Why Moissanite
Why Moissanite: Brilliant, Ethical, and Built to Last
Moissanite offers the fire and brilliance of the finest diamonds—without the ethical concerns, environmental destruction, or inflated pricing. Here's everything you need to know about why moissanite is the smart choice for conscious luxury.
What Is Moissanite?
The Science
Moissanite is silicon carbide (SiC)—a naturally occurring mineral discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in an Arizona meteor crater. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so today's moissanite is lab-created using advanced technology that replicates the natural formation process.
The result? A gemstone that's:
- Harder than sapphire (9.25 on Mohs scale vs. sapphire's 9)
- More brilliant than diamond (refractive index 2.65 vs. diamond's 2.42)
- More fire than diamond (dispersion 0.104 vs. diamond's 0.044)
- Nearly as hard as diamond (diamond is 10)
Translation: Moissanite sparkles more, has more rainbow flashes of color, and is durable enough for everyday wear for a lifetime.
The Difference You'll See
Brilliance: How much white light a stone reflects. Moissanite's high refractive index means more sparkle.
Fire: The rainbow flashes you see when light hits the stone. Moissanite has 2.5x the fire of diamond—those mesmerizing rainbow sparkles that make people stop and stare.
Durability: At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is one of the hardest substances on Earth. It won't scratch, chip, or cloud over time. Diamond is the only natural gemstone harder.
Lifetime Beauty: Unlike cubic zirconia (CZ) which clouds and dulls over time, moissanite maintains its brilliance forever. It won't change color, won't lose sparkle, won't degrade. What you see today is what you'll see in 50 years.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: The Honest Comparison
| Feature | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance (Light Return) | Higher - More sparkle | High - Classic sparkle |
| Fire (Rainbow Flashes) | 2.5x more fire | Beautiful but less fire |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9.25 - Extremely durable | 10 - Hardest natural substance |
| Origin | Lab-created, conflict-free | Often mined (ethical concerns) |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal - no mining required | High - destructive mining |
| Price (1ct equivalent) | $200-400 | $4,000-10,000+ |
| Rarity | Lab-created (available) | Natural (rare but not scarce) |
| Resale Value | Lower (like all lab gems) | Higher (but still loses 50%+) |
| Ethical Guarantee | 100% - known origin | Questionable - hard to verify |
Can Experts Tell the Difference?
The short answer: Yes, but not easily—and not without tools.
To the naked eye: Most people, including jewelry professionals, cannot distinguish between high-quality moissanite and diamond without testing equipment. The differences are subtle:
- Moissanite may show slightly more rainbow fire (some prefer this!)
- Under very specific lighting, some people notice a faint warmth
- In stones over 3 carats, experts may notice double refraction (visible only under magnification)
With testing equipment: Jewelers can identify moissanite using thermal or electrical conductivity testers. This isn't about "catching" moissanite—it's about proper gemstone identification.
The truth: At Reymey's VVS1 D-grade, your moissanite will draw compliments and admiration. Whether people think it's diamond or moissanite doesn't change its beauty—it changes only your story about why you chose ethical brilliance over mined stones.
Quality Grades: Why VVS1 D-Grade Matters
Not all moissanite is created equal. Like diamonds, moissanite is graded on clarity and color. Here's what those grades mean and why Reymey uses only the highest standards:
Clarity Grades
FL / IF (Flawless / Internally Flawless)
Perfect under 10x magnification. Extremely rare and expensive even for moissanite.
VVS1 / VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) ⭐ REYMEY STANDARD
This is what we use. Inclusions are virtually invisible even under 10x magnification. To the naked eye and casual inspection, these stones are flawless. VVS1 is higher grade than VVS2.
Why this matters: Absolutely brilliant with no visible flaws. This is the grade we'd choose for ourselves.
VS1 / VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
Inclusions visible under 10x magnification, might be visible to sharp eyes. Most mass-market moissanite uses this grade.
The difference: Under certain lighting, you may notice tiny specks or clouds. Most people won't notice, but quality standards matter.
