About Maison Moissanite

If you are not yet familiar with Moissanite, it is a gem-quality
silicon carbide that is frequently mistaken for a diamond due to its
similar appearance. However, it is important to note that Moissanite is
not a diamond simulant, but rather a superior alternative that boasts
exceptional fire and brilliance. Its exceptional hardness also makes it
an excellent choice for creating heirloom-quality jewelry, as it is
highly resistant to scratches, chips, and breakage. Furthermore, our
Moissanites are expertly cut and polished to a higher standard than the
majority of diamonds commonly found in engagement rings.

Notably, Moissanite is ethically sourced and environmentally
friendly, making it a socially conscious choice for those who prioritize
sustainability. Its origin can be traced back to the discovery of
minute quantities of the mineral in particles carried to earth by a
meteorite 50,000 years ago. Today, it is available as faceted gemstones
in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

One of the key advantages of Moissanite is its exceptional stability
over time. Unlike some other diamond alternatives that can become
clouded or dull with age, Moissanite is just as atomically stable as a
diamond, meaning that it will not change color or lose its optical
properties over time. In fact, given that Moissanite is more
heat-resistant than diamond, one could argue that it is even more
atomically stable. Ultimately, Moissanite is the ideal choice for those
seeking assurance that their jewelry will continue to sparkle for a
lifetime and beyond.

Moissanite is a shimmering mineral with unparalleled fire and
brilliance, discovered by Nobel-Prize winning scientist Henri Moissan in
1893. The mineral was discovered in fragments of a meteorite that had
crashed into the Arizona desert fifty thousand years ago, near Diablo
Canyon. After extensive research, Dr. Moissan concluded that this
mineral was made of silicon carbide. It was in honor of Dr. Moissan's
contribution that well-known gem expert and mineralogist, George Kunz,
suggested the name "moissanite" for the new jewel.

Despite the extraordinary discovery, naturally occurring quantities
of Moissanite are incredibly small, and it would be another century
before this magnificent mineral would emerge as the brilliant jewel we
know today. In the late 1980s, a North Carolina company named CREE
developed a proprietary process for producing large single crystals of
Moissanite, inspired by Dr. Moissan's discovery.

In 1995, a master diamond cutter observed samples of Moissanite and
recognized that properly cut crystals would make a brilliant new jewel.
CREE and eventually Charles & Colvard worked on a three-year
research project to bring the fire and brilliance of Moissanite jewels
to consumers.

At maisonmoissanitelb.com, we take pride in offering our customers the best
quality Moissanite gems, with its fascinating history, offers a unique and
ethical alternative to traditional diamonds.

Moissanite's characteristic sparkle is more than just a show of
beauty - it's a testament to the superior science behind the jewel,
boasting more fire, brilliance, and luster than any gemstone on earth.
This is not merely a sales line, but a scientific and quantifiable fact.

Moissanite is known for its high refractive index of 2.65, which is
notably higher than diamond, sapphire, CZ and other gemstones known to
be very brilliant. Brilliance is the flashes of white light exiting the
top and sides of a gemstone. The higher the refractive index of a
gemstone, the more brilliance the jewel emits. Moissanite's superior
refractive index makes Moissanite the most brilliant fine gemstone on
earth.

Moissanite's fire, the flashes of colored light, is even more impressive, being more than twice that of a diamond.

Luster is the amount of light that is reflected back to the observer
from the surface of the gemstone. In addition to superior fire and
brilliance, Moissanite has 18% greater luster than a diamond and 50%
greater luster than CZ.

Moissanite's brilliance outshines every gemstone, but its exceptional
durability is truly remarkable, to say the least. Moissanite is a
gemstone that will endure for generations and beyond.

A gemstone's durability consists of hardness, toughness and stability.

Moissanite is Tougher than Diamond

The ability of a gemstone to remain intact, withstand force
(pressure) and resist breaking or chipping is known as toughness.
Determined by a substance's atomic and chemical structure, toughness can
vary directly within a gemstone. While both Moissanite and diamond are
rated excellent in toughness, Moissanite has a different atomic
structure than diamond which does not have a direction of cleavage
(which sometimes is considered as a direction of structural weakness).
Simply said, Moissanite outranks diamond in overall toughness.

