Three of the most frequently mentioned clear gemstones for jewelry are Moissanite, Natural Diamond, and Lab-grown Diamond. By looking at some of the four C's, we hope to help you decide which you want on your engagement ring, necklace, or another special piece of jewelry.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a clear gemstone made of silica and carbon (in contrast to diamonds, which are pure carbon). Naturally-occurring moissanite is extremely rare and because of this, the overwhelming majority of moissanite jewelry is lab-grown.
Color
Moissanite is naturally colorless and can have a slight tinge of yellow or gray. However, when Moissanite sparkles, the colors of the rainbow can be seen! Moissanite reflects color twice as much as a diamond does, giving it a colorful twinkle.
Clarity
Since it is lab-grown, the process is tightly controlled, ensuring flawlessness and the highest clarity.
Cut
When making a piece, a jeweler will precisely cut the gem, allowing the light to refract and bring out the beauty of the gem. Moissanite refracts very differently than diamonds, in both color and looks. In addition to refracting more color than a diamond, moissanite is also double refractive - that is to say, if you look at your gem at an angle, the gem's facets look doubled.
Some people want a gemstone that can catch the eye with how much it sparkles! Moissanite is an excellent choice for those who value this. It is also more inexpensive than some diamond options, making it an attractive and beautiful choice for some wallets.
Natural and Lab-grown Diamonds
Natural Diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable to the naked eye. There is no chemical difference between them and no difference in properties. The only difference is one is obtained through mining and the other is grown in a lab.
To learn more about the differences, you can read our in-depth article here.
Color
Natural diamond color ranges from colorless to white, to pink, to yellow. Natural colored diamonds are rarer than clear or white diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are made in every color, including blue, red, and green.
Clarity
Because the growth of a naturally-occurring diamond cannot be monitored as closely as a lab-grown one, flaws are more likely to be introduced into the gem. Some people prefer these natural flaws and feel it adds to the genuine beauty of the diamond.
Cut
Diamonds are single refractive, meaning when the light hits it, it is only refracted once, creating a beautiful sparkle, although you won't see double like with moissanite.
Diamonds have been a favorite gem in the jewelry industry for a reason. Extremely versatile, diamonds come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Their classic beauty makes them a fantastic choice for those who prefer mined gems, or colored gems.
Whichever you pick, Martin Busch Jewelers has a wide selection for you to choose from.