SI1 / SI2 (Slightly Included)
Inclusions visible under magnification and often visible to the naked eye.
Avoid: Cheap moissanite jewelry often uses SI grade. You'll see cloudiness or dark spots.
I1 / I2 / I3 (Included)
Obvious inclusions, reduced brilliance, may affect durability.
Never: We don't stock these grades. Neither should you purchase them.
Color Grades
D / E / F (Colorless) ⭐ REYMEY STANDARD
We use D-grade (the highest). Pure, colorless brilliance with absolutely no yellow, gray, or green tints. This is the rarest and most valuable color grade.
Why this matters: True colorless stones look stunning in any setting and lighting. No surprises.
G / H / I / J (Near Colorless)
Slight warmth or tint, more noticeable in larger stones or certain settings.
The difference: In white gold or platinum, you might notice a faint yellow tint. In yellow gold settings, this is less obvious.
K - Z (Faint to Light Color)
Visible yellow, brown, or gray tinting.
Avoid: Budget moissanite often uses these grades. The tint becomes obvious in sunlight.
What This Means in Real Life
| Grade | What You'll See | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VVS1 D (Reymey) | Flawless brilliance, pure colorless fire, maximum sparkle in any lighting | People who want the absolute best, daily wear pieces, heirloom quality |
| VS G | Brilliant with possible tiny inclusions, slight warmth in certain lighting | Budget-conscious buyers willing to compromise slightly |
| SI I | Noticeable inclusions and yellow tinting, reduced brilliance | Fashion jewelry, temporary pieces (not recommended) |
Why Reymey Chooses VVS1 D-Grade
We could use lower grades and charge less. But we don't—here's why:
- No Surprises: VVS1 D looks perfect in every lighting condition. You'll never second-guess your purchase.
- True Luxury: If we're offering conscious luxury, it must be luxurious. Lower grades compromise on quality.
- Lifetime Value: You're wearing this for decades. The difference between "good enough" and "exceptional" matters over time.
- Our Standard: We choose the grade we'd want for ourselves. VVS1 D is that grade.
- Worth the Difference: The price difference between VS and VVS1 is small—the quality difference is significant.
Our rejection rate: We reject approximately 15% of VVS1 D stones that technically meet grade standards but don't meet Reymey standards. If it's not perfect, it doesn't become a Reymey piece.
The Ethical Choice: Why Moissanite Matters Beyond Beauty
The Diamond Industry Reality
Conflict Diamonds:
- Approximately 4% of diamonds fund violence and civil wars
- "Conflict-free" certifications are difficult to verify
- Supply chain opacity makes true ethics uncertain
Environmental Destruction:
- One carat of mined diamond disturbs nearly 100 square feet of land
- Produces approximately 126 gallons of water waste
- Generates 125 pounds of carbon emissions
- Displaces wildlife and destroys ecosystems
Labor Concerns:
- Dangerous working conditions in many mines
- Low wages despite extreme profits
- Child labor in some regions
- Community displacement
Artificial Scarcity:
- Diamonds aren't actually rare
- Prices inflated through controlled supply
- Marketing (not scarcity) drives demand
The Moissanite Solution
100% Conflict-Free:
- Lab-created with known, transparent origin
- Zero connection to violence or exploitation
- Complete supply chain visibility
- Guaranteed ethical sourcing
Minimal Environmental Impact:
- No mining, no land disruption
- Minimal water usage
- Significantly lower carbon footprint
- No ecosystem destruction
- No wildlife displacement
Fair Labor:
- Created in controlled lab environments
- Safe working conditions
- Fair wages for skilled technicians
- No exploitation
Honest Value:
- Priced based on actual production cost + quality
- No artificial scarcity markup
- Transparent pricing
- Real luxury accessible to more people
Our Ethical Guarantee
Every Reymey moissanite stone comes with:
- ✓ Certified lab-grown origin - We know exactly where every stone comes from
- ✓ VVS1 D-grade quality - The highest standards for brilliance and clarity
- ✓ Conflict-free guarantee - Zero connection to mining or conflict
- ✓ Environmental responsibility - Minimal ecological footprint
- ✓ Fair labor practices - Created by skilled professionals in safe conditions
"Choose beauty without compromise. Choose moissanite."
