What To Know
- It is extremely hard and durable, and it has a very high refractive index, which means that it sparkles and shines just like a diamond.
- A pair of moissanite earrings can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while a pair of diamond earrings can cost thousands of dollars.
- The setting of a moissanite earring refers to the way the stone is mounted in the earring.
Moissanite earrings are a beautiful and affordable alternative to diamond earrings. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of silicon carbide. It is extremely hard and durable, and it has a very high refractive index, which means that it sparkles and shines just like a diamond. Moissanite earrings are also available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and blue.
History of Moissanite Earrings
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by a French chemist named Henri Moissan. Moissan was studying a meteorite that had fallen in Arizona when he found a small crystal of the mineral. He named the mineral moissanite in honor of himself.
In the early 20th century, moissanite was used as an abrasive in industrial applications. However, in the 1990s, scientists developed a way to create synthetic moissanite in a laboratory. This made moissanite more affordable, and it quickly became a popular choice for jewelry.
Moissanite Earrings vs. Diamond Earrings
Moissanite earrings are very similar to diamond earrings in terms of their appearance and durability. However, there are a few key differences between the two types of earrings.
- Price: Moissanite earrings are significantly less expensive than diamond earrings. A pair of moissanite earrings can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while a pair of diamond earrings can cost thousands of dollars.
- Hardness: Moissanite is harder than diamond, which means that it is less likely to scratch or chip.
- Refractive index: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means that it sparkles and shines more brightly.
- Color: Moissanite earrings are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and blue. Diamond earrings are typically only available in white.
Benefits of Moissanite Earrings
There are many benefits to choosing moissanite earrings over diamond earrings. These benefits include:
- Affordability: Moissanite earrings are significantly less expensive than diamond earrings.
- Durability: Moissanite is harder than diamond, which means that it is less likely to scratch or chip.
- Brilliance: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means that it sparkles and shines more brightly.
- Variety: Moissanite earrings are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and blue. Diamond earrings are typically only available in white.
- Ethical: Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, which means that it is not mined from the earth. This makes it a more ethical choice for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of diamond mining.
Choosing Moissanite Earrings
When choosing moissanite earrings, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These include:
- Carat weight: The carat weight of a moissanite earring is the weight of the stone in carats. The higher the carat weight, the larger the stone will be.
- Cut: The cut of a moissanite earring refers to the shape of the stone. The most popular cuts for moissanite earrings are round, princess, and emerald.
- Color: Moissanite earrings are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and blue. The most popular color for moissanite earrings is white.
- Clarity: The clarity of a moissanite earring refers to the number and size of inclusions in the stone. The fewer inclusions, the clearer the stone will be.
- Setting: The setting of a moissanite earring refers to the way the stone is mounted in the earring. The most popular settings for moissanite earrings are prong settings and bezel settings.
Caring for Moissanite Earrings
Moissanite earrings are relatively easy to care for. However, there are a few things you should do to keep your earrings looking their best. These include:
- Clean your earrings regularly: Moissanite earrings should be cleaned regularly with a mild soap and water solution. You can use a soft cloth to gently scrub the earrings.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Moissanite earrings should not be exposed to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or bleach. These chemicals can damage the stone.
- Store your earrings properly: Moissanite earrings should be stored in a cool, dry place. You can store your earrings in a jewelry box or a soft cloth pouch.
Wrap-Up: The Perfect Choice for Any Occasion
Moissanite earrings are a beautiful and affordable alternative to diamond earrings. They are perfect for any occasion, and they are sure to make a statement. Whether you are looking for a pair of earrings to wear every day or a pair of earrings to wear for a special occasion, moissanite earrings are the perfect choice.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What is the difference between moissanite and diamond earrings?
A: Moissanite earrings are made from a lab-created gemstone, while diamond earrings are made from a naturally occurring gemstone. Moissanite earrings are typically less expensive than diamond earrings, and they are also harder and more durable.
Q: Are moissanite earrings as sparkly as diamond earrings?
A: Yes, moissanite earrings are just as sparkly as diamond earrings. In fact, moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means that it sparkles and shines even more brightly.
Q: Are moissanite earrings ethical?
A: Yes, moissanite earrings are ethical. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, which means that it is not mined from the earth. This makes it a more ethical choice for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of diamond mining.
