Diamonds vs Moissanite

Diamonds, what can I say, in my opinion they are the greatest gift a person can give me. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them! But, my love for them can get pretty expensive, so I set out a few years ago to learn about high quality diamond replicas and stumbled upon Moissanite.What is Moissanite? A century ago, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan discovered minute quantities of a new mineral in an ancient meteorite in Arizona. At it's essence was the potential for an absolutely shimmering brilliance, fire, luster, and incredible hardness. Unfortunately, the supply of natural Moissanite wasn't large enough even to create a pair of earrings. It was only after years of research that a breakthrough discovery enabled the production of Moissanite crystals large enough for jewelry.Similarities between Moissanite and diamonds are significant. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, gepared to diamonds 10. Moissanite also has a refractive index that is higher and closer to diamonds than cubic zirconia, and its high thermal conductivity transmits the same readings as a diamond on standard heat conductivity-based diamond testers. Moissanite stones have sharper edges and facets, with the greater the likelihood of high brilliance and dispersion, making them closer to a diamond and far exceeding the qualities of cubic zirconia. Moissanite enchants the eye with a magical luster, an astonishing brilliance, and shimmering fire unlike any jewel and, with its exceptional hardness, Moissanite will be yours to cherish for generations. They are a VERY nice substitution for those who want the look of diamonds for less.But, Moissanite can still be pretty expensive. Let's face it, the average 1 carat Moissanite solitaire ring costs (on average) over $1200.00, is that really affordable? Not to me. So, I set out on another expedition and found about about Zirconite.What is Zirconite? Zirconite is a diamond simulate having optical characteristics that are very close to those of natural diamonds. It is crystal grown under tremendous heat of 5000 degrees F (the hardest steel melts at around 3000 degrees F) and was developed by the Russians for use in their Laser programs. It has a refractive index, dispersion and hardness so close to a diamond it is uncanny. Diamond, one of the hardest materials known to man is rated 10, lying at the top of the hardness scale. The hardness of ZIRCONITE cubic zirconia ranges between 9.0-9.1 while ordinary cubic zirconia ranges between 8.5-8.9. Glass or sand is approximately 5-6, therefore dust and dirt will not scratch ZIRCONITE. Indeed, ZIRCONITE cubic zirconia can scratch glass just like natural diamonds. ZIRCONITE is also tougher than sapphire, making ZIRCONITE more chip resistant. There are many grades of cubic zirconia from those with a milky look to ones with a high intensity, custom cut, polished girdle with perfect facets which look just like diamonds. Cubic zirconia gem cutting and polishing techniques vary widely around the world. Even if the raw materials used are exactly the same, the best quality faceting and polishing methods result in gems which have a far more crisper, cleaner appearance.ZIRCONITE weighs 65% more than a real diamond. Therefore, the only way to tell the difference between the two is by weighing the unset stone. Once it is set, it is impossible for even a jeweler to tell the difference. True story: A few years ago, ABC's 20/20 news team took a high intensity cubic zirconia stone, as well as a perfect $50,000.00 mined diamond to the New York Diamond District. After careful examination of the two stones, an expert claimed that they were both so perfect that they must both be counterfeit!The only difference therefore between Moissanite and ZIRCONITE stones and a genuine diamond lies in the price, and in the mind, proving that when it gees to a ZIRCONITE cubic zirconia, the old maxim "you get what you pay for" is absolutely true. They really are worth the price because you get the highest quality diamond replica that money can buy next to the highest rated Moissanite stone.If you are interested in purchasing some great Moissanite or Zirconite jewelry, be sure to visit my okay store for a great selection of both Moissanite, Zirconite, and Genuine Diamond jewelry! See below for some examples..... bet you can't tell which ones are real diamonds and which ones are the Zirconite and Moissanite!