Durability: Impervious to Heat & Chemicals

Durability is a material's ability to remain intact or withstand
exposure to temperature and chemicals. Moissanite can easily withstand
temperature variations during the jewelry manufacturing process and
repairs at a jeweler's bench (unlike other gemstones such as cubic
zirconia or emerald). In fact, Moissanite has a higher vaporization
temperature than diamond and can withstand temperatures reaching 2,000
degrees Fahrenheit.

Moissanite is also very stable when exposed to various chemicals,
solutions and acids typically used during both manufacturing and jewelry
repair that commonly damage other less stable gemstones. Household
chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, ammonia, etc. have no impact
whatsoever.

Moissanite is One of the Hardest Gemstones on Earth

Hardness refers to a gemstone's resistance to being scratched or
abraded and is commonly expressed as a number ranking (1 being the
softest and 10 being the hardest) on the Mohs relative hardness scale.

Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale making Moissanite one of the
hardest gemstones on earth. It's unusually high hardness makes
scratching and abrasions very rare, even after many years of daily wear
and tear.

Moissanite's ability to resist abrasion and scratching easily
outranks and is more than double (120%) the hardness of any popular
diamond simulants such as Cubic Zirconia (CZ).

Moissanite vs Diamond: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to buying an engagement ring or any other piece of
jewelry, diamonds have been the traditional choice for decades.However,
with the rise of lab-grown gemstones, moissanite has emerged as a
popular and affordable alternative to diamonds. In this article, we will
explore the differences between moissanite and diamonds in terms of
price, durability, brilliance, quality, sparkle, and lab-grown vs
natural.

Price

One of the most significant differences between moissanite and
diamonds is the price. While diamonds can cost thousands of dollars,
moissanite is a much more affordable option.

Durability

Diamonds are known for their durability and hardness. They score a
perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them one of the
hardest substances on earth. Moissanite measures 9.25 on the Mohs
scale, making it a close second in terms of hardness. The remarkable
hardness of Moissanite makes it ideal for daily wear and even as an
heirloom piece to be treasured and passed down to future generations.

Brilliance

Brilliance is the way that a gemstone reflects light. Diamonds have
been traditionally known for their brilliance, which is a result of
their high refractive index. However, moissanite is even more brilliant
than diamonds due to its higher refractive index. Moissanite also has a
higher dispersion, which means it can reflect more light and create more
colorful flashes than diamonds.

Sparkle

While diamonds are known for their sparkle, moissanite has a different type of sparkle that is just as impressive.

Moissanite's higher dispersion gives it a rainbow-like sparkle that
is unique and eye-catching. It's important to note that the sparkle of a
Moissanite or a diamond can vary depending on the cut and quality of
the stone, so not all diamonds have the same level of sparkle. The
round brilliant cut has the most sparkle, followed by the cushion and
oval. The least brilliant cuts are the marquise and pear cuts.

In conclusion, moissanite and diamonds have their respective advantages
and disadvantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on
personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. While diamonds have a
long-standing reputation for their quality and beauty, moissanite offers
an affordable and equally stunning alternative for those who want the
look of a diamond at an incredible value.

Moissanite is a unique gemstone with its own distinct properties and
characteristics that set it apart from other diamond alternatives. While
it may resemble diamond at first glance, it has a higher refractive
index and dispersion, giving it more fire and brilliance than diamond.
Moissanite is not a synthetic diamond but a naturally occurring mineral
that is grown in a laboratory environment.

In contrast, cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic material that is
manufactured to look like a diamond. CZ is often marketed as a cheap
alternative to diamond and is mass-produced under various brand names.
However, CZ is generally considered to be of lower quality than
Moissanite, with lower hardness and durability, and less brilliance and
fire.

It is important to note that Moissanite is not a diamond simulant,
but a gemstone in its own right with its own unique properties and
beauty. While it may resemble diamond to the untrained eye, it is
important to understand the differences between Moissanite, CZ, and
other diamond alternatives before making a purchase.

CZ is too soft

Hardness is the resistance of a gemstone to being scratched or the
facets being worn down. Compared to Moissanite, CZ has less than one
half (45%) the hardness of Moissanite as measured using the Knoop
indention test: 1370 kg/mm2 vs. 3000 kg/mm2. Therefore, Moissanite is
219% harder. Because CZ scratches easily, it can lose its surface luster
after just a few months or years with regular wear.

