Moissanite - Rising Star in London
Updated: 7 days ago
Moissanite sells for about a tenth of what diamonds do. It was originally discovered in its natural form in the late 19th century by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan at an Arizona meteorite strike site called Canyon Diablo – Devil’s Canyon.
Moissan is described as “an excellent lecturer and a meticulous and patient experimentalist” on the Nobel Prize website. He did, though, originally mistake the moissanite fragments for diamonds, but later fell under the new rock’s devilish spell and devoted his life to recreating it. His efforts were in vain; but as it happens the Swedish discoverer of silicon, Jöns Jacob Berzelius, had already synthesised its constituent compound, silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates moissanite superior to diamond in overall appearance and heft. For some, moissanite is also less morally tainted given the controversies that surround the diamond industry. So-called blood diamonds inspired the 2006 political war thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which highlighted the dark side of the world’s most successfully branded gem.
In previous decades couples were told they must have a certain-sized diamond that consumed a certain percentage of their salary. Now, picking a ring is about making a meaningful purchase that aligns with your values and goals. The current generation cares less about societal pressure and more about having money left for travel and other experiences. Plus, we care about the impact our purchases have on the Earth. Moissanite is gorgeous, and its story is also one of responsibility that fits perfectly with the values of this generation
Since moissanite is developed in a controlled environment, i.e. man-made in a laboratory, there’s no mining necessary. Creating these gems is not harmful to the earth and avoids any issues with conflict trade. Compared with natural gemstones, moissanite’s origins are both traceable and completely eco-friendly, so you can admire your beautiful new bling, and feel good knowing exactly where it comes from. Valeria’s Secret goes one step further to ensure peace of mind as all our Gold products are made from recycled Gold.