Diamonds, Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia: What are the best clear stones?

AD. Clear gemstones are admired by so many. They're adored by jewellery enthusiasts and normal folk alike. It's the unmatched elegance and timeless appeal of a clear gemstone that makes them so popular when it comes to choosing perfect jewellery pieces. Understanding what makes a great gemstone however is essential. In this article we'll take a deep dive into what makes a fantastic gemstone and discuss what the best clear stones are.

_{[Photo by Jackie Tsang on Unsplash]}

Qualities of a great gemstone

Hardness:

The hardness of a gemstone plays a crucial part in its longevity. We rate the hardness of gemstones on the Mohs scale. This ranks from 1-10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. Talc for example ranks as 1 and diamonds a 10. A high ranking gemstone will resist scratching and wear, making sure your jewellery retains its beauty for years to come.

Brilliance and fire:

A fantastic gemstone shines with brilliance and fire. Brilliance refers to the reflection and refraction of light. And fire describes the way the light is dispersed into a spectrum of colours. The mix of the two creates a captivating, alluring sparkle.

Durability:

Your gemstone should withstand its usage needs. How often your jewellery piece is being worn should be considered when choosing the perfect gemstone. Fluorites for example aren't particularly robust and may not be great for everyday wear.

Clarity:

The clarity of a gemstone refers to any internal inclusions or blemishes. A gemstone with less flaws shows beauty without distraction. High clarity stones such as diamonds, moissanite or cubic zirconias are often viewed as more appealing.

Ethical considerations:

Many retailers today only source ethical gemstones. There are various practices put in place to ensure this. Investigate the stones origins to ensure it aligns with your ethical values.

_{[Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash]}

What are the best clear stones?

Whilst there are a great number of clear gemstones available to purchase today we will be focussing on diamonds, moissanite and cubic zirconia stones. Three of the most sought after clear stones.

Diamonds

Diamonds are renowned for being one of the best clear stones! Natures masterpiece you could say. Mined deep within the Earth they symbolise everlasting love due to their robustness and uniqueness. They're a favourable choice when it comes to engagement rings and symbolic, sentimental jewellery.

Why are diamonds considered one of the best clear stones:

• Diamonds are a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. They're the hardest and most durable gemstone. Nothing beats a diamond on the Mohs scale.
• Their excellent fire and brilliance (which is often certificated) make diamonds an excellent choice for those lookin for added sparkle.
• A diamonds durability is like no other. Many diamond sellers offer lifetime guarantees on their stones.
• You'll often find diamonds come certificated with incredible clarity ratings. FL (flawless) is seen as the perfect diamond however anything from VS1/VS2 upwards is considered desirable.
• Ethically any diamonds being bought should follow the Kimberley process. This is to ensure they have been purchased free from conflict.
• Diamonds are 100% natural and created over 100miles under the Earths surface. This natural act is often seen as the most desirable.
• Diamonds are often the most expensive gemstone due to their rarity and desirability.

Moissanite

Moissanite is a lab grown gemstone. It's practically perfect in every way, even surpassing some diamonds in sparkle. Moissanite is an ethical and affordable choice for those seeking that added razzle daddle.

Let's take a look into why moissanite is considered one of the best clear stones:

• Moissanite ranks highly on the Mohs scale at 9.25, just below diamonds.
• As moissanite is lab grown its fire and brilliance is perfected and often outshines that of a diamond.
• This lab grown gemstone is highly durable and more than suitable for everyday or occasion wear.
• The clarity of a moissanite gemstone is generally FL-VS1. This is because of its controlled growth.
• As moissanite is lab created it is considered highly ethical.
• Moissanite is a more affordable option compared to diamonds.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia (or zircon) is a synthetic gemstone which offers good clarity and sparkle. They bring affordable elegance to fashion and costume jewellery making that alluring sparkle of a clear gemstone more accessible.

Why are cubic zirconia considered one of the best clear stones:

• Cubic zirconia has a hardness rating of 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale.
• Whilst not as firey as diamonds or moissanite, cubic zirconia stones can still pack a punch with their sparkle.
• Cubic zirconia jewellery can last for many years with proper care.
• This synthetic gemstone offers great clarity with minimal inclusions.
• Being synthetically produced in laboratories, cubic zirconia is considered ethically sourced.
• Cubic zirconia jewellery is a much more affordable option compared to diamonds and moissanite.

Introducing Carat London

Carat London are one of the UK's leading jewellery retailers who fuse beauty with innovation. What sets them aside from others is their commitment to provide a variety and diverse range of gemstones. You'll find affordable cubic zirconia adorned jewellery as well as lab grown gentle diamonds from Carat London.

I have the carissa necklace from Carat London which features beautiful cubic zirconia stones. They shine brilliantly and offer magnificent sparkle to my outfits. The necklace also has an adjustable length which makes it a great transitional day to night piece.

I'm really impressed with this particular piece from Carat London, however there's so much more available!... I'm actually quite fancying a gentle diamond ring. I can buy myself one, right?

So, what are the best clear stones?

That's the million dollar question, right? And the reason you're reading this article.

In short, your jewellery choice should be exactly that... Yours! For each jewellery item we have our own desired needs and requirements. A celebratory engagement ring, tennis bracelet for your anniversary or a simple set of studs all come with their own practicality requirements.

Think about the specific piece you're buying and whether it needs to be affordable, desirable or show stopping. Perhaps then you'll be able to make your mind up on what the best clear gemstone is.

_{[Photo by Allie Pollock on Unsplash]}

What do you feel are the best clear stones? Did you know about lab grown diamonds?