The Ultimate Guide To Moissanite
If you've spotted the incredible sparkle in some of your favourite Willow pieces and wondered what makes it shine quite so much, there's a good chance you're looking at moissanite.
We use lab-created moissanite in selected Willow designs because of its combination of clarity, brilliance and durability.
Here's everything you need to know.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide.
Naturally occurring moissanite is exceptionally rare, so the moissanite used in modern jewellery is generally created in controlled laboratory environments.
That means the stone can be produced specifically for jewellery while retaining the optical characteristics that make moissanite so distinctive.
At Willow, we describe ours simply as:
Lab-created moissanite stone, selected for its clarity, brilliance and durability.
Why does moissanite sparkle so much?
This is probably our favourite thing about it.
Moissanite has a refractive index of approximately 2.65–2.69, compared with approximately 2.42 for diamond. Its high dispersion also creates the flashes of rainbow colour often referred to as the stone's “fire.”
In normal words?
It sparkles. A lot.
In different lighting you may notice crisp white brilliance as well as small flashes of rainbow colour.
It's one of the reasons moissanite works so beautifully in smaller Willow pieces — you don't need an enormous stone to create noticeable sparkle.
Is moissanite a diamond?
No.
Moissanite and diamond are two different gemstones with different chemical and optical properties.
We don't think moissanite needs to pretend to be something else.
It has its own beautiful characteristics and has become increasingly popular because it offers exceptional brilliance and durability in its own right.
Is moissanite durable?
Very.
Moissanite measures approximately 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, while diamond is 10. That makes moissanite extremely resistant to scratching and suitable for jewellery designed to be worn regularly.
Of course, the stone is only one part of a piece of jewellery. The surrounding metal, plating, pearls and settings still need appropriate care.
So while moissanite itself is highly durable, we still recommend treating your Willow jewellery thoughtfully.
Is Willow's moissanite lab-created?
Yes.
The moissanite used in our jewellery is lab-created.
We like being transparent about the materials we use, which is why you'll see the following wording across our moissanite product listings:
Lab-created moissanite stone, selected for its clarity, brilliance and durability.
Why does Willow use moissanite?
Because it fits what we want Willow jewellery to be.
Beautiful enough to feel special, but wearable enough to become part of everyday life.
You'll find moissanite used alongside some of our other favourite materials, including freshwater pearls. Willow pieces such as the Mila set and Olivia Pearl Drop Studs combine moissanite with pearl details.
The result is a mix we love: classic pearls with a little extra light and sparkle.
How do I clean moissanite?
Everyday oils and beauty products can build up on a gemstone and make it appear less brilliant.
For an easy clean at home:
- Add a small amount of mild dish soap to warm water.
- Gently clean the jewellery with a soft brush.
- Rinse carefully.
- Dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
This gentle soap-and-water method is recommended for moissanite jewellery.
If your Willow piece also contains pearls, follow the more delicate pearl care instructions instead.
Moissanite vs diamond: which is better?
They're different, and the right choice depends on what you're looking for.
Diamond remains the traditional precious gemstone and will be important as Willow moves further into fine jewellery.
Moissanite offers:
- Exceptional brilliance
- High durability
- Beautiful clarity
- A distinctive rainbow fire
- A different price point from diamond
Rather than viewing one as a replacement for the other, we see them as two beautiful options for different pieces and moments.
A little everyday sparkle
Whether it's a tiny moissanite stud or a stone paired with freshwater pearl, we love the way moissanite brings light to a piece without making it feel overly formal.
It's jewellery you can dress up.
And jewellery you can wear with a white tee the next morning.
Exactly how we like it.
