Wearing Moissanite is much like dazzling your audience with a disco-ball colour effect. Its colours are more brilliant than a real diamond and will dazzle all admirers. A leading South African manufacturing jeweller who uses Moissanite is FRANCOIS JEWELLERS. Not only is it an affordable alternative to a diamond but it is a gemstone in its own right.
Where did the name Moissanite come from?
A French scientist, Dr. Henry Moissan, first discovered Moissanite in 1893 in a crater that was created by a meteor. His first thought was that he had discovered diamonds, but later found that these crystals are composed of silicon carbide whereas Diamonds are composed of carbon. However, Henry was awarded with the Nobel Prize in chemistry. Hence, it named with Henry’s last name, “Moissanite”. Moissanite is a crystal form of silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is very rare. Moissanite available commercially today are all lab-created.
Why should I choose Moissanite as a Diamond alternative?
Moissanites offer an ethical alternative to Diamonds. Young couples who need to stretch their cash to cover wedding costs can happily settle for a Moissanite engagement ring. Not only does it look and feel like the “real thing”, but it also costs a fraction of the price of a diamond. Apart from saving cash, the bride can rest assured that there will be as much oohing and aahing by jealous girlfriends.
FRANCOIS JEWELLERS Moissanite range varies from colourless to near colourless. That means it is comparable to a Diamond of D E F colour. Moissanite stones are suitable for use in all metals – Palladium, Platinum, Rose-, Yellow- and White Gold as well as Sterling Silver.
Why a Moissanite from us
- All FRANCOIS JEWELLERS’ Moissanite stones weighing 0.50 carats (D.E.W. – Diamond Equivalent Weight) and above have been graded according to gemological standards by the GRA (Gemological Research Association). These stones each have an unique serial number that is shown on the GRA report and is also laser engraved on the stones’ girdle.
- FRANCOIS JEWELLERS’ Moissanite stones have a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty protects buyers against manufacturing defects.
- In the event of loss or theft, your Moissanite purchase from FRANCOIS JEWELLERS will be blacklisted on GRA’s database, effectively preventing the stone from being registered by a third-party.
CRA Info
GRA (Gemological Research Association) is the standard of excellence in gemstones services worldwide, since 2001 GRA reports have been proven to be the internationally recognized passport for gemstones. For decades trade professionals, throughout the world, turn to GRA for their expertise, consistency and reliability in gemstones identification.
GRA’s school of gemstones has been attended by in-trade gemstones manufacturers, fine jewellery artisans and the public at large, from over ninety countries throughout the world. The methodology employed by GRA’s highly trained and experienced team of hundreds of scientific technicians and gemologists, has allowed for the evolution of the perfect formula regarding gemstone procedures, report record keeping, gem & jewellery security and handling. GRA’s state-of-the-art laboratories are located in the heart of the gem & jewellery districts throughout the world . GRA -The Standard of Excellence in gemstones and Fine Jewellery Evaluation. Worldwide. GRA has Laboratories in 9 Cities all over the world : New York, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Carlsbad, Johannesburg, Ramat Gan, Gabarone, Mumbai and Tokyo.
Moissanite Brilliance
Moissanite has created an entirely new and unique category of gemstone for jewellery … exceptionally brilliant and amazingly unique. FRANCOIS JEWELLERS’ Moissanite is sold with a limited lifetime warranty assuring that its brilliance will never fade. Moissanite is not a Diamond simulant, but an entirely unique gemstone with highly desirable qualities and an affordable alternative. Moissanite is double refractive whereas a Diamond is single refractive. Measuring Moissanite’s fire of 0.104, it is more than twice that of a Diamond, which measures 0.044. The higher the refractive index of a gemstone, the more fire it emits.
Ct. Weight
Whereas diamonds are measured in carat, Moissanite are measured in mm. A 6.5mm diameter Diamond weight approximately 1.00ct whereas the weight of 6.5 mm diameter Moissanite stone varies between 0.83 to 0.88 carat.
This is because Moissanite is 14-18% lighter than diamond. D.E.W. means Diamond Equivalent Weight. A 6.5mm Moissanite is also referred to as “ 6.5mm Moissanite (1.00ct D.E.W.)”, a 5.0mm Moissanite as “0.50ct D.E.W.”, a 7.5mm Moissanite as “1.60ct D.E.W.”
Moissanite Shapes
FRANCOIS JEWELLERS supply Moissanite in the same shapes as Diamonds. Moissanite are very precisely cut to allow the gem to display the beautiful fire and brilliance to create the maximum sparkle which intensifies its ultimate fire.
Colours
FRANCOIS JEWELLERS only stocks colourless to near colourless (Diamond Colour comparison colour D E F) Moissanites.
Inclusions
Moissanite stones sold by FRANCOIS JEWELLERS have no eye visible inclusions. When using magnification, one can see characteristic needle like “lines” which are typical and inherent to crystal growth process in Moissanite. Moissanite inclusions are mostly caused by micropipes (the lack of material) which is invisible to the naked eye and very difficult to see under a microscope. These micropipes are unique to Moissanite.
Moissanite vs. Diamond
Moissanite has many similar physical properties to those of Diamond and will test positive for Diamond when using a thermal Diamond tester. Therefore a standard Diamond tester cannot be used to determine if the gemstone is a Moissanite or a Diamond. There are three methods to distinguish Moissanite from other near colourless gems.
- ◊ Using a special electronic tester that distinguishes between Diamonds, Moissanite and Diamond simulants.
- ◊ Using a 10 x (or higher) magnification loupe look for needle-like or micro-pipe type “lines” that typically are perpendicular to the table facet. These “lines” are visible only under magnification.
- ◊ Using a 10 x magnification loupe, determine if you can see the doubling of facet junctions. This is quite difficult and will require some practice.
Moissanite Durability
Moissanite is extremely scratch and abrasion resistant. Moissanite is 9 ¼ on the Mohs scale (a diamond is 10), making it the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery after a Diamond. It is one of the toughest jewels known and is harder than all other gemstones (excluding Diamond), including ruby and sapphire. Based on measurable scientific studies in high pressure research, Moissanite is extremely resistant to breaking and chipping. Moissanite has been tested to temperatures higher than 1000 degrees centigrade. At this temperature, Moissanite remains intact and remains as brilliant as the day it was created. Moissanite’s heat resistant properties are excellent.
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconium
Compared to Moissanite, Cubic Zirconium is substantially softer. Cubic Zirconium scratches and abrades easily. This is why it loses its lustre after a relatively short time. Frankly, there simply is no comparison between Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite. Compared to Moissanite, Cubic Zirconium has very little sparkle. Moissanite are far superior to Cubic Zirconia. Moissanite is one of the hardest and toughest known elements on earth, making it extremely resistant to scratching, chipping and breaking.
Cleaning Moissanite
Moissanite can be cleaned the same way as you would clean your Diamond and other fine jewellery. Normal ultrasonic cleaning is perfectly safe and advisable. Do not place more than one piece of jewellery in the ultrasonic cleaner as this can damage or chip any jewellery due the high frequency and vibrations. You can also clean Moissanite with a commercial (non-acid based) jewellery cleaner available from FRANCOIS JEWELLERS or use mild soap and water with a soft toothbrush.
