The Complete Guide to Moissanite – Brilliance, Durability, and Smart Buying
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone prized for its exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability. With a hardness of ~9.25 on the Mohs scale, it’s built for everyday wear and delivers a bright, diamond-like look—without mined impacts or mined prices.
At-a-Glance: Why Couples Choose Moissanite
- Brilliance & Fire: Higher dispersion than diamond = lively sparkle.
- Durability: ~9.25 Mohs hardness, excellent toughness for daily wear.
- Ethical & Eco-conscious: Lab-created, conflict-free stones.
- Smart Value: Bigger look for your budget without compromising quality.
How Moissanite Is Made
Modern crystals are grown under carefully controlled conditions to achieve consistent color, clarity, and size. Stones are then cut and polished to maximize brightness and fire.
Color, Clarity, Cut & Carat (The “4Cs” for Moissanite)
- Color: Near-colorless to colorless options (Jewel Eternal uses bright, icy tones).
- Clarity: Eye-clean stones are the norm; inclusions are minimal and not visible in wear.
- Cut: Precision cutting is key to the “wow” factor—oval, round, cushion, emerald, antique cushion, etc.
- Carat vs. Size: Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamond; shop by mm measurements for accurate size.
Moissanite vs. Diamond & Lab Diamond
- Sparkle: Moissanite has more fire (colorful flashes) and excellent brilliance.
- Durability: Diamond is 10; moissanite ~9.25—both are everyday-worthy.
- Ethics & Price: Moissanite is lab-created and typically far more affordable.
Popular Shapes & Styles
Rounds and ovals lead for maximum sparkle; cushions (including antique cushion), emerald, and marquise offer distinctive looks. Settings we love: classic solitaires, hidden-halos, three-stones, and vintage-inspired details.
Metals & Settings
- Gold: 14k and 18k yellow, white, or rose—everyday durable and luxurious.
- Platinum: Naturally white, hypoallergenic, and heirloom-level strong.
- Setting notes: Choose secure prongs or bezels for active lifestyles.
Care & Cleaning
Clean regularly with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic is usually fine for moissanite (check your setting first). Avoid harsh chemicals and remove for heavy impact activities.
Certification, Branding & Myths
- Certification: Moissanite may include brand cards or inscriptions; grading systems differ from diamonds.
- Myth: “Moissanite gets cloudy.” — Quality stones do not; residue build-up just needs cleaning.
- Myth: “It scratches easily.” — With ~9.25 hardness, it resists scratching extremely well.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Is moissanite as durable as diamond?
Diamond is harder (10), but moissanite (~9.25) is still excellent for daily wear.
Will it lose sparkle over time?
No—cleaning keeps it as brilliant as day one. Your great grandkids will see the same spakle you see today.
Can you tell it apart from a diamond?
To most people in daily wear, no. Some gem testers or jewelers traine in moissanite can tell under magnification.
Does moissanite come in fancy cuts?
Yes—round, oval, cushion (including antique cushion), emerald, marquise, pear, radiant, and more.
What sizes are most popular?
1.5–3.0 ct. We guide by mm to choose your perfect face-up size.
Which metal should I choose?
14k gold for classic luxury; platinum for maximum durability and natural white color.
Is moissanite ethical?
Yes—lab-created, conflict-free, and a lower-impact alternative to mined stones.
How do I clean it?
Warm water + mild liquid soap. Ultrasonic is generally fine; check your setting.
Do you make custom designs?
Yes—start with your inspiration, preferred cut, and metal; we’ll craft the rest.
What about travel rings?
Moissanite is ideal for travel—sparkle, durability, and peace of mind.
About Jewel Eternal
Jewel Eternal crafts moissanite engagement rings and fine jewelry with an emphasis on design, ethics, and heirloom-level finishing. Every stone is selected for clarity and brilliance, and each ring is built for a lifetime of sparkle.
Helpful next steps: Start a custom ring above or browse our full collection.