How to Spot Fake vs Real Moissanite
Moissanite has gained popularity and is trending in recent years. It has been a growing trend in the jewellery industry due to its stunning brilliance, affordability, and durability, as well as its ethical and sustainable origins. With many consumers choosing moissanite over traditional diamonds for engagement rings and everyday jewellery, as it is more sparkly, affordable, and has a clear conscience regarding environmental and social impact.
With moissanite's rising demand comes an inevitable downside - the market is now saturated with convincing fakes. Can you tell the differences? Let’s understand the distinct characteristics of moissanite and discover the signs and methods to identify counterfeit stones.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a rare mineral first discovered by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan. Due to its extreme rarity in nature, nearly all moissanites used in jewellery today are lab-created. Visually similar to diamonds, moissanite is renowned for its exceptional brilliance and fire, often displaying more sparkle than a diamond. It is also one of the hardest gemstones available, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale - just below diamonds, which have a hardness rating of 10. Thanks to advanced technology, moissanite can now be produced in laboratories with remarkable precision, making it an ethical and durable alternative to traditional gemstones.
Certificate Authenticity
One of the easiest ways to check the authenticity of a moissanite is to check for a certificate of authenticity that includes a unique, laser-engraved serial number on the stone's girdle. The number on the certificate should match the number on the stone itself.
Reflectivity and Refraction Tests
To differentiate real vs fake moissanite, check for its signature double refraction under magnification, which causes facet doubling, and its superior brilliance and fire compared to diamonds. Fake stones, such as cubic zirconia, may appear duller or lack the sparkle of real moissanites. Furthermore, the refractive index causes a rainbow fire and flare which exceeds even fine diamonds.
Additionally, it can also be checked by looking through the top of the stone with a loupe: a real moissanite shows double refraction – you will see two slightly offset facet lines. Diamonds and most counterfeit diamonds do not exhibit this characteristic.
Clarity and Colour Variances
Genuine moissanites may appear slightly yellow or green under certain lighting conditions. They typically display exceptional clarity and colour consistency. Fake stones might have noticeable inconsistencies or imperfections.
Using specialised tools and testers
To verify the authenticity of moissanite, it's best to use a combination of tests and tools. One common method is using a standard diamond tester. However, because moissanite shares similar thermal and electrical conductivity properties with diamonds, many diamond testers may incorrectly identify it as a diamond. This can lead to misleading results, so additional testing methods are recommended for accurate identification.
Thermal testers, which measure heat conductivity, are another option. However, these can also give false positives, especially with high-quality moissanite. Moissanite exhibits different thermal conductivity than diamonds or other gemstones. Specialised testers can help distinguish between genuine and fake stones.
For a more reliable result, it is best to use a dedicated moissanite tester. These tools are specifically designed to detect moissanite based on its unique electrical properties and can distinguish it more accurately from diamonds.
A visual inspection can also be useful. By examining the stone with a jeweller’s loupe or a microscope, you may detect subtle features such as doubled facets or tiny inclusions. While not definitive on its own, this method can provide valuable clues when used in conjunction with other testing techniques.
Another alternative is to use a jeweller's loupe or microscope to look for these visual clues and inspect for flaws. A professional moissanite tester is needed for certainty, as it measures electrical conductivity, unlike a standard diamond tester.
Size and Weight Differences
Counterfeit moissanite stones may vary slightly in size and weight from genuine ones. When assessing a stone's authenticity, carefully check these physical features for any discrepancies.
Cut and Shape
Additionally, counterfeit moissanite stones may also lack the precision and craftsmanship found in genuine stones. Examine the cut and shape of the stone carefully.
Shop our Moissanite jewellery below:
Pendant
925 Silver Moissanite Solitaire Pendant:
925 Silver Moissanite 3 Hearts Pendant: https://www.arthesdam.com.sg/products/arthesdam-jewellery-925-silver-moissanite-3-hearts-pendant?_pos=4&_sid=36a1d4c3e&_ss=r
Earrings
925 Silver Moissanite Square Earrings:
Bracelet
925 Silver Moissanite Solitaire Bracelet: