FAQs

Moissanite, a captivating and brilliant gemstone, has a fascinating origin story. Originally discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater in Arizona, moissanite was initially thought to be diamonds. However, it was later determined to be silicon carbide, a unique compound with remarkable properties.

Moissanite is meticulously crafted through advanced laboratory processes. This stunning gemstone is synthesized using silicon carbide, a compound renowned for its exceptional hardness and brilliance. The process involves subjecting silicon carbide to extreme heat and pressure, replicating the natural forces that form gemstones deep within the Earth.

The result is a remarkable gemstone that dazzles with its fire and brilliance, often rivaling or even surpassing traditional diamonds. Moissanite's lab-grown nature ensures ethical and sustainable sourcing, making it a popular choice for those who value both beauty and responsibility.

Moissanite brilliance is a captivating and distinctive feature of this gemstone. It refers to the way moissanite interacts with light, creating a stunning display of sparkle and fire. Moissanite's brilliance is a result of its exceptional optical properties.

Here's what makes moissanite brilliance stand out:

1. Fire: Moissanite has a high dispersion rate, which means it disperses light into its spectral colors, creating vibrant flashes of rainbow-colored light. This rainbow effect is often more pronounced in moissanite compared to traditional diamonds.
2. Luster: Moissanite exhibits a remarkable luster, giving it a dazzling and radiant appearance. Its ability to reflect and refract light contributes to its intense brilliance.
3. White Light Scintillation: Moissanite's ability to reflect white light creates a continuous play of sparkle and brilliance, making it eye-catching and captivating in various lighting conditions.
4. Double Refraction: Moissanite has a unique property of double refraction, meaning it can bend light differently in two directions within the crystal. This characteristic contributes to its exceptional sparkle and fire.
5. Faceting: Moissanite is cut with precision to maximize its brilliance. The strategically placed facets enhance its ability to reflect and refract light, showcasing its brilliance from various angles.

In summary, moissanite brilliance is the result of its extraordinary optical properties, including high dispersion, luster, scintillation, double refraction, and expert faceting. This combination makes moissanite a stunning and captivating gemstone that rivals traditional diamonds in terms of brilliance and sparkle.

Moissanite's pricing can sometimes be higher compared to other gemstones due to several key factors:

1. Laboratory Synthesis: Moissanite is typically lab-created, involving complex processes to produce high-quality gemstones. These processes require advanced technology and skilled labor, contributing to the overall cost.
2. Exceptional Hardness and Brilliance: Moissanite possesses remarkable qualities such as exceptional hardness, brilliant sparkle, and fire. Achieving and maintaining these qualities in the synthesis process involves precision and specialized techniques, adding to the cost.
3. Ethical Sourcing: Moissanite is a sustainable and ethical choice as it's not mined from the earth, reducing environmental impact and potential human rights concerns. Ethical practices often come with a higher price tag.
4. Limited Supply: While moissanite is lab-created, the supply is not infinite. Manufacturers must invest in research, development, and resources to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality moissanite, which can affect pricing.
5. Market Demand: Growing consumer interest in moissanite as an alternative to traditional gemstones has driven demand. Higher demand can lead to competitive pricing in the market.
6. Branding and Certification: Some moissanite brands invest in branding, marketing, and certification to differentiate their products. These additional efforts can contribute to higher prices.

It's worth noting that while moissanite may be more expensive than some other gemstones, it often offers a compelling value proposition, given its exceptional durability, brilliance, and ethical sourcing. Ultimately, the cost of moissanite is influenced by a combination of factors, and consumers can choose options that align with their budget and preferences.

Moissanite has emerged as a breathtaking and budget-friendly alternative to diamonds, capturing the hearts of many. While it possesses some common traits with diamonds, such as brilliance and durability, it boasts distinctive advantages worth considering:

Exceptional Brilliance: Moissanite outshines with unparalleled brilliance and fire, often surpassing the sparkle of diamonds. Its faceting pattern disperses light in a mesmerizing and one-of-a-kind manner, creating a dazzling allure.

