Moissanite is the stone at the centre of most Vaudelle pieces. Here is what it is, how it compares with diamond, and what to expect when you wear it.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is silicon carbide. It was first identified in 1893 by the French scientist Henri Moissan in fragments from a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is far too rare to use in jewellery, so every moissanite you can buy today, including ours, is created in a lab.
Is moissanite a diamond?
No. Moissanite is its own gemstone with its own properties. It looks similar to a diamond at a glance, and it sparkles with more rainbow colour, especially in sunlight. We always describe it as moissanite, never as diamond.
Moissanite and diamond side by side
| Moissanite | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Brilliance (refractive index) | 2.65 to 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire (dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Origin | Lab-created | Mined or lab-grown |
| Price | A fraction of diamond | Much higher per carat |
A higher refractive index means more light returns to the eye. Higher dispersion means more flashes of rainbow colour.
Will it last?
Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones used in jewellery, so it resists scratching in everyday wear. It does not fade or change colour over time. If it looks dull, it usually just needs a clean, because lotion and skin oils sit on the surface.
Our moissanite
Our stones are colourless (D colour) with VVS clarity, which means any inclusions are very hard to see even under magnification. They are set in solid 925 sterling silver, either polished silver or plated in 18k gold.
Cleaning moissanite
Soak in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap for a few minutes, brush gently behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and pat dry. See our jewellery care guide for silver, gold and pearl pieces.
Questions? Email hello@vaudelle.com and a real person will reply within one business day.
