How Do I Know If My Moissanite Is Real
As jewellery enthusiasts, we understand the excitement and anticipation that come with owning stunning gemstones like moissanite. In recent years, moissanite has gained immense popularity as a captivating alternative to traditional diamonds. Its brilliance, durability, and affordability make it an attractive choice for those seeking exquisite jewellery pieces. So, you've got a beautiful piece of moissanite jewellery, but you're wondering if it's the real deal? No worries, we've got you covered! Moissanite is a stunning gemstone that's often mistaken for diamonds due to its brilliant sparkle. In this guide, we'll walk you through some easy ways to determine whether your moissanite is genuine or not.
Introduction
Moissanite, a special gemstone, was first discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893. People later made it in labs to use in jewellery because it shines and sparkles a lot. Even though moissanite can look a bit like diamonds with its brightness and fiery flashes, remember, it's its own thing with special qualities.
Understanding Moissanite
Before delving into authenticity markers, let's understand what moissanite truly is. Moissanite is a special type of gemstone made from silicon carbide. What makes it really cool is how it sparkles. This sparkling effect comes from its super high refractive index, which is like a measure of how much light bends when it goes through the gem. This property allows moissanite to disperse light in captivating patterns, creating its signature rainbow-like flashes.
How Do I Know If My Moissanite Is Real?
The Visual Inspection
A preliminary step in assessing moissanite authenticity involves a visual inspection. First, look at your moissanite closely under bright light to check if it's real. See if there are any marks or flaws. Real moissanite might sometimes look like its edges are doubled when you look closely. However, this is not a foolproof test, as some imitations can replicate this effect.
Simple DIY Tests And Methods
To conduct the fire test, place your moissanite gemstone over a newspaper under direct sunlight. Observe the light passing through the stone; authentic moissanite will refract light into vibrant spectral hues. While this method can provide insights, it's important to note that it's not a definitive test due to variations in lighting conditions and imitations becoming more sophisticated.
Other DIY methods include the breath test and the scratch test. Moissanite has strong heat resistance, so it won't fog up quickly from your breath, unlike certain imitations. Additionally, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones, making it resistant to scratches. But remember, these tests might not always give clear answers, so don't depend on them alone.
Using Thermal Conductivity Testers
Thermal conductivity testers are tools that gauge how quickly heat is conducted through a gemstone. Diamonds and moissanite have different heat conductivity rates, allowing these testers to distinguish between the two. A thermal tester can provide valuable insights into your moissanite's authenticity, but it might not be readily available to everyone.
UV Testing and Moissanite's Fluorescence
When you shine ultraviolet (UV) light on moissanite, it usually glows a bit greenish-yellow. But this glow doesn't always mean it's real, as some fake gems can also do this. UV light tests can help, but it works better when you use it along with other tests.
Professional Verification and Jeweller Expertise
To be completely sure if your moissanite is real, it's best to consider seeking professional verification from a reputable jeweler or gemologist. They know a lot and have special tools to really check. They can tell for sure if it's moissanite or something other than gemstones. Their expertise can provide you with peace of mind about your moissanite's authenticity.
Comparing Moissanite with Diamonds
It's important to differentiate moissanite from diamonds, as they share visual similarities. Moissanite often exhibits more fire and brilliance compared to diamonds, creating stunning displays of light. However, diamonds are the hardest natural material, while moissanite is close but not quite as hard. Understanding these distinctions can help you appreciate the unique attributes of your moissanite jewellery.
Ethical Considerations and Sustainability
Unlike diamonds, which sometimes raise concerns about ethical sourcing, moissanite is typically created in a laboratory setting. This raises fewer ethical concerns, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. If ethical considerations are important to you, moissanite might align better with your values.
Final Verdict and Confidence
In your pursuit of authenticity, remember that no single method guarantees foolproof results. By combining multiple methods and seeking professional expertise, you can gain a high level of confidence in your moissanite's authenticity. Embrace the beauty and brilliance of this unique gemstone with the assurance that you've taken the necessary steps to ensure its genuine nature.
Conclusion
Moissanite is a unique gem in the jewelry world, loved for its affordable beauty. Its enchanting sparkle and affordability make it a sought-after gemstone for various occasions, including engagement rings, Moissanite promise rings, and other elegant jewelry pieces. Verifying the authenticity of your Moissanite, especially when it's from trusted sources like Lucid Gem Studio, enhances your appreciation of its beauty. By using a combination of visual inspection, DIY tests, professional consultation, and understanding its unique characteristics, you can confidently showcase your stunning moissanite jewellery collection.