Gemstone Brilliance: Why Moissanite Out-Sparkles Other Gems (2024)

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Gemstone Brilliance: Why Moissanite Out-Sparkles Other Gems (20)

What is gemstone brilliance?

Your gemstone’s sparkle, or brilliance, is an optical property affected by its brilliance refractive index or BRI. When talking about brilliance in gemstones, we are referring to the light refracting in the interior of the stone, not the light reflecting off its surface. Brilliance is one of three terms used to describe the appearance of a gemstone as it reflects light. The other two are fire and luster. You can read more about a gemstone’s fire in this blog post.

What makes moissanite more brilliant than other gems?

The refractive index of gemstones is determined by directing light into the gemstone and then measuring the speed light reflects or refracts off its facets. The numerical result is calculated by comparing the speed of light in air vs. the speed of light in the gemstone.

All minerals are measured on a scale and range from 1.2 to approximately 3. With a brilliance refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, moissanite is the world’s most brilliant gemstone. This means the speed of light refracting in moissanite is 2.65 to 2.69 times slower than the speed of light in the air. Similarly, the refractive index of a diamond is 2.42, meaning the speed of light in the diamond is 2.42 times slower than the speed of light in air.

Basically, moissanite is a gemstone that looks like a diamond but shines even brighter!

GemstoneRefraction Index
Moissanite2.65 - 2.69
Diamond2.41 - 2.42
Ruby1.76 - 1.77
Sapphire1.76 - 1.77
Emerald1.56 - 1.60

When looking at your gemstone, its brilliance is simply the amount of light reflecting out of the crown of the stone to your eye. Each gemstone’s angle of refraction is unique, meaning every stone will refract light differently. This helps jewelers distinguish between gemstones such as rubies and garnets.

Does Moissanite Retain Its Brilliance?

Yes. Your moissanite’s brilliance will be the same on day 3,570 as it was on day one. Additionally, Charles & Colvard provides a warranty on every gemstone, guaranteeing that every Charles & Colvard created moissanite gemstone will maintain its brilliance and fire for the lifetime of the stone.

The brilliance of moissanite is unrivaled among popular gemstones today. For more information about moissanite’s qualities, refer to ourMoissanite FAQ Section.

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Gemstone Brilliance: Why Moissanite Out-Sparkles Other Gems (2024)

FAQs

Gemstone Brilliance: Why Moissanite Out-Sparkles Other Gems? ›

All minerals are measured on a scale and range from 1.2 to approximately 3. With a brilliance refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, moissanite is the world's most brilliant gemstone. This means the speed of light refracting in moissanite is 2.65 to 2.69 times slower than the speed of light in the air.

Does moissanite shine like a real diamond? ›

Moissanite is actually more brilliant than a diamond!

Brilliance, which refers to a stone's ability to reflect white light, is a good measure for how much a gemstone will 'sparkle'. Moissanite's brilliance is higher than diamond's due to its higher “refractive index” (Diamond's is 2.42, whereas Moissanite's is 2.65).

What gemstone has the highest brilliance? ›

Moissanite is known for its brilliance, more than any other gemstone in the world. It has a high refractive index of 2.65 — higher than white sapphire, cubic zirconia, and other popular gemstones.

Which moissanite cut sparkles the most? ›

Round cuts have the absolute most sparkle. The brilliant cut was designed to slay, and it delivers in both diamonds and moissanite. 58 facets of stunning provide ideal depth and shine. It's no wonder round shape engagement rings are the most popular.

What gem sparkles more than a diamond? ›

Moissanite has unparalleled sparkle! It has a higher refractive index than diamond, resulting in greater brilliance than diamond. Moissanite also has greater dispersion (fire) than a diamond, so you will notice more rainbow flashes of light.

Do moissanite diamonds look fake? ›

Appearance: Moissanite mimics diamonds. However, moissanite has a different chemical composition, exhibiting more fire and brilliance. Moissanite produces flashes of light known as the rainbow or disco ball effect.

How much is a 1 carat diamond vs 1 carat moissanite? ›

Let's explore the cost of 1-carat moissanite in comparison to that of a 1-carat diamond. As a guide, you can expect to pay around $5000 for a nearly colorless 1-carat diamond, but completely colorless moissanite will cost you significantly less at around $600.

What is the king of all gemstones? ›

The diamond is a miracle of nature and the hardest mineral in the world. It is 58 times harder than any other natural substance. Even still, people have succeeded in taming it and have learned how to reveal its brilliant glow.

What gem is closest to diamond? ›

Moissanite is the most affordable diamond alternative for those who are looking for a diamond-like appearance and don't want to lose out on radiance. Because moissanite has a higher refractive index than a diamond, it will exhibit a fierier, rainbow brilliance at a lower cost.

What is the most expensive gem in the world? ›

BLUE DIAMONDS: THE JEWELS OF RARITY

Revered as the pinnacle of gem luxury, blue diamonds are considered to be the most expensive stones in the world. The allure of blue diamonds lies in their exceptional rarity and extraordinary beauty.

What stone is better than moissanite? ›

Moissanites are at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for everyday wear. Diamonds, the hardest known naturally occurring mineral, are a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the ideal option for engagement rings. Lab diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the ideal option for engagement rings.

Can most people tell a moissanite from a diamond? ›

No! Moissanite and diamond are indistinguishable from each other to the naked eye.

What is the best carat size for moissanite? ›

The most preferred size for moissanite center stones used to be 1 carat moissanite, but more recently we are seeing a shift towards slightly larger moissanite stones, with most couples choosing moissanite averaging 1.25 - 1.5 carats in their moissanite engagement rings.

What is the sparkliest gem? ›

The numerical result is calculated by comparing the speed of light in air vs. the speed of light in the gemstone. All minerals are measured on a scale and range from 1.2 to approximately 3. With a brilliance refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, moissanite is the world's most brilliant gemstone.

Is gra moissanite worth anything? ›

As for resale value, moissanite jewelry typically has a lower resale value compared to diamonds. This is primarily due to it being a lab-created gemstone, making it more abundant and less precious than natural diamonds.

Will moissanite pass a diamond tester? ›

Yes, some diamond simulants can pass a diamond tester.

For example, moissanite, a man made gem, may pass as a diamond on a standard tester pen. This is because moissanite also has very high thermal conductivity! Other diamond simulants, such as CZ, will not pass the tester.

Can normal people tell the difference between moissanite and diamond? ›

There is no definite way to differentiate these jewels from one another. They are difficult to differentiate with the naked eye and even under a jeweller's loupe. Moissanite is a true alternative to diamond, offering unrivalled beauty and incredible value.

How to tell a real diamond from moissanite? ›

Moissanite is slightly more brilliant than diamonds, and it also features almost twice as much fire, meaning that it has a higher refractive index. Natural diamonds are marginally less brilliant than moissanite and have two times less fire. However, this depends partly on how the diamond is cut.

What are the negatives of moissanite? ›

Cons of Moissanite
  • Durability: Although moissanite is still a durable gemstone, it may be more prone to scratches and damage over time due to its lower hardness than diamonds.
  • Color: Whereas diamonds have an almost colorless look that some people like, moissanite has a little yellow or greenish hue.
Mar 1, 2023

Why is my moissanite not shiny? ›

However, like any gemstone, moissanite can accumulate dirt, oils, and grime from everyday wear, which can make it appear less sparkly or "cloudy" if not cleaned regularly. Proper cleaning with mild soap and water or a specialized jewelry cleaner can restore its original brilliance.

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