JamesAllen.com does not sell moissanite. James Allen prides itself on offering the most high-quality, hand-selected, conflict-free diamonds available. Moissanite, being a diamond alternative, would be counterintuitive to the diamonds and gemstones they do sell, which are authentic.
Why James Allen Doesn’t Sell Moissanite Gemstones
- James Allen does not sell moissanite because they specialize in selling diamonds and other high-quality gemstones.
- They believe that diamonds offer a superior level of brilliance, durability, and value compared to moissanite.
- Moissanite is considered a diamond alternative or substitute, but it may not have the same prestige or status as a natural diamond.
- James Allen focuses on providing customers with a wide selection of certified diamonds from reputable sources.
- They prioritize offering exceptional customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction with their diamond purchases.
Moissanite is a Fake Diamond
Moissanite is a diamond alternative, a faux diamond. It is made in a lab and offers a lot of beauty in its own right. It is made of crystalline silicon carbide.
Keep in mind that it is lab-made but it is not an actual lab-made diamond. This may sound confusing because most will just see lab-created. The difference is that even though they are both made in a lab, they are made of different materials and a different process.
The two share a different crystalline structure making them unique. Moissanite is still beautiful in its own right but James Allen focuses on natural and lab-made genuine high-quality diamonds.
This can cause some confusion as well because diamond and moissanite are so similar. So let’s break it down a bit further.
READ MORE >> Which is Better a Diamond or Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Moissanite vs. Diamonds
Let’s talk about the clear distinction between moissanite and diamonds.
Moissanite is made in a lab. It is created from silicon carbide which is a different substance than diamond altogether. It is a fake diamond.
So how does moissanite stack up against actual diamonds that are lab grown? Let’s take a look.
Color
A diamond’s color is pretty much forever. No matter how much time passes the lab-created diamond you buy will look the same now, and 50 years from now.
Moissanite on the other exhibits something called “thermochromism”. This means it is sensitive to color change when temperatures reach a certain point. Specifically 150°F, this can be temporary but it can also be permanent sometimes.
In addition to this diamonds can range from lots of colors to colorless. Moissanite can display yellowish or greenish hues that may be offputting.
Sparkle
Diamonds usually have a highly refractive surface returning light extremely well. This leads to what gives diamonds that brilliance and undeniable sparkle.
Moissanite has a higher refractive surface which may make it seem more brilliant, but it also has a “rainbow effect”. This makes moissanite look fake to most well-trained eyes.
Size
Moissanite has the rainbow effect and when the stone gets bigger so does the effect, with moissanite it is better to stick to a smaller size.
With a lab diamond, they sparkle the same way at any carat, no matter the size.
Durability
Diamond is the hardest stone there is regardless if it is lab-created or natural. Diamonds are not going to scratch, period end of story. If you scratch your diamond then it was either another diamond that did it or it’s not a real diamond.
With moissanite, it is susceptible to scratching. It is important to note they are extremely hard still so it is difficult but unlike diamonds not impossible.
What’s the Cost Difference?
When someone says diamonds most minds think they are extremely expensive. Moissanite is a cheaper option but thanks to lab-created diamonds they are more affordable than they ever have been.
In fact, you can get a 30% larger diamond going the lab route than an earth-bound diamond. Moissanite may still beat this cost but you have to take into account the lifetime of the stone.
Maintenance, jeweler cleaning, etc makes the only real value in moissanite sentimental. With a genuine diamond, you get the real deal and the real savings over time.