Diamond VS. Moissanite
Diamonds and Moissanite have different color grading systems due to their distinct physical properties and composition. Diamonds are graded using the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) system, which ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). On the other hand, Moissanite cannot be graded using the GIA system as it is a different gemstone with its own unique color grading system established by the European Gemological Laboratory South Africa (EGL SA). The color grading system for Moissanite ranges from colourless to light and includes grades such as near colourless, faint, very light, and light. Ralph Jacobs, a Moissanite retailer, ensures the quality of their Moissanite by sending each piece for grading at EGL SA.
The clarity grading of diamonds and moissanite differ due to the differences in the formation of these two gemstones. Diamond clarity grading is based on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale, which ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and blemishes visible to the naked eye). Moissanite, on the other hand, is graded based on the European Gemological Laboratory South Africa (EGL SA) Moissanite Clarity Scale, which ranges from Loupe Clean (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Heavily Included (inclusions and blemishes visible to the naked eye). The scale also includes grades such as Eye Clean, Lightly Included, and Moderately Included, providing a more detailed and specific clarity grading for Moissanite.
The cut grading of diamonds and moissanite are different as they have different physical characteristics and are manufactured differently. Diamond cut grade is based on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale, which ranges from Excellent to Poor and evaluates the symmetry, proportioning, and polish of a diamond. On the other hand, moissanite is laboratory-created and its finish grade evaluates the overall quality of the gemstone's cut and finish, taking into account any manufacturing imperfections. The moissanite finish grade ranges from Excellent to Poor, with Excellent being the highest grade with minimal imperfections and Poor being the lowest grade with noticeable imperfections. The lower the moissanite finish grade, the more imperfections there are.
The carat weight difference between diamonds and moissanite is a result of their distinct densities. While both gemstones are prized for their sparkling brilliance and fire, diamonds and moissanite are made of different materials and have different crystal structures, leading to disparities in their density levels. A one-carat diamond, due to its higher density, will appear physically smaller compared to a one-carat moissanite of the same weight. Although the difference may not be noticeable to the naked eye, it is still significant enough to impact the weight of the gemstones and requires specialized techniques and settings for jewelry creation. For those seeking the traditional sparkle of a diamond, but with a more affordable option, moissanite offers a brilliant alternative, especially in pieces like engagement rings and earrings.
The certification of diamonds and moissanite are different due to the nature of the gemstones and the purpose of certification. Diamonds are usually certified by reputable organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These organizations use a rigorous process to evaluate a diamond's quality based on its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, and issue a certificate that attests to the diamond's authenticity and quality. Moissanite, on the other hand, is typically certified by its manufacturer. This certification attests to the authenticity of the moissanite and provides information on the gemstone's origin, quality, and physical characteristics. Moissanite certification is usually not as comprehensive as diamond certification, as moissanite is not as valuable or widely sought after as diamonds. However, it is still an important aspect of purchasing moissanite jewelry, as it provides assurance to the buyer that they are receiving a genuine product. In conclusion, while the certification process for diamonds and moissanite are different, both are crucial for ensuring the authenticity and quality of the gemstones and provide peace of mind to the buyer.
Diamonds are formed naturally over millions of years in the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure. Moissanite, on the other hand, is a mineral that was first discovered in a meteorite in 1893, but the gem-quality variety used in jewelry today is lab-grown using high-temperature, high-pressure (HT-HP) techniques to recreate the same conditions under which natural moissanite is formed. The lab-grown moissanite has similar physical and optical properties to diamonds, but is less expensive and can be made to exact specifications. While moissanite is always lab-created, diamonds can also undergo treatment to improve their colour and clarity. This is common in the diamond industry and is often not disclosed to consumers. However, because diamonds are naturally occurring, they are still referred to as diamonds even after undergoing treatment. The term "natural diamond" is used to distinguish them from lab-grown diamonds, which are a separate category of gemstones.
In terms of durability and lifetime, diamond is considered the hardest and most durable gemstone and is known to last a lifetime. Moissanite, on the other hand, is also durable and long-lasting, but it is not as hard as diamond.
In terms of jewelry, diamond is considered the best gemstone due to its high value, durability, and timeless beauty. Moissanite, while less expensive than diamond, is also a good choice for jewelry due to its durable and long-lasting properties. Ultimately, the choice between diamond and moissanite for jewelry will depend on personal preference, budget, and intended use.
Both Diamond and Moissanite are long-lasting gemstones and will last a lifetime. However, because Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone, some consumers tend to be wary of its quality and durability. To address this, Ralph Jacobs offers a lifetime warranty on all their Moissanites, ensuring that if the Moissanite were to change color or lose its sparkle, they would be exchanged. This warranty serves as a testament to the quality and durability of Moissanite and provides peace of mind for consumers who are considering purchasing a Moissanite for their jewelry.
