The Difference Between Moissanite and GIA Diamonds

​What is GRA Moissanite Diamonds?

GRA Moissanite diamonds read a 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, This is right below a diamonds hardness which reads at 10 on the hardness scale. To verify the Mohs we use a diamond tester to test the diamonds hardness scale. When you buy certified moissanite jewelry you should know that it comes with a GRA certificate. This verifies the authenticity of this moissanite diamond and shows proof that it is indeed real moissanite. GRA moissanite is a more affordable diamond, it shines more in color than a lab or natural diamond and cost less but is right under the hardness scale of a diamond. The two are very different as moissanite is always created from silica and carbon while diamonds are pure carbon that are formed beneath the earth's surface. The "Fire" effect in moissanite is called a dispersion. The dispersion effect is more intense than that of a diamond. Moissanite's color refraction is broken down into the color spectrum making it shine like a rainbow. 
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Moissanite usually has a "fire" sparkle which is more rainbowish in sparkle.

What is GIA Natural Diamond?

Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral created from intense heat and  pressure which causes carbon atoms to crystalize forming precious diamonds found 150-200km into the earth's surface  making diamonds rare as they are not lab-created like moissanite diamonds. A diamond certfied by GIA color is rated on a scale from D which is colorless to Z which is more yellowish. The closer to colorless the higher the grade which is worth a higher price tag. Diamonds never lose their value as they go up in time and are mined from the earths surface making the value of natural diamonds more costly than lab created diamonds. Diamonds will also cost more than moissanite due to the rarity of diamond itself. 

Picture Credit: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Conclusion

Depending on your budget style and preference, natural diamonds or moissanite diamonds is a great choice. I personally own a solid 14k White Gold 10 x 10 Moissanite Grillz with moissanite diamonds that are prong set into solid 14k white gold. 

Resources

GIA website: www.gia.edu/
GRA website: ​https://gra-moissanite.org/about-gra/

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