Here are the answers to some questions you may have about our affordable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing gemstones.
CREATION
Moissanite is a rare and naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide (SiC). It was discovered over a century ago by Dr. Henri Moissan in a meteorite in Arizona. It is now made synthetically in a Lab under environmentally friendly conditions.
Moissanite is a unique gemstone and not a type of diamond.
Moissanite gemstones derive from silicon and carbon through a combination of pressure and heat. They are crafted by experts under meticulously controlled conditions, through a lengthy process that can take between 60-90 days to produce. The gemstones are purity and quality tested, then graded and sold.
IDENTIFYING MOISSANITE
There are five different methods of examing a gemstone to spot the difference.
1. Use of a testing device by a trained gemologist or jeweler. 2. Examing the specific refractive and gravity indices. 3. Examining the girdle of the stone using a jewelers loupe 4. Using a jewelers loupe to determine the visibility of the double facet joints. 5. Using a 10X jewelers loupe to check for needle-like inclusion perpendicular to the table facet
Moissanite is comparable to gemstones like diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire on key characteristics such as hardness, brilliance, and fire. On the MOHs hardness scale, moissanite measures 9.25, coming second to diamond which measures a 10. On the Brilliance Refractive Index, moissanite ranges from 2.65-2.69, making it more brilliant than any other gemstone with a fire dispersion over 4x greater.
COLOR, CLARITY, & CUT
Precision is crucial when faceting moissanite to achieve the exact angles and proportions needed to maximize its specific brilliance and enhance its incredible fire.
Imperye only offers VVS moissanite gemstones.Clarity is graded based on the number of imperfections, known as inclusions, a stone has. They are examined by trained grading specialists using a 10x jewelers loupe since most inclusions are not visible without intense magnification. The five clarity grading categories are:
1. VVS1, VVS2: Very, very slightly included 2. VS1, VS2: Very slightly included 3. SI1, SI2: Slightly included 4. I1, I2, I3: Included
• Imperye only offers VVS moissanite gemstones.
Moissanite will not change in color over time. It will undergo a temporary color change when exposed to extreme heat from a jewelers torch, such as during repairs, but then returns to its normal color once cool with no lasting damage.
Moissanite’s color is graded using the GIA diamond color grading scale. They are divided into three major groups based on the amount of color present in the stone:
1. Colorless: D-E-F range 2. Near Colorless: G-H-I range 3. Faint: J-K range
• Imperye only offers colorless (D-E-F) moissanite gemstones.
Yes. Moissanite has some form of inclusion, visible under 10x magnification, similar to nearly every gemstone. They are unique to each stone and occur in the formation of the crystalline structure. Common inclusions are needles, mineral crystals, clouds, feathers, knots, chips, and cavities
BRILLIANCE
Moissanite has a "refractive index" range of 2.65 - 2.69, a technical term for how much light a gemstone bends. Its ability to reflect light is higher than a diamond (with a BRI of 2.42) and other popular gemstones. Light bounces around more to give max white and colored sparkle ("fire"), too!
No, its superior hardness and high refractive index will stand the test of time. You never have to worry about Moissanite becoming dull or losing its brilliance and fire.
FIRE (DISPERSION)
A gemstone’s fire comes from a gemological property called dispersion. Moissanite’s dispersion is 0.104, which exceeds that of any gem, including diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Dispersion is the prism effect that occurs when pure white light enters a non-opaque object, breaks into spectral (rainbow) colors, and shines back to the viewer.
No. Mossainite's fire has been measured scientifically to be 0.104, which is 2.4 times that of a diamond. Its fire also exceeds many popular gemstones, including ruby, sapphire, and emerald. No other gemstone or jewel compares to Imperye Moissanite with regards to fire.
No. Moissanite will forever maintain its brilliance and fire.
RESISTANCE
No, it rates between 9.25-9.50 on the Mohs hardness making it the second hardest gemstone after diamond. Moissanite is extremely durable and resistant to abrasions and scratches.
No, research and studies have shown that Moissanite is one of the toughest gemstones in the world and incredibly resistant to chipping and breaking.
Yes. Moissanite is more heat resistant than many other gemstones, including diamonds. Tests show that at 2,000ºF, higher than the equivalent intensity of a house fire, moissanite gems and their brilliance remain intact. This heat tolerance makes them unlikely to suffer damage during jewelry repair.
PURCHASING MOISSANITE
Due to its rarity and unrivaled beauty, moissanite's value will retain or increase over time.
Yes, all of our products are custom and made to order. The cuts we offer include but are not limited to Asscher, cushion, emerald, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, and radiant.
CARE & REPAIRS
You can gently clean moissanite the same way you would any other fine gemstone. An ultrasonic cleaner has proven to be effective. You could also use a non-acidic jewelry cleaner or soap and water with a soft toothbrush.
Yes, moissanite is a durable stone that can withstand high heat used in repairs and resizing without damage.
Yes, an experienced jeweler will help you re-set your gemstone into a new piece of jewelry.
Yes. You can engrave your moissanite stone post-purchase. Please be aware that any engraving on the stone will make it unreturnable.
Imperye strives to provide socially responsible and accessible jewelry for a memorable lifetime experience. If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, we’ll understand and provide a hassle-free return or exchange on your item as our commitment to you. Subject to the terms and conditions of the return policy, items can be returned 30 days after the shipping date. Please note that there is a 30% restocking fee on all returns.
Your order will come in a classic black engagement ring box with lighting and contain a certificate of authenticity.