Although CZ sellers boast that CZ can scratch glass, many gemstones
and jewels are ranked above glass in hardness and can easily scratch it
as well. Therefore this is no amazing feat.

CZ is not tough enough

When it comes to toughness, which refers to a gemstone's resistance
to chipping and breaking, CZ is significantly less tough than
Moissanite. In fact, CZ has only one-third the toughness of Moissanite,
with a measurement of 2.4 PSI compared to Moissanite's 7.6 PSI. This
means that Moissanite is over 300% more resistant to chipping than CZ.

On the other hand, Moissanite's high hardness and toughness make it
much more durable than CZ, which has a finite life due to its lower
properties. While CZ can easily scratch, chip, and wear with regular
use, Moissanite can withstand everyday wear and last a lifetime and
beyond with proper care.

CZ has inferior optical properties

The allure and radiance of engagement gemstones are attributed to their brilliance, fire, and luster.

Moissanite boasts a remarkable refractive index of 2.69, which is 25%
higher than that of CZ. A gemstone's refractive index correlates with
its ability to reflect light, making Moissanite more brilliant than CZ.

Moissanite also exhibits a dispersion of 0.104, which is 58% greater
than that of CZ (0.044). This feature causes Moissanite to emit more
rainbow-colored light, or fire, compared to CZ.

Furthermore, Moissanite's luster is 50% greater than CZ's. The luster
of a gemstone is determined by its capacity to reflect light from its
surface, making Moissanite more lustrous than CZ.

In conclusion, Moissanite has significantly higher levels of brilliance, fire, and luster than CZ.

Optical Anamolies: Windowing

The lower refractive index of CZ causes the stone to exhibit
substantially more "windowing" than a Moissanite or diamond and gives CZ
what many women refer to as a "glassy" appearance.

Windowing is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light passes
through a gemstone without being refracted. If windowing is present in a
gemstone the observer can look through the stone at certain angles as
if it were a window or can observe large dark areas in the stone (caused
by light leaking out the window).

A well-cut stone should reflect so much light that nothing is seen
behind it. However, this statement presumes that you are looking
straight down through the top of the stone, and the stone is not tilted
at all. Tilting the stone even slightly will change the angles of light
hitting the pavilion facets. Each type of gem has its own range of "tilt
brilliance". The lower the refractive index the less tilting it takes
to window the stone. Since the refractive index of CZ is substantially
lower than Moissanite (1.8 - 2.17 compared to Moissanites 2.69), the
result is that although a CZ may look pretty when viewed from the top,
but when viewed at various angles many dark or black spots can appear,
making it easy to spot as a "fake".

CZ has Strong Affinity to Dirt

Cubic zirconia (CZ) exhibits a high tendency to attract dirt, making
it susceptible to losing its shine and appearing cloudy, according to
the opinions of many consumers. This is largely due to the gemstone's
propensity to accumulate hand oils, cosmetics, and other substances
quickly. The CZ's inferior refractive index relative to that of a
diamond or moissanite makes it particularly vulnerable to dullness or
lifelessness even from slight accumulations of dirt. Consequently,
frequent cleaning is necessary to maintain its sparkle, sometimes even
multiple times a day, as reported by some customers. In contrast,
although moissanite can become soiled over time, it is more resistant to
dirt than CZ and even diamonds, allowing it to remain clean and
sparkling for a longer duration.

CZ lacks stability and durability

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is susceptible to heat damage. Excessive exposure
to heat can cause the CZ stones to break and turn an opaque, milky
color, which can pose a challenge if you intend to alter your CZ
jewelry, such as resizing a ring. Many jewelers may decline to offer
repair services for CZ jewelry due to this issue.

Moreover, CZ stones exhibit a natural tendency to bond with metals,
which can lead to challenges in jewelry repair or modification.

Conclusion

Ultimately, CZ is an excellent option for creating affordable fashion
jewelry. However, if you plan to wear the jewelry frequently, such as
for bridal purposes, CZ may not be the most suitable choice due to its
softness and vulnerability to damage. In addition, CZ has a high
affinity for dirt, and its optical properties, including luster, fire,
and brilliance, are inferior to those of Moissanite. Unlike Moissanite
and diamond, CZ may not withstand the test of time, which could be a
crucial factor when selecting a gemstone for long-term use.

