Diamonds vs Moissanite & Zirconite Stones

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, compared 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 comes 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 eBay 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!