Protecting Your Investment
Whilst moissanite is already an affordable alternative to diamond, some sellers attempt to pass off cubic zirconia or low-quality synthetics as genuine moissanite. This guide helps you identify authentic, quality moissanite and avoid inferior substitutes.
Understanding the Fake Moissanite Problem
The term 'fake moissanite' typically refers to:
- Cubic zirconia marketed as moissanite
- Low-grade synthetic stones misrepresented as premium moissanite
- Poorly cut moissanite sold at inflated prices
- Stones with inaccurate carat weight or colour grading
Red Flags: Warning Signs of Fake Moissanite
1. Price Suspiciously Low
Genuine moissanite has consistent pricing across reputable sellers. If a 1-carat moissanite costs £15-20 when quality sellers charge £50-60, it's likely cubic zirconia. Conversely, if you're being charged £200+ for a simple 1-carat solitaire, you're paying unnecessary markup.
2. No Certification or Documentation
Legitimate moissanite includes certificates verifying authenticity, colour grade, and quality. Absence of documentation is a major warning sign.
3. Vague Product Descriptions
Terms like 'diamond alternative', 'simulated diamond', or 'brilliant stone' without explicitly stating 'moissanite' suggest the seller is hiding the true material.
4. Unknown or Unverifiable Sellers
Purchase from established jewellers with reviews, return policies, and transparent business practices. Avoid marketplace sellers with no track record.
5. No Return Policy or Guarantee
Reputable moissanite sellers offer returns and lifetime warranties. Lack of these protections indicates questionable quality.
Physical Tests to Verify Authentic Moissanite
The Double Refraction Test
Moissanite is doubly refractive—light splits into two rays passing through the stone. Look through the top of an unmounted stone at printed text; you'll see doubled lines. Cubic zirconia and diamond are singly refractive and won't show this effect.
The Thermal Conductivity Test
Moissanite conducts heat similarly to diamond. Breathe on the stone—fog should dissipate almost instantly. Cubic zirconia retains fog longer. However, this test alone cannot distinguish moissanite from diamond.
The Electrical Conductivity Test
Professional testers measure electrical conductivity. Moissanite conducts electricity; diamond and cubic zirconia do not. This definitively identifies moissanite.
The Weight Test
Moissanite is lighter than cubic zirconia. A 1-carat moissanite weighs less than a 1-carat CZ. If you have a jewellery scale, compare the weight to published moissanite weight charts.
The Loupe Examination
Under 10x magnification, quality moissanite shows minimal inclusions and excellent facet alignment. Cubic zirconia often appears too perfect (no inclusions) or shows manufacturing bubbles.
Quality Checklist for Genuine Moissanite
✓ Certificate of Authenticity: Includes stone type, carat weight, colour grade, clarity
✓ Reputable Seller: Established jewellers with verified reviews and transparent practices
✓ Clear Colour Grading: Specified as D-E-F (colourless) or G-H-I (near colourless)
✓ Cut Quality: Excellent or Very Good cut grade for maximum brilliance
✓ Warranty: Lifetime warranty against defects or optical degradation
✓ Fair Pricing: Consistent with genuine moissanite market rates (£50-80 for quality 1-2ct pieces)
✓ Return Policy: Minimum 14-30 day return window
✓ Detailed Product Information: Explicitly states 'moissanite', not vague terminology
Questions to Ask Sellers
Before purchasing, ask:
- 'Is this genuine lab-grown moissanite or another material?'
- 'What certification does the stone include?'
- 'What is your return and warranty policy?'
- 'Can you provide the exact colour and clarity grades?'
- 'Is this moissanite or cubic zirconia?'
Legitimate sellers answer these questions clearly and confidently.
Comparing Moissanite to Cubic Zirconia
The most common 'fake moissanite' is actually cubic zirconia:
Moissanite:
- Hardness: 9.25 (extremely durable)
- Brilliance: Refractive index 2.65
- Fire: Dispersion 0.104 (rainbow flashes)
- Longevity: Permanent sparkle
- Price: £50-80 for quality 1-2ct pieces
Cubic Zirconia:
- Hardness: 8-8.5 (scratches easily)
- Brilliance: Refractive index 2.15-2.18
- Fire: Dispersion 0.058-0.066
- Longevity: Becomes cloudy within months
- Price: £5-20 per carat
Understanding Fair Moissanite Pricing
Genuine moissanite offers exceptional value without excessive markup. Expect to pay:
- 0.3-0.5ct moissanite ring: £40-50
- 1ct moissanite ring: £50-60
- 2ct moissanite ring: £70-80
These prices reflect genuine lab-grown moissanite in quality settings. Significantly lower prices suggest cubic zirconia; significantly higher prices indicate unnecessary markup rather than superior quality.
Where to Buy Authentic Moissanite
Purchase from:
- Established online moissanite specialists
- UK-based jewellers with verified reviews
- Sellers offering detailed certifications
- Companies with transparent business practices and fair pricing
- Retailers providing clear return policies and warranties
What to Do If You Suspect Fake Moissanite
If you've purchased what you believe is fake moissanite:
- Contact the seller immediately with your concerns
- Request a refund under their return policy
- Have the stone professionally tested by an independent jeweller
- Report fraudulent sellers to trading standards
- Leave honest reviews warning other buyers
The Bottom Line
Genuine moissanite offers exceptional value—brilliant sparkle, lifetime durability, and ethical origins at accessible prices. Use this checklist to verify authenticity, purchase from reputable sellers with fair pricing, and insist on proper certification. Your investment deserves real quality, not cubic zirconia masquerading as moissanite.