Windowing

Windowing is an optical phenomenon where light passes through a
gemstone without undergoing refraction. It is characterized by either
the observer looking through the stone at certain angles, or the
presence of dark areas in the stone caused by light leakage through the
window. An expertly cut stone should reflect so much light that no
background is visible when viewed straight down through the top of the
stone without any tilt. However, tilting the stone even slightly changes
the angles of light hitting the pavilion facets, and each gemstone has a
specific range of tilt brilliance. Gemstones with lower refractive
indices require less tilting to exhibit windowing.

Durability

Durability refers to the capacity of a material to endure exposure to
temperature and chemicals without disintegrating or being damaged. In
this regard, Moissanite is known for its impressive durability,
particularly in comparison to other gemstones such as cubic zirconia or
emerald. During jewelry manufacturing and repairs, Moissanite can easily
withstand temperature variations, and its vaporization temperature
surpasses that of diamond, reaching up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, Moissanite is highly stable when subjected to diverse
chemicals, solutions, and acids typically used in jewelry manufacturing
and repair. Unlike less stable gemstones, it can resist damage from
these substances, making it a reliable choice for use in jewelry..

Hardness

Hardness refers to a gemstone's resistance to being scratched or
abraded and is commonly expressed as a number ranking (1 being the
softest and 10 being the hardest) on the Mohs relative hardness scale.

With a Mohs hardness of 9.25, Moissanite is considered one of the
hardest gemstones on Earth. Its exceptional hardness renders it highly
resistant to scratches and abrasions, even after prolonged daily use.

In comparison to other popular diamond alternate's, such as Diamond
Nexus (CZ), Russian Brilliants (CZ), or Sona Diamond (CZ), Moissanite
exhibits significantly superior hardness, surpassing them by more than
double (120%) on the Mohs scale.

Toughness

Toughness is a gemstone's ability to resist breaking or chipping
under force and pressure, which is determined by the atomic and chemical
structure of the material. This property can vary significantly within a
gemstone. While both diamond and Moissanite are rated as excellent in
toughness, Moissanite has a distinct atomic structure that lacks the
cleavage direction found in diamond, which is sometimes considered a
structural weakness. Therefore, Moissanite is generally considered to
have higher overall toughness than diamond.

Luster

Luster refers to the amount of light that is reflected from the
surface of a gemstone back to the observer. Moissanite, in addition to
displaying superior fire and brilliance, has an 18% greater luster than
diamond and a 50% greater luster than cubic zirconia (CZ).

Brilliance & Refractive Index

The refractive index is a metric used to gauge a gemstone's capacity
to bend, slow down, and reflect light. The higher the refractive index,
the greater the gemstone's brilliance. Brilliance, on the other hand,
refers to the white light flashes that emanate from a gemstone's top and
sides.

Brilliance is the flashes of white light exiting the top and sides of a gemstone.

Moissanite's remarkable refractive index sets it apart as the most brilliant high-quality gemstone available today.

Fire (Dispersion)

Fire or dispersion is the phenomenon where light enters a gemstone
and is dispersed into its spectral colors. It is commonly observed as
flashes of colored light. Compared to diamond, Moissanite has 2.5 times
more fire or dispersion, which results in a more colorful and vibrant
display of spectral colors.

Moissanite has 250% the fire of diamond.

To maintain the stunning brilliance of
Moissanites, they require proper care. A spotless Moissanite enables
optimal reflection of light, allowing its dazzling fire and brilliance
to be showcased. This amplified luminosity creates an illusion of a
larger stone, in contrast to a dull one caused by skin oils, cosmetic
products, and other everyday activities.

Moissanites have a distinct advantage over diamonds and other diamond
alternatives as they do not attract grease and oils as much.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to clean the jewelry once a month to
sustain their sparkling radiance. Here are four simple techniques to keep your Moissanite gemstones looking their best:

1. The Detergent Bath

To clean Moissanite jewelry effectively, start by preparing a small
bowl of warm soapy water. Ensure that the liquid detergent used is mild
and does not contain any soap as it may create a film on the surface of
the Moissanite. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided for all types of
jewelry.

Next, brush the pieces of jewelry gently using a toothbrush, ensuring
that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. Rinse the jewelry well to
remove any soap residue. A hair dryer can be used to dry the jewelry
completely, ensuring that no moisture is left behind.

