Choosing the perfect gemstone for jewelry can be tough.
Among the many options out there, VVS Moissanite is getting a lot of attention for its amazing qualities and affordability.
But what is VVS Moissanite?
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this beautiful gemstone, from its origin to its characteristics and benefits to how it compares to diamonds.
Whether you’re a jewelry lover or looking to make a special purchase, understanding VVS Moissanite will help you make an informed decision.
What is VVS Moissanite
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone that was discovered in a meteor crater by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893.
Initially, it was mistaken for diamonds because of its brilliance and hardness.
However, further analysis showed that Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of pure carbon.
One of the reasons Moissanite stands out is its brilliance and fire.
These optical properties are because of the unique crystal structure that allows it to refract light in a way that produces a sparkling effect.
In fact, Moissanite often has more fire and brilliance than diamonds, so if you’re looking for a gemstone that truly dazzles, then Moissanite is a great alternative.
Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale which makes it one of the hardest gemstones out there, second only to diamonds.
This means Moissanite is very resistant to scratching and perfect for everyday wear so it’s a practical choice for engagement rings and other frequently worn jewelry.
What Does VVS Mean?
VVS stands for “Very Very Slightly Included” in the gemstone industry.
Clarity is one of the main factors that determines the quality and value of a gemstone.
It means the presence or absence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes.
In the gemologist’s grading scale, clarity goes from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye).
VVS is near the top of this scale, meaning the gemstone has very few, very small inclusions that are hard to see under 10x magnification.
VVS clarity is loved because it means the gemstone looks flawless to the naked eye.
For Moissanite, VVS means the stone will have super high brilliance and sparkle with no visible imperfections.
Characteristics of VVS Moissanite
VVS Moissanite has several key characteristics that make it unique.
Visual Features
VVS Moissanite has amazing brilliance and fire.
The way it sparkles is often better than diamonds.
The VVS clarity grade means very few inclusions, so it looks almost flawless to the naked eye.
This clarity makes it a great choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Durability
On the Mohs scale of hardness, Moissanite scores 9.25, just below diamonds, which score 10.
This high hardness makes VVS Moissanite very durable and scratch resistant, so it will maintain its brilliance and beauty with daily wear.
Its toughness also makes it a great choice for jewelry that will be worn often.
Affordability
One of the best things about VVS Moissanite is its affordability.
It has the same visual properties and durability as diamonds but at a fraction of the cost. So you can get bigger and better stones without breaking the bank.
Ethical and Environmental Benefits
VVS Moissanite is lab grown so it’s produced in a controlled environment with no ethical and environmental concerns of diamond mining.
So it’s a great choice for those who care about sustainability and ethical sourcing.
How to Identify VVS Moissanite
Finding VVS Moissanite can be fun when you know what to look for.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you spot this gem:
Clarity
The hallmark of VVS Moissanite is clarity.
If it’s under 10x magnification, look for very few and very small inclusions.
If it’s virtually flawless, it’s probably VVS.
Clarity not only makes the stone look better but also holds its value over time.
Lower clarity grades will have more inclusions that detract from the overall appearance.
Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite has superior brilliance and fire, often more than diamonds.
Hold the stone under light and see how it sparkles.
The flashes of color and light should be bright and dynamic.
This is because Moissanite has a higher refractive index that bends light more efficiently and creates a brilliance and fire that is unmatched by other gemstones.
Hardness Test
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, Moissanite is very durable.
A simple scratch test (on an inconspicuous area) can verify this.
But be careful not to damage the stone or the testing surface. Its high hardness makes Moissanite scratch and abrasion resistant, so it will hold up to daily wear.
Refractive Index
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamonds (2.42).
This can be measured with a gemological tool called a refractometer.
The higher the refractive index, the more sparkle the stone will have.
This is one of the reasons why Moissanite is chosen over other gemstones because of its light reflection ability.
Professional Appraisal
If in doubt, get a professional appraisal.
A certified gemologist can assess it with advanced tools and expertise.
They can verify the authenticity and quality of the Moissanite and make sure you got what you paid for.
A professional appraisal can also give you a certificate of authenticity, which can be useful for insurance or future resale.
VVS Moissanite vs Lower Clarity Grades
Lower clarity grades like VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) will have more inclusions.
These inclusions will affect the appearance and brilliance of the stone.
VVS Moissanite, with its near flawless clarity, ensures that inclusions don’t affect the beauty of the stone, making it the best choice for those who want the highest quality.
When comparing VVS Moissanite to lower clarity grades, the difference in appearance is quite dramatic.
VVS Moissanite will look clearer and more brilliant with fewer internal flaws that can dull the sparkle.
Advantages of VVS Moissanite
VVS Moissanite has many good things going for it and is suitable for all types of jewelry.
Here are a few of the key things:
Value for Money
VVS Moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds. Diamonds are beautiful and durable but expensive.
VVS Moissanite has all that and more at a fraction of the price. So you can buy larger and better stones than you thought.
Brilliance and Fire
VVS Moissanite has brilliance and fire like no other. Its special crystal structure reflects light and color like crazy.
That’s why it’s perfect for engagement rings, earrings and all jewelry where sparkle is key.