Your Questions About Moissanite, Answered
Will moissanite last as long as diamond?
Yes. At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is incredibly durable—second only to diamond. It won't scratch from daily wear, won't chip or break under normal use, and won't cloud or dull over time. Your Reymey moissanite will look exactly the same in 50 years as it does today.
Can people tell it's not a diamond?
Not without testing equipment. To the naked eye, even jewelry professionals typically cannot distinguish between high-quality moissanite and diamond. The main difference is that moissanite actually has MORE fire (rainbow flashes) than diamond—which most people find beautiful, not problematic.
Will moissanite change color over time?
No. Unlike cubic zirconia (CZ) which can cloud and yellow over time, moissanite is permanently colorless and clear. Our D-grade moissanite maintains its pure brilliance forever. It won't fade, won't tint, won't degrade.
Is moissanite just "fake diamond"?
No. Moissanite is its own gemstone with unique optical properties. It's not trying to "fake" anything—it's a legitimate precious gemstone with characteristics that exceed diamond in some ways (brilliance, fire, durability-to-price ratio). It's "fake diamond" the same way sapphire is "fake ruby"—that is, not at all.
Why is moissanite so much cheaper than diamond?
Two reasons: (1) No mining costs—lab creation is cheaper than extracting stones from the earth, and (2) No artificial scarcity—diamond prices are inflated through controlled supply and marketing. Moissanite is priced based on actual production cost plus quality standards, not marketing hype.
Does moissanite have resale value?
Lower than diamond, but be realistic: Diamonds also lose 50-70% of retail value upon resale. Neither is a good "investment." If you're buying jewelry as financial investment, you're making a mistake. Buy jewelry because you love it and will wear it—then both moissanite and diamond offer equal emotional value.
Can I wear moissanite every day?
Absolutely. Moissanite is designed for daily wear. It's hard enough to resist scratching, durable enough for active lifestyles, and brilliant enough to sparkle through everyday activities. Engagement rings, wedding bands, daily jewelry—moissanite handles it all.
How do I care for moissanite?
Same as diamond: Warm water + mild soap + soft brush. Wipe with soft cloth after wearing. Store separately from other jewelry. That's it. No special treatments needed. (See our detailed care instructions with each purchase.)
Is moissanite a good choice for an engagement ring?
We think so. More couples are choosing moissanite for engagement rings because it offers:
- Stunning beauty that rivals or exceeds diamond
- Ethical sourcing without compromise
- Durability for a lifetime of wear
- Budget savings that can go toward a wedding, home, or honeymoon
- A story you're proud to tell
Making the Choice: Is Moissanite Right for You?
Choose Moissanite If You Value:
- ✓ Maximum brilliance and fire for your budget
- ✓ Ethical sourcing you can verify
- ✓ Environmental responsibility
- ✓ Practical luxury (savings for other priorities)
- ✓ Being ahead of trends (more couples choosing moissanite)
- ✓ A story you're proud to tell
- ✓ Quality that lasts a lifetime
Choose Diamond If You Value:
- ✓ Traditional symbolism and heritage
- ✓ Higher resale value (though still loses 50%+)
- ✓ The hardest natural substance (though moissanite is nearly as hard)
- ✓ Social status from brand recognition
- ✓ Family tradition or expectations
The Bottom Line
Moissanite isn't a "diamond alternative" or "budget option"—it's a conscious choice. You're choosing:
- Lab-grown innovation over destructive mining
- Verified ethics over questionable supply chains
- Real value over inflated marketing
- Your own story over social expectation
At Reymey, we believe the smartest luxury is conscious luxury. Brilliant, ethical, and built to last—that's moissanite.
Experience the Reymey Difference
Ready to choose brilliant ethics? Browse our collection of VVS1 D-grade moissanite jewelry—each piece crafted to showcase the fire and beauty of the world's most brilliant gemstone.
Every Reymey piece includes: 1-year warranty • 30-day returns • Free shipping