2. The Cold Water

Another effective home cleaning method for Moissanite jewelry
involves creating a solution with water and a household ammonia or a
similar cleaning product. A recommended ratio is
approximately 3/4 parts water and 1/4 part of the cleaning chemical.
Allow the Moissanite jewelry to soak in the solution for approximately
10 minutes.

Using a toothbrush, gently tap around the front and back of the
mounting, and if possible, reach behind the mounting where dirt may have
accumulated. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly with warm to hot water, and
use a blow dryer to dry it completely. It is not advisable to use towels
for drying as they may leave behind lint or scratch the jewelry.

3. Commercial Home Jewelry Cleaners

You can purchase one of many formulated, non-toxic liquid jewelry cleaners.
These cleaners are specifically designed to remove any accumulated film
on the gemstone surface, ensuring optimal brilliance and fire.

4. Ultrasonic Cleaner

The use of a high-frequency turbulence cleaner is the most effective
option for maintaining the brilliance of your Moissanites. The
high-frequency turbulence creates a powerful cleaning action that can
effectively remove dirt and debris from most types of jewelry, including
Moissanites.

5. Additional Recommendations

To prevent damage to your Moissanite jewelry, it is advisable to
avoid wearing them while playing sports or engaging in any form of rough
work, including working out in a gym. Despite being the most durable
natural crystal structure, Moissanites can still chip when subjected to a
hard blow along its grain.

When not wearing your Moissanite jewelry, it is recommended to store
them individually. Placing Moissanite pieces in a drawer or in contact
with other jewelry in a jewelry case can cause scratches and damage to
both the Moissanite jewelry and other pieces.

How Moissanite Is Changing the World Around Us

Because of the remarkable properties of Moissanite, its applications
go far beyond jewelry. Below is a list of just a few ways in which it is
changing the world as we know it:

Body Armor:

Pinnacle Armor, a California based company, manufactures
military-grade body armor, known as "Dragon Skin", which is composed of
discs of Moissanite (silicon carbide). Thanks to the design and
extremely tough nature of the silicon plates, Dragon Skin body armor is
known to withstand grenade blasts and up to 40 rounds of ammunition. It
has been worn by civilian contractors in Iraq, special forces in Iraq
and Afghanistan, SWAT teams, nine generals in Afghanistan and their
bodyguards, the U.S. Secret Service, and the CIA.

Abrasive:

Moissanite (silicon carbide) is a popular abrasive in lapidary due to
the durability. In manufacturing, it is used for its hardness in
abrasive machining processes such as grinding, honing, water-jet cutting
and sandblasting. Particles of silicon carbide are laminated to paper
to create sandpapers and the grip tape on skateboards.

Automobile Parts in High-Performance Luxury Cars:

Silicon-infiltrated carbon-carbon composite is used for high
performance "ceramic" brake discs as it is able to withstand extreme
temperatures. The silicon carbide reacts with the graphite in the
carbon-carbon composite to become carbon fiber reinforced silicon
carbide (C/SiC). These discs are used on some road-going sports cars,
including the Porsche Carrera GT, the Bugatti Veyron, the Chevrolet
Corvette ZR1, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and some specific
high-performance Audis.

LED Lightbulbs:

Silicon carbide is used in the creation of LED light bulbs.

Astronomy:

The Herschel Space Observatory telescope is a European Space Agency
space observatory that was launched into orbit in 2009. It is the
largest space telescope ever launched, carrying a single mirror of 3.5
meters (11.5 ft) in diameter, which is made of polycrystalline
Moissanite. The high hardness, toughness and thermal conductivity of
Moissanite make it an ideal mirror material for astronomical telescopes.

Electronics:

Moissanite is a semiconductor material, and its high thermal
conductivity and resistance to high temperatures make it useful for
electronic applications, such as high-power electronics, computer
processors, and LEDs.

Space Exploration:

Moissanite has been used in space exploration as a material for
windows in spacecraft due to its hardness and durability, which can
withstand the harsh conditions of space.

Solar Panels:

Moissanite has been proposed as a material for solar panels, as its
optical properties and high refractive index make it more efficient at
trapping and reflecting light than other materials used in solar cells.

Nuclear Reactors:

Moissanite is also used as a coating material for nuclear fuel
particles in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. It helps to improve
the fuel particle's resistance to corrosion and wear.