Can Moissanite Pass a Diamond Ring Test?

If you are shopping for an engagement ring in Singapore, congratulations! Your journey to marriage with the love of your life is coming up, fast. Proposing with a diamond engagement ring might be the first thing to come to mind. However, have you ever wondered if diamonds truly represent forever? There’s also the need to consider the hefty price tag attached to diamond rings.

Ethically-conscious Singaporeans are now looking at other gemstone engagement rings in the place of classic diamond rings due to a growing commitment to environmental sustainability and an increased awareness of the unethical and unsafe labour practices associated with the diamond trade.

Given its similarity in appearance to diamond, moissanite has revealed itself as a worthy alternative to those seeking a classic-looking engagement ring. Most people cannot tell the difference between moissanite and diamond as they appear identical to the naked, untrained eye.

What is Moissanite

Moissanite was first discovered by Henri Moissan, who mistook it for diamond, when he was examining rock samples in Arizona back in 1893. This mineral form of silicon carbide was then named “moissanite” in honour of Moissan and recreated in laboratories using the original composition. As a conflict-free, affordable alternative to natural diamonds, lab-grown moissanites have a significantly less negative environmental impact and a smaller carbon footprint.

Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, perhaps even rarer than natural diamonds, so most moissanite gems available today are created in laboratories. All lab-grown moissanite engagement rings offered by Princess Gem come with a certified lab grading report detailing quality standards. Additionally, each gem is also etched with its own serial number.

Can You Tell Apart a Moissanite and a Diamond?

For the untrained eye, it is near impossible to tell apart a moissanite and a diamond gemstone. The pervasive association of diamonds with engagement rings means that it’s highly unlikely anyone will give a second thought to the gemstone on a classic engagement ring, unless the wearer chooses to tell them. In addition, moissanite has a hardness rating of about 9.5, a close second to diamond that ranks 10, making it just as durable a gemstone.

One main difference lies in the refractive properties of both gemstones. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, higher than a naturally-mined diamond. This is about double the refractive index of diamond, and means that moissanite gems will usually sparkle more. Simply put, a single beam of light entering moissanite will refract two beams of light out. In contrast, a single beam entering a diamond will exit alone and unbroken.

It is difficult to detect the difference with the naked eye, but it is more noticeable in larger stones as more light is reflected.

Can Diamond Testers Tell Apart a Moissanite and a Diamond?

Diamond testers are used to check if a gem is truly a diamond. There are two ways of testing diamonds and moissanites: by heat and by electrical conductivity. Moissanites and diamonds conduct heat similarly, but moissanites can also conduct small amounts of electricity, while diamonds do not. Most diamond testers will register moissanite as “diamond” if heat conductivity is tested, but will register as “moissanite” if tested for electrical conductivity.

An average diamond tester will only test for heat and will not be able to perceive the small difference in electrical conductivity between both gemstones.A diamond tester with multi-testing properties must be used in order to test both heat and electrical conductivity.

Find Your Perfect Engagement Ring at Princess Gem

Princess Gem brings ethical moissanite gems to Singapore as an alternative to the classic diamond ring. We are committed to offering conflict-free, ethical produced moissanite engagement rings at affordable prices.

By keeping our rings at lower prices, we hope that our clients get to spend more on their wedding and get a head start on their lives together.

In addition, we provide free trackable shipping on all orders. Visit our retail store at Singapore’s CityLink Mall or browse through our online store to make your pick!