Moissanite Jewelry: Background & Differences From CZ
Natural moissanite was first found in 1905 as a small component of a meteorite in Arizona by Dr. Ferdinand Henri Moissan, after whom the material is named in the gem market. However, like cubic zirconia, the better known diamond simulant, most moissanite jewelry is actually synthetic.
Both moissanite and cz are harder than most natural gemstones. Moissanite, however is more heat resistant, which can effect the way jewelry is assembled. Moissanite gemstones are lighter than diamonds, while cz gemstones are slightly heavier. Cubic zirconia has been marketed as an alternative to diamonds since the 1970s, however moissanite jewelry came out in the late 1990s.
Here’s an excerpt from this jewelry education article:
“In 1998 C3, Inc. (Charles and Colvard) [Nasdaq: CTHR], a subsidiary of Cree Research, Inc., introduced gem-quality synthetic silicon carbide onto the market under the name “moissanite” ,marketing it as a lower-cost alternative to diamond. For example, a 1 carat moissanite gem sells for about $600 (2005 USD), while a diamond of similar size and color typically runs for upwards of $4500. Synthetic moissonite is approximately as hard as diamond, with a slightly higher index of refraction and greater dispersion; these qualities make SiC a decent and durable diamond simulant. It is interesting to note that the higher dispersion and index of refraction means moissanite has more fire and brilliance than diamond.”
Tags: cubic zirconia jewelry, Cubic Zirconia Rings, cz vs. moissanite, moissanite, moissanite jewlery
