Collection: Moissanite Earring Collection

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral known as silicone carbide originally discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 while examining rock samples in a meteor crater in Arizona. At first, Moissan believed the minerals were diamonds before identifying them later, in 1904, as silicone carbide. They were renamed moissanite after Moissan to commemorate his work. 

Moissanite is used as an alternative to diamonds because not only is it cheaper to produce and so cheaper for consumers to buy, it is more ethically sustainable and has very similar physical and optical properties to diamonds.

The way moissanite is produced in laboratory conditions is very similar to the way lab grown diamonds are created. Silicon carbide powder is exposed to great heat and pressure so that it becomes a gas and creates the right conditions for the moissanite to grow over a few months depending on the size and quality of gemstone being produced. The end product can then be cut and faceted for innumerable jewellery uses, such as in Ethica’s moissanite collections!

Our moissanite is branded as the Ethica Diamond® and it is different to all other moissanite brands on the market.
Diamond is infused to the premium moissanite (silicon carbide) on a molecular level, resulting in a gemstone that has more fire and brilliance than diamond and is also durable and strong. They are also made to a consistent high grade, VVS1 clarity, D-E colour.

The Ethica Diamond® is the finest quality moissanite that is currently available. It is produced under patented technology and certified by a trusted third party.

The production methods of lab grown diamond and lab grown moissanite are very similar, but it takes more energy to produce a lab diamond than a moissanite. Partially for this reason, moissanite is more affordable to the consumer than lab grown diamonds.

Another possible reason for this may be that diamonds have a history of advertising, such as the branding made famous by Marilyn Monroe that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. Moissanite has not had nearly the same amount of attention or marketing over the years. For this reason, people are often prepared to pay more for diamonds whether they are naturally grown diamonds or lab grown diamonds for the perceived value they have.

The quality of moissanite is very similar to diamond and makes it a wonderful alternative to diamond jewellery without minimising visible beauty or durability while remaining affordable.

The hardness and durability of materials is tested using the Mohs scale which was created in 1812 by German geologist Friedrich Mohs. The least hard material with a level of 1 Moh is Talc, as in talcum powder. Quartz has a hardness of 7 Mohs, topaz is 8 Mohs, while diamond is the hardest material on the planet with a level of 10 Mohs.

Moissanites are almost as hard as lab grown diamonds with a level of 9.2 - 9.5 on the Mohs scale. This means they are practical for daily wear in jewellery and almost as resistant to damage as lab diamonds are. They are slightly more likely to get scratched than lab grown diamonds, but with due care will last for just as long and remain just as beautiful as lab grown diamonds.

Most importantly, the largest risk of damage to moissanite is dependent on the lifestyle of the wearer and how well they look after their jewellery.

Here are some care tips for your moissanite earrings:

1. Remove the earrings when engaging in activities that may cause them unnecessary damage such as sports to protect them.

2. Avoid wearing the earrings while doing activities which involve chemical substances which could damage them such as washing or dyeing your hair.

3. Clean the earrings regularly using mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush to remove dirt and debris that can cause the gemstones to look dull or the metal to tarnish.

4. Safely store the earrings in a secure place, such as a jewellery box or pouch, when you are not wearing them to protect them from scratches or accidental damage.

5. Have the earrings regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the prongs are secure and the gemstones are in good condition. 

Absolutely not! Part of the appeal of moissanite is its exemplary clarity, colour, and brilliance will never diminish.

Moissanite is a near perfect alternative to diamond jewellery precisely because its quality is destined to last for a lifetime and to be passed down the generations. Its radiant rainbow sparkle will never disappoint and is why moissanite will retain its beauty long into the future. With the proper care to prevent damage and tarnishing, your moissanite jewellery will never decline in condition.

There are several reasons why you may want to choose moissanite earrings over lab-grown diamond earrings:

1. Affordability: Moissanite earrings are generally much more affordable than lab-grown diamond earrings, especially as you need a pair of gems! This means that you can get a larger and more impressive stone for your budget.

2. Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire. It has a higher refractive index and dispersion than diamond, which means it can reflect more light and produce more colourful flashes.

3. Durability: Moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. (The Ethica Diamond® is even closer to diamond and is 9.7 on the Mohs scale) It is also highly resistant to scratching and chipping, making it a great choice for everyday wear.

4. Ethical and Sustainable: While lab grown diamonds are considered a more ethical and sustainable option compared to mined diamonds, moissanite is an even more eco-friendly choice. It is created in a lab using silicon carbide crystals, which does not require the mining of natural resources.

5. Unique and Rare: Moissanite is a rare gemstone that is not commonly found in nature. Its unique properties make it a captivating and distinctive option for jewellery.

Ultimately, the choice between moissanite earrings and lab grown diamond earrings depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value affordability, exceptional brilliance, durability, and ecological sustainability, and you are not caught up about the composition of the gemstone (some people just need it to be a diamond but don't really know why), then moissanite may be the perfect choice for you.