. The qualities that distinguish moissanite from other gemstones are the same ones you used to make this ethical decision. Each moissanite jewelry has its own personality that we give it to make it as individual as the wearer. Pick the stone that is personalized for you and claim it as your own.