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As the best jewelry store in Tucson with over 370 5-Star Google reviews it’s my pleasure to help you with all of your fine jewelry and diamond engagement ring needs.  The best way to reach me is through the contact form on my website. 

This month I feature an introduction to moissanite.

Moissanite is a gemstone that is often used as a diamond simulant or imitation. It is a naturally occurring mineral, but it is also created in laboratories. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of carbon.

Moissanite is more brilliant than diamonds, which means that it reflects more light and has more sparkle. It also has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means that it bends light more sharply. This can cause moissanite to show more fire, which is the rainbow flashes of light that can be seen in a gemstone.  It is also an affordable alternative to diamonds. As lab grown moissanite is the most common type, it is considered to be a conflict-free gemstone.

Moissanite jewelry is available in a wide variety of styles, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It can be set in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum.  When choosing moissanite jewelry, it is important to consider the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight of the stone. The cut will affect the sparkle and brilliance of the stone. Clarity refers to the presence of any flaws in the stone. Colorless moissanite is the most valuable, but it is also available in near-colorless and faint yellow shades. Carat weight refers to the size of the stone.

Moissanite is a beautiful and affordable gemstone that can be a great alternative to diamonds. It is important to do your research before purchasing moissanite jewelry so that you can choose a piece that you will love for years to come.

Moissanite is primarily created in a laboratory. The process involves combining silicon and carbon under extreme heat and pressure.  The most common method for creating moissanite is called the Lely process. This involves high-purity silicon and carbon being combined in precise quantities.  The mixture is subjected to incredibly high temperatures in an inert atmosphere. Over several months, large silicon carbide crystals, which is moissanite, form. Those are then cut and polished. While the Lely process is dominant, other methods like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Physical Vapor Transport (PVT) are also used, but on a smaller scale. These methods involve depositing silicon carbide onto a seed crystal under controlled conditions.

A few other differences between moissanite and diamonds:

- Double Refraction: Moissanite exhibits double refraction, which means it can appear to have two facets when viewed from certain angles. Diamonds do not have this property.

- Thermal Conductivity: Diamonds are excellent thermal conductors, while moissanite is not. This difference can be used to distinguish between the two gemstones.

- Durability: Both moissanite and diamonds are highly durable, making them suitable for everyday wear. However, diamonds are slightly harder and more resistant to scratches.

I have a large selection of beautiful moissanite jewelry to meet every taste and budget. Please think of me, when you or your friends want to buy moissanite or any fine  jewelry.