In the world of fine jewelry, discerning the type of gemstone mounted on a ring can sometimes be challenging. One such gemstone that often gets mistaken for a diamond is moissanite, a brilliant and affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. In this article, we will discuss how to identify moissanite and also briefly delve into lab grown diamonds cheap in comparison.
Identifying Moissanite
Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite is well-known for its exceptional brilliance and fire (the flashes of color). When light strikes the facets of moissanite, it breaks into spectacular rainbow flashes, which is noticeably different from the white light refraction of a diamond. This 'disco ball' effect is more pronounced in moissanite and can be one tell-tale sign.
Double Refraction: Unlike diamonds, moissanite exhibits double refraction or birefringence. This means when you look through the stone, you might see a doubling of facets. Diamonds don't have this feature; they exhibit single refraction.
Testing Equipment: Jewelers often use a specific tool known as a moissanite tester, apart from the standard diamond tester, to verify if a stone is moissanite.
Too Perfect: Moissanite is lab-created, and hence it is often flawless or near flawless. If a stone looks 'too perfect', with no or very minimal inclusions, chances are, it might be moissanite or a lab-created diamond.
Lab Grown Diamonds: A Quick Look
Similar to moissanite, lab grown diamonds cheap are an increasingly popular alternative to mined diamonds. They share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them indistinguishable without professional testing equipment. However, unlike moissanite, lab-grown diamonds don't exhibit double refraction, and they refract white light, much like mined diamonds.
In conclusion, while it may be tricky for an untrained eye to tell if a ring is set with moissanite, certain characteristics - such as its high brilliance, fire, and double refraction - can provide some clues. When in doubt, it's always best to consult with a professional jeweler or gemologist to determine the type of gemstone. Remember, whether it's moissanite, a lab-grown diamond, or a natural diamond, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget, and ethical considerations.