The worst things about Moissanites are the Yellow Hue, and of course the fact that they're man-made.
Those are two very big reasons to hesitate before buying them.
Fluorescence
Most Moissanites also have a distinct Fluorescence cast to them. (Weird display of light, that tends to look foggy, and most glow in the dark!) And when viewed under a Microscope or Jeweler's Loupe, the lines, facets, refraction and reflection will create a doubling effect. (blurry and doubled like when you squint your eyes) Not so good!
So while Moissanite may fool some people, and confuse most Jewelers (Newer Diamond Testers will now determine the difference between a Moissanite and a Diamond due to its different Thermal Conductivity), it still doesn't bode well in the Jewelry Industry or Market. It always generates heated conversations!
Disclosure
Jewelers selling Moissanite have to disclose the fact that it's Moissanite, and most Jewelers don't even want to carry Moissanite for fear that customers may confuse it with their Diamond selection. The two don't mix well!
You may save tons of money buying Moissanite over Diamond, (Moissanite is usually around only 5-10% of the price of Diamonds) but in the long run, is it really worth it?
Resell values for Moissanites are slim to none. Very few people have even heard of Moissanites and don't really understand the purpose for them. (Many do really think it's just a brand name for a Diamond)
My thoughts are:
If Moissanites resemble a Diamond, but have weird optical properties and a Yellow cast to them, then why not just buy Diamond instead?
Nothing beats the Beauty, Shine and Whiteness of a Diamond. Nothing beats it's Symbolic Meaning or Desire. Nothing beats a Diamond's Investment or Resell Value either!
So is Moissanite right for you? Only if Price is your only objective!
Just don't buy it as an Engagement Ring thinking "She'll never know the difference!" Trust me, she will! Because Moissanite is NO substitute for Diamond...
YET!
P.S. Follow Jewelry Secrets on Twitter and Facebook.
Copyright © 12-26-2008 Jewelry-Secrets.com