How to tell a diamond from a moissanite

What is Moissanite?

Before diving into identification methods, it’s important to understand what moissanite actually is. Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide that was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so virtually all moissanite available today is lab-created.

Unlike cubic zirconia which is simply a diamond simulant, moissanite is a genuine gemstone with its own unique properties. It has become increasingly popular for engagement rings in Midland, TX due to its exceptional brilliance and durability, second only to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale (9.25 compared to diamond’s 10).

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we offer both diamonds and moissanite to suit different preferences and budgets. Our experts can help you understand the differences so you can make the best choice for your specific needs, whether you’re looking for custom jewelry in Odessa, TX or a ready-made piece.

Visual Differences Between Diamonds and Moissanite

To the untrained eye, moissanite and diamonds can look remarkably similar, but there are subtle visual differences that can help you tell them apart:

Color: Even though both stones can appear colorless, moissanite may display slight tints of color, particularly in certain lighting conditions. When viewed from the side or in natural sunlight, moissanite might show hints of yellow, gray, or green, especially in larger stones. Meanwhile, high-quality diamonds from jewelry stores in Lubbock, TX maintain their colorless appearance consistently across different lighting conditions.

Double Refraction: One of the most telling signs is that moissanite is doubly refractive, while diamonds are singly refractive. This means that when light enters moissanite, it splits into two rays, creating a slight doubling effect of the facets when viewed closely. With a diamond, each facet appears crisp and singular.

Facet Pattern: When examining the stone under magnification, diamond facets typically meet in sharp points, while moissanite facets may appear slightly rounded at the junctions. This subtle difference is often appreciated by those seeking antique jewelry in Midland, TX, where attention to detail is paramount.

At jewelry stores in Big Spring, TX like Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, our specialists can help you examine these visual differences under proper lighting conditions.

The Sparkle Test: Fire vs. Brilliance

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between diamonds and moissanite lies in how they interact with light. This “sparkle test” is often the easiest way for non-experts to distinguish between the two stones.

Brilliance: This refers to the white light that returns through the top of the stone. Diamonds have exceptional brilliance, reflecting light in a way that creates that coveted sparkle. The brilliance of an Odessa diamond ring is often described as a pure, white sparkle.

Fire (Dispersion): This is the colored light that you see when the stone breaks light into spectral colors. Moissanite has approximately 2.4 times the dispersion of diamonds, meaning it displays significantly more rainbow flashes. When you move a moissanite in the light, you’ll notice more colorful, rainbow-like flashes compared to the more subtle, primarily white sparkle of diamonds.

This difference becomes more pronounced in larger stones. When selecting wedding rings in Midland, TX, some couples prefer the more dramatic fire of moissanite, while others prefer the classic, subdued elegance of diamond brilliance.

To perform the sparkle test yourself, simply observe the stone under different lighting conditions, particularly natural daylight and indoor lighting. If you see an abundance of rainbow flashes, you’re likely looking at moissanite rather than a diamond from our collection of engagement rings in Odessa, TX.

The Weight Test

Another method to differentiate between diamonds and moissanite is by comparing their weight. Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamonds of the same size. Specifically, moissanite weighs about 15% less than a diamond of equivalent dimensions.

While this difference might not be noticeable when handling small stones, it can become apparent with larger gems. However, this test requires precision scales and is typically performed by professionals at jewelry repair in Midland, TX locations rather than by consumers.

The weight difference stems from the different molecular structures of the two stones. Diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a specific crystal structure, while moissanite consists of silicon and carbon atoms, resulting in a different density.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, our experts use professional scales to verify the authenticity of gems, ensuring that whether you’re purchasing custom jewelry in Midland, TX or a standard piece, you’re getting exactly what you pay for.

Heat Conductivity Test

Diamonds and moissanite have different thermal conductivity properties, which is the basis for one of the most reliable tests used by jewelers. Diamonds are excellent heat conductors, while moissanite conducts heat differently.

Professional jewelers use diamond testers that measure thermal conductivity to identify genuine diamonds. However, standard diamond testers may not be able to distinguish between diamonds and moissanite because moissanite also conducts heat, albeit differently.