Impressive Hardness: Both moissanite and diamonds are renowned for their durability. Although diamonds rank slightly higher on the Mohs scale, moissanite's hardness is robust enough to withstand everyday wear without showing signs of scratching or chipping.

Beautiful Color Options: While diamonds come in various colors, colorless diamonds are typically the most coveted. Moissanite, on the other hand, offers a range of near-colorless options, which many find striking and attractive.

Ethical and Eco-Friendly: Moissanite's eco-friendly and ethical credentials shine brightly. Being predominantly lab-created, it alleviates concerns related to mining, making it an environmentally responsible choice.

Budget-Friendly Elegance: Moissanite's affordability is a significant draw for those seeking a splendid yet cost-effective gemstone. It allows individuals to acquire a dazzling piece of jewelry without breaking the bank.

In the end, the decision between moissanite and diamonds hinges on personal preferences, financial considerations, and ethical values. While moissanite dazzles with its brilliance and ethical sourcing, diamonds hold a timeless tradition as symbols of enduring love and luxury. Both have their unique allure, and your choice ultimately reflects what resonates with you the most.

With the naked eye, distinguishing between moissanite and diamonds can be challenging, as they often appear quite similar, but moissanite may exhibit more colorful flashes and slightly different light patterns than diamonds, and it may feel warmer to the touch due to differences in thermal conductivity.

No, moissanite is not graded on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Diamond Color Grading Scale. The GIA Diamond Color Grading Scale is specifically designed for assessing the color of diamonds. Moissanite, on the other hand, has its own color grading scale, which typically ranges from D (colorless) to K or L (faint yellow or gray tint). This scale is specific to moissanite and takes into account its unique color characteristics. It's important to note that moissanite and diamonds may have different color grades, and comparing them directly on the GIA scale can be misleading, as they have distinct optical properties and color appearances.

No, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are not the same; they are distinct gemstones with different chemical compositions and physical properties.

Moissanite is a laboratory-created gemstone, produced by subjecting silicon carbide to controlled high-temperature and pressure conditions. This process allows for ethical sourcing and exceptional affordability, making it a popular choice for fine jewelry.

Determining the quality of moissanite involves assessing several key factors:

1. Brilliance: High-quality moissanite should exhibit exceptional brilliance, with bright flashes of light and fire. The stone should sparkle intensely under various lighting conditions.
2. Color: Moissanite is graded on a scale from colorless (D-F) to near-colorless (G-H) and sometimes with a slight tint (I-J). Opt for a color grade that suits your preference, but remember that colorless or near-colorless options are often preferred for their diamond-like appearance.
3. Clarity: Look for moissanite with minimal or no visible inclusions or blemishes, as these can affect its overall appearance. High-quality moissanite typically has excellent clarity.
4. Cut: A well-cut moissanite will have precise and symmetrical facets that maximize its brilliance and sparkle. A proper cut is crucial for a beautiful appearance.
5. Carat Weight: Choose the carat weight that suits your style and budget. Moissanite is available in various sizes, so select the one that best fits your preferences.
6. Certification: Reputable moissanite retailers may provide certificates of authenticity or grading reports that verify the quality and characteristics of the stone.
7. Durability: Ensure that the moissanite you choose is durable and resistant to scratches and damage. High-quality moissanite should maintain its brilliance over time.
8. Brand and Ethical Sourcing: Carter Emporium is dedicated to providing premium moissanite that adheres to the highest quality standards. We prioritize ethical sourcing and responsible practices, ensuring that your moissanite is not only beautiful but also ethical and environmentally friendly.

When assessing moissanite quality, it's often recommended to view the stone in person to observe its brilliance and fire. If possible, consult with a reputable jeweler who specializes in moissanite for guidance and assurance of quality.

Yes, moissanite is a durable gemstone that can last as long as diamonds. It has a hardness rating close to that of diamonds on the Mohs scale, making it highly resistant to scratching and wear. When properly cared for, moissanite can maintain its brilliance and beauty over a lifetime, just like diamonds.