Durability
9.25 on the Mohs scale. VVS Moissanite is super tough and scratch resistant.
Wear it every day, and it will stay beautiful and undamaged.
Set it in a ring, necklace or bracelet and it can take anything life throws at it.
Ethical and Environmental Benefits
VVS Moissanite is lab grown, so there are no ethical and environmental issues with diamond mining.
Traditional diamond mining is bad for the environment and has labor issues.
With VVS Moissanite, you have peace of mind it’s ethical and green.
Versatility
VVS Moissanite is versatile. Beautiful and tough, it’s suitable for all jewelry styles and settings.
Classic solitaire, vintage or modern, you can have it your way.
You’ll find or create the perfect piece of jewelry for any occasion.
Long Term Beauty
VVS Moissanite doesn’t lose its brilliance over time like some other gemstones.
Its high refractive index and hardness mean it will sparkle just as many years from now as it did the day you bought it.
That’s why it’s perfect for heirloom pieces to be passed down through generations.
Popular Uses in Jewelry
VVS Moissanite is used in all sorts of jewelry, from engagement rings and wedding bands to earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
Its brilliance and fire make it perfect for statement pieces that are meant to be seen.
Here are some popular uses:
Engagement Rings
VVS Moissanite engagement rings are a popular alternative to diamond rings. They are stunning and clear, a beautiful symbol of love and commitment. Couples can choose from various cuts and settings to create a ring that’s uniquely them.
Earrings
VVS Moissanite earrings, whether studs or chandeliers are a brilliant accent to any outfit. Clear and sparkly, they’re a timeless choice for everyday and special occasion wear.
Necklaces and Pendants
A VVS Moissanite pendant can be the focal point of a necklace, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. Perfect for casual and formal wear.
Bracelets
VVS Moissanite bracelets, tennis bracelets and bangles, are a dazzling display of light and color. A versatile accessory that goes with everything.
Caring for Your VVS Moissanite Jewelry
To preserve the fire and beauty of your VVS Moissanite jewelry, it needs to be looked after.
Here are some things to do:
Regular Cleaning
Clean regularly. Soap and warm water and a soft brush. No harsh chemicals or rough stuff. Then rinse and blot dry with a microfiber cloth.
No Harsh Chemicals
While VVS Moissanite is tough, bleach, chlorine, and household cleaners are still too harsh. To be safe, remove your jewelry when doing housework or swimming in chlorinated pools.
Storage
Store in a soft jewelry box or pouch. Not with other pieces together as they can scratch each other.
Professional Check-Ups
Take your jewelry to a professional jeweler for inspection and cleaning every now and then. A jeweler can check the setting and make sure the stone is set properly. They can also clean professionally – things that don’t come off with at-home cleaning.
Safe Handling
Handle with care. Don’t touch the stone with your fingers, as oils and dirt from your skin dull the fire. Put on and take off by the band or chain, not the stone.
Protect from Physical Damage
While Moissanite is tough, it can still be knocked or dropped. Don’t wear your jewelry during activities that could damage the stone – heavy lifting, gardening, sports.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
For a deeper clean, use an ultrasonic cleaner. These emit high-frequency sound waves to clean the stone and setting. But be careful and check with a jeweler first, as some settings and materials aren’t suitable.
Conclusion
In summary, VVS Moissanite is a gemstone that combines luxury, sustainability, and value.
This near flawless gem, with its brilliance and durability, is a stunning alternative to diamonds.
VVS Moissanite’s ethical production, affordability and superior visual properties make it the perfect choice for high end jewellery.
Whether on an engagement ring, earrings, necklace or bracelet VVS Moissanite stands out for its beauty and affordability.
Choosing VVS Moissanite means a gemstone that meets the highest standards of clarity and brilliance and also aligns with your ethical and environmental values.
Its versatility means it can be made into many different jewellery styles so you can express yourself and be timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moissanite, and how is it different from diamonds?
Moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone that has incredible brilliance and fire.
It looks like a diamond but is not a diamond and has different chemical and physical properties.
Moissanite was chosen for its sparkle because of its higher refractive index than diamonds. It’s also more affordable and ethically sourced, often grown in labs.
How can I tell if a stone is Moissanite or a diamond?
The easiest way to tell Moissanite from diamonds is by looking at the fire and brilliance of the stone.
Moissanite has more rainbow coloured flashes than diamonds.
And with specialized testers and tools like a Moissanite tester or a 10x magnification loupe you can see the doubling of facet junctions in Moissanite.
Does Moissanite scratch or lose its brilliance over time?
Moissanite is very durable, 9.25 on the Mohs scale, so it’s resistant to scratches.
Unlike softer gemstones that will lose their luster over time Moissanite will keep its brilliance and fire forever with proper care.
It doesn’t fade or discolor, so it will stay beautiful for life.
Is Moissanite a good choice for engagement rings and other jewelry?
Yes, Moissanite is a great choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
It’s affordable, durable, and has exceptional brilliance, so it’s a popular alternative to diamonds.
And Moissanite is often lab grown so it’s an ethical and environmentally friendly choice.
It’s resistant to scratching and chipping so it’s perfect for everyday wear so the jewelry will stay stunning for years to come.