For this reason, specialized moissanite testers have been developed that can detect the electrical conductivity properties unique to moissanite. These dual testers are commonly used in jewelry repair in Odessa, TX shops to accurately identify both stones.

If you’re concerned about the authenticity of a stone, it’s best to have it tested by professionals. At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we use advanced testing equipment to verify all our gems, whether they’re destined to become custom jewelry in Big Spring, TX or part of our standard collection.

Professional Tools for Identification

Beyond the methods already mentioned, jewelers employ several professional tools to distinguish between diamonds and moissanite with absolute certainty:

Refractometer: This device measures the refractive index of gemstones. Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42, while moissanite’s is higher at 2.65-2.69. This significant difference makes the refractometer a reliable tool for identification.

Polariscope: When viewed through a polariscope, diamonds (being singly refractive) will remain dark when rotated, while moissanite (being doubly refractive) will show light and dark areas that change as the stone is rotated.

Microscopic Examination: Under magnification, trained gemologists can identify specific inclusions and growth patterns that differ between natural diamonds and lab-created moissanite. Our experts at jewelry store in Monahans, TX use high-powered microscopes to verify gem authenticity.

Spectroscope: This tool analyzes the absorption spectrum of light passing through the gemstone, revealing characteristic patterns unique to each type of stone.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we invest in these professional tools to ensure that all our gemstones, whether used in custom jewelry in Lubbock, TX or our designer collections, are accurately identified and certified.

Price Comparison

One of the most significant differences between diamonds and moissanite is their price. Moissanite typically costs about 10-15% of what a diamond of equivalent size would cost. This substantial price difference makes moissanite an attractive option for many consumers seeking the look of a diamond without the associated cost.

For example, a one-carat diamond of good quality might cost between $4,000 and $10,000, depending on its cut, color, and clarity. In contrast, a one-carat moissanite of comparable visual quality might cost between $400 and $1,000. This makes moissanite particularly appealing for jewelry in Odessa, TX shoppers on a budget.

The price difference becomes even more dramatic with larger stones. A three-carat diamond might cost $30,000 to $100,000, while a three-carat moissanite might be priced between $1,500 and $3,000.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we offer both options, allowing customers seeking custom jewelry in Stanton, TX to choose according to their preferences and budget constraints.

Ethical Considerations

Beyond physical and financial differences, ethical considerations may influence your choice between diamond and moissanite:

Diamond Mining Concerns: Traditional diamond mining has been associated with environmental damage, exploitative labor practices, and even funding conflicts in certain regions. The industry has made significant strides in addressing these issues through initiatives like the Kimberley Process, but concerns persist.

Lab-Created Options: Both lab-created diamonds and moissanite offer more ethical alternatives to mined diamonds. Lab-created diamonds have the same physical properties as mined diamonds but are produced in controlled environments with minimal environmental impact and no connection to conflict zones. These ethical options are increasingly popular for custom jewelry in Monahans, TX.

Environmental Impact: Moissanite production generally has a smaller carbon footprint than diamond mining. If environmental considerations are important to you, moissanite may align better with your values.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we offer ethically sourced diamonds as well as lab-created alternatives, allowing our customers to make choices that align with their personal values while still enjoying beautiful, high-quality jewelry.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, choosing between a diamond and moissanite comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and priorities:

Choose a Diamond If:

• You value tradition and the historical significance of diamonds
• You prefer the specific optical properties of diamonds, including their brilliance and subtler fire
• Investment value is important to you (diamonds typically retain value better than alternatives)
• You’re willing to invest more for a natural gemstone with billions of years of history

Choose Moissanite If:

• You want maximum visual impact for your budget
• You appreciate the enhanced fire and brilliance of moissanite
• Ethical and environmental considerations are priorities
• You’d prefer to allocate your budget elsewhere (perhaps toward a larger stone or more elaborate setting)

Whether you’re looking for a stone for Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry‘s signature designs or planning to create a custom piece, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.

Both diamonds and moissanite make beautiful centerpieces for jewelry, and neither is inherently “better” than the other—they simply offer different characteristics to suit different preferences. Our jewelry experts are always available to help you compare options and fin