By:
Jeffrey M. Bertman
Graduate GemologistMany people with the means to purchase very expensive diamond jewelry will tell you that they only wear it on special occasions. Other times, they may rely on a diamond substitute that so closely resembles the real thing that no one other than themselves knows the difference. Moissanite, which was first discovered in the Canyon Diablo meteor crater in Arizona in 1893, is such a gemstone. This near-colorless material is nearly as hard as diamond. In addition, while diamond is singly refractive, moissanite is doubly refractive, which means that it possesses more than twice the fire of its more famous counterpart. What is more, moissanite so closely resembles diamond that even skilled jewelers may have difficulty telling the two apart.Naturally occurring Moissanite is extremely rare with a handful discovered in extreme environments. Large gem quality crystals are grown in a high-tech North Carolina lab. It is one of the hardest gemstones and is more durable than sapphire, ruby or emerald. Shop at 1402 Hancock Street, Quincy Center. Or reach us at 617-773-3636.
Something Different
By: Jeffrey M. Bertman Graduate Gemologist For those who already own a fine complement of white diamonds and want something unique, there are yellow diamonds.