How to Tell if Your Moissanite Diamond is Authentic: Simple Tips for the Everyday Shopper
Moissanite diamonds have been gaining popularity in recent years as an affordable and ethical alternative to traditional diamonds. With their stunning brilliance and durability, it’s no wonder why more and more people are choosing moissanite for their engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. However, with the rise in demand for moissanite, there has also been an increase in counterfeit stones on the market. So how can you tell if your moissanite diamond is authentic? Here are some simple tips to help you determine the authenticity of your moissanite purchase.
Understanding Moissanite Diamonds
Before we dive into the tips for authenticity confirmation, let’s first understand what moissanite diamonds are. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that closely resembles a diamond in appearance. It was first discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater in Arizona in 1893. Due to its rarity in nature, moissanite is now synthesized in a laboratory to create gem-quality stones. These lab-created moissanite diamonds are known for their exceptional brilliance, fire, and durability, making them a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional diamonds.
Quick Tips for Authenticity Confirmation
Now, let’s move on to the tips for confirming the authenticity of your moissanite diamond.
1. Certification: When purchasing a moissanite diamond, always ask for a certificate of authenticity from a reputable gemological laboratory. The most well-known and trusted laboratory for moissanite certification is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A certificate from a reputable laboratory ensures that the moissanite you have purchased is genuine.
2. Brilliance and Fire: One of the key characteristics of moissanite is its exceptional brilliance and fire. Moissanite stones have a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning they reflect more light and sparkle more intensely. Hold your moissanite under different light sources and observe how it reflects and refracts light. If it exhibits a stunning brilliance and fire, it is likely an authentic moissanite diamond.
3. Color: Moissanite diamonds are generally colorless or near-colorless. They have a slight yellow or gray tint in some cases, but rarely exhibit any other color. If your moissanite appears to have a vibrant or intense color, it may not be authentic.
4. Durability: Moissanite diamonds are one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that they are highly resistant to scratching and chipping. To test the durability of your moissanite, try scratching it with a diamond or a piece of glass. If it remains unscathed, it is likely an authentic moissanite diamond.
5. Price: While moissanite diamonds are more affordable than traditional diamonds, they still have a significant value. If you come across a moissanite that is priced too low compared to its size and quality, it may be a red flag for authenticity. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
In conclusion, moissanite diamonds are a stunning and affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. By following these simple tips for authenticity confirmation, you can ensure that your moissanite diamond is indeed authentic. Remember to always ask for a certificate of authenticity, observe its brilliance and fire, check for any unnatural color, test its durability, and be cautious of overly discounted prices. With these guidelines, you can confidently shop for and enjoy your moissanite diamond jewelry.