Moissanite and diamond conduct heat in remarkably similar ways, which can fool older thermal diamond testers. But modern multi-testers, which measure both heat and electricity, tell them apart almost every time. So the answer is sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Not all testers are created equal.
At AW Jewelry, we’ve guided countless clients through this very conversation inside our Beaufort atelier. It’s not just about a test result it’s about understanding what each stone truly offers. Because when knowledge meets meaning, your custom jewelry begins to take form with quiet confidence.
What Exactly Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide first discovered in a meteor crater, and now grown carefully in laboratories. It mirrors diamond in brilliance and hardness but carries its own signature: a bit more fire, a touch more rainbow in the light, more sparkly.
Diamonds form deep in the earth under immense pressure; moissanite forms in a lab under precision. The difference lies in their story and optical behavior: diamond reflects light once; moissanite refracts it twice, giving that extra sparkle. When a ray of light hits the moissanite, it is split into two rays, creating more sparkle. For many, moissanite offers freedom to dream bigger with custom jewelry, a larger stone, a bolder shape, or an intricate setting without compromise on craftsmanship or longevity. They are typically more affordable than high quality, natural diamonds.
Why Do Some Testers Say “Diamond” For Moissanite?
It comes down to the kind of tester being used. Older models measure only how quickly a stone pulls heat away and both moissanite and diamond are excellent conductors. That’s why a simple thermal tester often “thinks” moissanite is diamond.
The result isn’t deception; it’s limitation. Jewelers and clients alike sometimes get confused by that shared reaction. At AW Jewelry, we use advanced dual testers to confirm each stone properly, combining science with trained observation. It’s one reason our custom jewelry process never begins or ends with a single machine we always confirm with the human eye, loupe, and light.
Which Tester Can Tell Them Apart?
Newer, dual-conductivity diamond testers are the most reliable. They measure both thermal and electrical conductivity, revealing what older tools can’t. Diamond resists electricity; moissanite allows it to pass. That difference, invisible to the eye, helps reveal each gem’s identity.
But the setting, temperature, and even your touch can influence readings. If a tester gives an uncertain signal, patience is the professional’s best tool. In our atelier, we double-check every reading before any design moves forward. Precision isn’t just about stones it’s about promises kept. That’s how we treat every custom jewelry consultation: thorough, honest, and calm.
How AW Jewelry Confirms Every Stone?
When you visit AW Jewelry, testing isn’t a mystery, it’s part of your story. We begin with:
Personalized Testing:
Every visit begins with context testing isn’t a formality; it’s part of your story.
Dual Verification:
We start with a dual tester to confirm authenticity, followed by a jeweler’s loupe to study facets, edges, and refraction lines.
Three Light Perspectives:
Stones are observed under natural daylight, soft diffused light, and focused spotlights to reveal true brilliance and tone.
Sunlight Evaluation:
We finish outdoors where natural light reveals the diamond’s genuine character.
Understanding Over Uncertainty:
These small, deliberate steps transform questions into confidence, ensuring you leave not just informed, but certain you’ve chosen the right stone for your custom jewelry.
When it comes to colored gemstones, we have many more tests that we will conduct to determine the type of stone, its origin, and if it is natural or synthetic.
How Does Moissanite Look On The Hand?
Moissanite is radiant bright white under sunlight and full of fire under candlelight. Its sparkle is often more “alive,” casting flashes of color that some adore and others find bold. Diamond, by contrast, glows with tighter, white brilliance.Neither is “better”; they simply speak different languages of light.
When designing custom jewelry, we encourage clients to try both. Under natural light, most can instantly feel which one resonates. Because when a gem feels like you, there’s no mistaking it.
Is Moissanite Durable Enough For Daily Wear?
Absolutely. With a 9.25 rating on the Mohs hardness scale (diamond is 10), moissanite is one of the toughest gemstones available. It resists scratches and maintains its brilliance even after years of wear.
Still, craftsmanship matters. A secure setting whether prong, bezel, or halo protects both the stone and your peace of mind. Every AW piece is engineered for daily life: to withstand movement, to slip into gloves, and to last through decades of promise. That’s the hidden beauty of custom jewelry durability and devotion designed hand in hand.
How Should I Choose Moissanite’s Cut, Color, And Size?
Approach it the same way you’d choose a diamond: by proportions, not perfection. A well-cut moissanite reflects light evenly from center to edge. Near-colorless stones (DEF range) appear crisp in white metals; warmer tones (GHI and beyond) glow beautifully in yellow or rose gold.
Because moissanite is more accessible in price, you can explore larger carat sizes or unique cuts without straining the budget. Whether you lean classic round or vintage cushion, our atelier will help you find a scale that feels natural on your hand balanced, beautiful, and wholly yours.
How Do I Care For Moissanite Jewelry?
Moissanite doesn’t cloud or lose brilliance over time, but it does collect surface oils like any gemstone. Gentle care keeps it luminous for years.
- Clean weekly with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and remove them before gardening, lifting, or swimming.
- Schedule annual inspections what we call Promises Renewed for prong checks and refinishing.
With consistent care, your moissanite will shine as brightly on your tenth anniversary as it did the day you said yes. Thoughtful upkeep is part of the artistry of custom jewelry.
Quick Checklist For Choosing Confidently
- Confirm your jeweler uses a dual (thermal + electrical) tester.
- View your stones side by side in identical settings under different lighting.
- Check comfort points, prongs, band curvature, setting height.
- Request written details for each stone and setting material.
- Ask for professional cleaning and resizing options under Client Services.
This gentle structure turns what can feel complex into a calm, informed choice exactly what fine custom jewelry deserves.
How Do I Decide Between Diamond, Lab Diamond, And Moissanite?
A diamond tester answers a technical question. But your eyes, your heart, and your story answer the deeper one: Which stone feels like yours?
Whether you choose diamond, lab diamond, or moissanite, we’ll shape your piece with heirloom soul and engineered precision. That’s the AW Jewelry promise jewelry that feels inevitable, carries intention, and lives beautifully for generations.
Visit our Beaufort atelier or begin your consultation online. We’ll bring the expertise; you bring the meaning.
