Moissanite and diamonds are both popular in the jewelry market. Despite their similar appearances, they exhibit significant differences in certain aspects. One common question: why does 1ct moissanite look bigger than 1ct diamond? This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Table Of Content
- What Is a Carat?
- Why Is 1ct Moissanite Bigger Than 1ct Diamond?
- Why Your 1ct Diamond Ring Larger Than 1ct Moissanite Ring?
- What Is the Diameter of a 1ct Round Moissanite vs. Diamond?
- What Else to Consider When Purchasing Moissanite or Diamond?
- Conclusion
What Is a Carat?
A carat (ct) is the unit used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones. 1 carat is equivalent to 200mg (0.2g). Carats can be further subdivided into points, with one carat equaling 100 points. This allows for more accurate measurements of gemstones weighing less than 1 carat. For example, a 0.5ct diamond is also known as a 50-point diamond.
Why Is 1ct Moissanite Bigger Than 1ct Diamond?
The main reason 1ct moissanite is larger than 1ct diamond is that moissanite has a lower density (3.22 g/cm³) than diamond (3.52 g/cm³). The volume of a gemstone is related to its mass and density. The mass of a gemstone is its weight, and density is the mass of the substance per unit volume. This is calculated using the formula: density = mass/volume. So, the density and mass affect the size of the volume. For the same mass, the lower the density, the greater the volume. Therefore, moissanite has a larger volume than diamond.
Another factor contributing to the perception of moissanite as larger than a diamond of the same carat weight is the higher refractive index and dispersion of moissanite. Moissanite displays greater brilliance under the same lighting conditions, which enhances its visual volume due to its unique optical characteristics.
Why Your 1ct Diamond Ring Larger Than 1ct Moissanite Ring?
Regarding physical properties, 1ct moissanite is larger in volume than 1ct diamond. There are numerous reasons why 1ct diamond is larger than 1ct moissanite, including differences in cut, shape, gemstone quality, and setting.
The higher the gemstone’s quality, the greater the light reflection, which has a visually magnifying effect. A deeply cut stone will appear smaller from the front than a shallow cut stone (a deeply cut stone is taller than a shallow cut, so the front of the stone is smaller for the same weight). A bezel-set gemstone will appear smaller than a claw-set gemstone, and so on.
What Is the Diameter of a 1ct Round Moissanite vs. Diamond?
The diameters of a 1-carat round moissanite and diamond are as follows:
1ct round diamond has a diameter of approximately 6.4-6.5mm.
1ct round moissanite has a diameter of approximately 6.5-6.7mm.
Note: The depth of the cut affects the size of the gemstone’s front surface. Therefore, even a 1-carat gemstone may not have the dimensions described above. View our Shallow Cut vs. Ideal Cut vs. Deep Cut for more details.
What Else to Consider When Purchasing Moissanite or Diamond?
Budget: Setting a budget is essential before shopping. If your budget is limited, moissanite may be a more economical choice.
Color: Colorless diamonds and moissanites remain popular choices. When buying, pay attention to color grades ranging from D-Z, with D being the highest and completely colorless. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors such as pink, yellow, etc.
Cut: The cut affects a gemstone’s brilliance. A well-cut stone will sparkle more, achieving a magnifying effect visually. The round brilliant cut is the most classic and fail-safe cut.
Clarity: This is crucial when buying gemstones. Stones with higher clarity appear more transparent and flawless. Typically, moissanites or diamonds with VS+ clarity look perfect.
Ethics: Moissanite, as a lab-created gemstone, adheres to principles of ethical sustainability. If you prefer diamonds, consider lab-grown diamonds, which possess identical properties to natural diamonds but are more affordable.
Jeweler: Choosing a reputable jeweler to purchase your moissanite or diamond is crucial. MollyJewelryUS offers high-quality moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, accompanied by GIA certification.
Conclusion
The main reason why a 1ct moissanite appears larger than a 1ct diamond is due to moissanite’s lower density compared to diamond. Additionally, the color, clarity, cut, and shape of the gemstone also affect the visual effect. Therefore, when purchasing moissanite or diamond, consider factors beyond carat weight, such as gemstone and cut quality offered by the jeweler. Explore our 1-carat moissanite rings for inspiration for your 1-carat ring.