Moissanite Jewellery

What exactly is moissanite? How is it made?

Moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide. Natural moissanite was first discovered in a meteorite crater by a man called Dr. Henri Moissan, who, upon discovery, promptly named it after himself!

Nowadays, though, moissanite is made in a lab by exposing silicon and carbon to high pressure and temperatures to form moissanite crystals. These crystals are then cut and polished and used in jewellery in a variety of ways.

Jewellers now even offer custom moissanite jewellery because it’s such a popular and versatile stone. If you’re a fan of diamonds but don’t want to break the bank, then moissanite jewellery is the perfect choice for you.

When it comes to brilliance and durability, how does moissanite compare to diamonds?

Colourless moissanite has a high refractive index, which means when it catches the light, it gives off those beautiful rainbow flashes. It is known by jewellers for its exceptional sparkle and the way it easily replicates the luxurious look of colourless diamonds.

Moissanite and diamond are both highly durable. Diamonds rank as a 10 on the Mohs scale and are the hardest known natural material, but Moissanite doesn't come in far behind, with a ranking of 9.25. This makes moissanite stone a durable stone that should withstand the wear and tear of everyday wear.

Often, the best moissanite jewellery is only discernible from diamonds by jewellers.

What are the various shapes and cuts available for gemstones in jewellery?

Gemstone cuts and shapes include the following.

• Round: A simple, circular shape.
• Princess: A square or rectangular shape with pointed corners.
• Emerald: A rectangular shape with cut corners that are often used to emphasise the clarity of a stone.
• Oval: An elliptical shape that is used for a more unique and elegant look than a simple circle.
• Marquise: An elongated boat shape with pointed ends.
• Pear: A shape similar to a teardrop.
• Heart: A distinctive heart outline shape.
• Cushion: A square or rectangle with rounded corners.
• Radiant: A square or rectangle with cut corners.
• Asscher: An emerald cut with an intricate facet pattern.

Can I personalise my jewellery according to my preferences at Camile & Stone?

Yes definitely! Our moissanite jewellery can be personalised to your preferred specific cuts or styles. Please email us to start this process.

If you're looking to add a little touch of something personal, we also offer engravings on our jewellery here at Camile and Stone. You can add something that makes your jewellery unique to you or the person you’re gifting it to. 

We also make exchanges super easy for non-personalised jewellery so that you can return the piece if it doesn’t suit you or just doesn’t work when you see it in person.

In terms of price range, how does moissanite jewellery compare to diamonds?

Moissanite is a way more affordable gemstone than diamonds. Diamonds need to be mined, and their prices are differentiated based on the carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity. 

Moissanite, on the other hand, is usually lab-made, so no mining is needed, which means no extraction and transportation costs and much-reduced labour costs.

But while moissanite is a less exclusive stone than diamond, it doesn’t mean that prices don’t vary a little. Everything from moissanite earrings to a moissanite engagement ring will vary in price based on the size, quality and design of the piece, but it will always be a more budget-friendly option.

Are there any environmental advantages of choosing moissanite jewellery?

Yes. If you choose moissanite jewellery, you are always choosing the more environmentally friendly option. This is because of the following factors.

• Moissanite is most often created in a lab and not mined like diamonds are. Diamonds are mined in a destructive way, too, so it is an energy-intensive multi-step process that includes mining, extraction, and transportation. All of which makes diamonds worse for the planet (and the people who mine them) than moissanite.
• Lab-made moissanite is made using silicon and carbon. These two materials can be reused in the creation process, which makes the lab creation of moissanite a circular and sustainable practice.

How should I take care of and clean my jewellery properly?

When it comes to moissanite jewellery care and maintenance, you should follow the same methods you would use to clean any other diamond or gemstone jewellery you have. This means following the below steps.

1. Soak the jewellery in warm and soapy water. Remember to use gentle soap!
2. Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the settings and prongs to dislodge any buildup or dirt.
3. Rinse with clean water and gently pat dry.

Always avoid using harsh chemicals on your jewellery, and if in doubt, seek out professional cleaning services for your jewellery to ensure it is cleaned correctly and is not damaged in the process.

Do grades or levels of quality exist for gemstones in jewellery?

Yes. For gemstones, the grade will rely on a few factors. These include the following.

• Colour, including tone, hue, and saturation
• Clarity, which means looking for blemishes or inclusions in the stone
• Cut, which can impact its brilliance and overall appearance
• Carat weight, which measures the size of all gemstones

Moissanite is graded against these factors, too, but grading standards can be very different among laboratories and sellers. If you'd like to be sure of the grade, chat with the seller you’re buying from about their grading standards. They can give you the best idea of the quality of your stone!

What are the options available for colours in stones used in jewellery?

Gemstones come in all different colours. As natural formations, colours can vary from resplendent yellow to deep green and blue hues, so it’s pretty easy to find a jewellery stone in a colour you like!

Moissanite colour options tend to be more limited than other gemstones, though. While natural moissanite comes in lots of colours, like green, yellow, and grey, most moissanite set into jewellery is lab-created and is colourless or near colourless.

This doesn’t mean that lab-created coloured moissanite doesn't exist, though! In fact, technological advancements mean that you can find coloured moissanite options from lab origins, too.

Can moissanite be incorporated into types of jewellery like necklaces or earrings?

Yes, you can get moissanite rings, earrings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, tiaras (!), and much more. Moissanite is an adaptable stone, so talented jewellers can add it to pretty much any kind of jewellery piece! Many jewellers now even offer custom moissanite jewellery options so that you can create a unique piece suitable for daily wear that fits your personal style perfectly.

Here at Camile and Stone, our moissanite collection includes drop and stud earrings, necklace options, moissanite ring styles, and even engagement rings.

All the moissanite pieces in the Camile and Stone collection are durable enough for daily wear.

What are some trends in moissanite jewellery designs?

Current moissanite jewellery trends include vintage-inspired designs where the stones are cut to look like vintage jewels. The stones are matched with intricate settings for that early Hollywood glamour look.

Halo settings are also a popular trend in moissanite jewellery. This is when a larger stone is surrounded by smaller stones, creating a halo around the central piece. It is a design that enhances the brilliance of the central stone and looks expensive on your finger!

Lastly, stackable moissanite ring styles are currently on trend. Stackable rings are usually simpler but can be mixed and matched to create something beautiful.