A: Both diamonds and moissanites are durable and hard gemstones, but they are not indestructible. While it is unlikely that a diamond or moissanite will chip or break during normal wear, it is still possible.
Diamonds and moissanites are both very hard materials and are rated 10 and 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, respectively. This means they are very resistant to scratches and abrasions, making them ideal for everyday wear in engagement rings and other jewelry. However, they can still be susceptible to damage from impact, extreme pressure, or exposure to high heat.
It is important to take proper care of your diamond or moissanite jewelry to prevent any damage. This includes avoiding harsh chemicals, removing your jewelry when engaging in physical activities, and storing it in a safe place when not in use.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we offer a range of high-quality diamond and moissanite jewelry that is designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select a piece that meets your needs and preferences and provide guidance on how to care for it to ensure its longevity.
A: Both diamonds and moissanites are highly heat-resistant and can withstand high temperatures without being damaged. In fact, jewelers often use high heat to remove or reset diamonds and moissanites in jewelry settings.
However, it is important to note that extreme and sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the gemstone. For example, exposing a diamond or moissanite to rapid changes in temperature, such as going from a hot tub to a cold pool, could potentially cause damage.
It is also important to note that certain treatments and enhancements used on diamonds, such as fracture filling or laser drilling, can be affected by high heat and may cause damage to the gemstone.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we take great care in ensuring that our diamonds and moissanites are of the highest quality and have not been treated with any potentially harmful enhancements. Our expert staff can provide guidance on how to properly care for your jewelry, including how to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures. We also offer a range of high-quality diamond and moissanite jewelry that is designed to withstand normal wear and tear and provide long-lasting beauty and value.
A: Diamonds and moissanites are highly resistant to damage from chemicals, making them an ideal choice for everyday wear. However, certain chemicals can still potentially damage these gemstones if they are exposed to them for extended periods of time.
Chlorine bleach and other strong cleaning chemicals, for example, can potentially discolor or damage the metal settings of diamond or moissanite jewelry. It is also recommended to avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals like hairspray or perfume, which can leave a residue on the gemstone and affect its clarity and shine.
To protect your diamond or moissanite jewelry, it is important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and to clean it regularly with mild soap and water. If you need to clean your jewelry with chemicals, it is recommended to bring it to a professional jeweler who can safely clean it for you.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we take great care in ensuring that our diamond and moissanite jewelry is of the highest quality and designed to withstand normal wear and tear. Our expert staff can provide guidance on how to properly care for your jewelry to ensure its longevity and beauty. We also offer a range of high-quality diamond and moissanite jewelry that is designed to provide long-lasting value and beauty.
A: Diamonds and moissanites are both very hard and durable gemstones, but they differ slightly in their hardness. Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanites are rated 9.25. This means that a diamond is slightly harder than a moissanite and can potentially scratch it.
However, it is important to note that the difference in hardness is minimal, and it is unlikely that a diamond will scratch a moissanite during normal wear. Both diamonds and moissanites are extremely resistant to scratches and abrasions, making them ideal for everyday wear in jewelry.
To ensure the longevity and beauty of your diamond or moissanite jewelry, it is recommended to store it separately from other jewelry to prevent any potential scratching. Additionally, it is important to clean your jewelry regularly with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially cause scratches.
At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we offer a range of high-quality diamond and moissanite jewelry that is designed to withstand normal wear and tear and provide long-lasting beauty and value. Our expert staff can provide guidance on how to properly care for your jewelry to ensure its longevity, and can help you select a piece that meets your needs and preferences.
Diamonds and Moissanite are two popular gemstones used in jewelry. While both gems are beautiful and sparkly, they differ in their prices, sourcing, and stability.
Diamonds are generally considered to be more expensive than Moissanite. This is due to several factors, including the scarcity of natural diamonds, the high cost of mining and processing diamonds, and the long-standing reputation and demand for diamonds as a luxury item.
The price of a diamond can vary greatly based on its quality, size, and cut, with high-quality, large diamonds commanding premium prices.
Diamonds are traditionally sourced from various countries, with South Africa being one of the largest producers. However, the majority of diamonds mined in South Africa are exported and then re-imported into the country. This means that the price of diamonds is linked to the USD to ZAR exchange rate, which can fluctuate. The price of a diamond today can change tomorrow.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is a synthetic gemstone that is created in a laboratory. It is made from silicon carbide and is known for its near-identical appearance to diamonds.
The price of Moissanite is fixed in ZAR and is not affected by exchange rate fluctuations. This means that the price of Moissanite is more stable and predictable, making it an attractive alternative to diamonds for consumers looking for a budget-friendly option.
In conclusion, both diamonds and Moissanite are beautiful gems that have their own unique characteristics. While diamonds are subject to price fluctuations due to their sourcing and exchange rate linkage and due to their scarcity and reputation as a luxury item, Moissanite offers a more stable and predictable pricing option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference, budget, and the intended use of the gemstone.
Thanks for subscribing!
This email has been registered!