Moissanite

If diamonds are outside of your budget, consider purchasing Moissanite. Also known as silicon carbide, Moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond. Moissanite exhibits an excellent luster and has been on the market since 1998. Initially, it fooled gemstone merchants, as its hardness and thermal conductivity were similar to diamonds. It is fast becoming one of the most popular diamond substitutes.

Natural silicon carbide is rare, found in meteors or in very minute quantities in different rocks. Since there is really no natural supply for this stone, moissanite is primarily manufactured as a diamond substitute. The synthetic variety of silicon carbide, called Carborundum, is also a key component in making high quality, abrasive grinding wheels.

Jewelers often use Moissanite to make high quality diamond jewelry like pendants, rings, bracelets and necklaces. When set in good quality silver, gold or platinum, it looks and shines just like a real diamond. With a faceted cut, it will glitter like a real diamond too.