How Long Has Moissanite Been Around? 2025
When I first began researching moissanite jewelry, I was struck by how often it was described as a “new” alternative to diamonds. But the truth is, moissanite has a fascinating history that stretches back well over a century. From its cosmic origins to its rise as a sustainable luxury stone, the journey of moissanite is as dazzling as the gem itself. In fact, understanding its background not only deepens appreciation for this extraordinary jewel, but also highlights why it has become a global favorite in fine jewelry.
Discovered in the late 19th century, moissanite started as a scientific marvel found in the most unlikely of places—a meteor crater in Arizona. Over time, its unique brilliance and near-indestructible properties captured the attention of jewelers, gemologists, and consumers alike. But it wasn’t until advances in technology allowed us to create lab-grown moissanite crystals that this gem became widely accessible. Today, it represents not only a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds but also a symbol of modern innovation in the jewelry industry.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the timeline of moissanite, from its cosmic birth to its role in contemporary fashion. We’ll cover its origins, scientific significance, the pivotal role of researchers and jewelers, and why moissanite continues to shine brighter than ever in the 21st century. Whether you’re a curious shopper or a jewelry professional, this story of resilience, innovation, and beauty is one you won’t want to miss.
Moissanite Bracelets | Shop Now
Moissanite Best Sellers | Moissanite Engagement Ring Band Sets | Moissanite Matching His & Hers Rings | Moissanite Rose Gold Wedding Sets | Moissanite White Gold Wedding Sets | Moissanite Affordable Sets | Moissanite Pendant Studs | Moissanite Clustered Sets | Moissanite Set | Moissanite Art Deco Jewelry Sets
The Origins of Moissanite: A Gem From the Stars
The story begins in 1893, when French chemist Henri Moissan discovered microscopic crystals of silicon carbide in a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. At first, Moissan believed he had found diamonds. However, years later, he realized these crystals were a completely new mineral—one so rare in nature that it could hardly be mined in usable quantities. This cosmic discovery earned the mineral the name “moissanite,” in honor of its discoverer.
Why Natural Moissanite Is Rare
Unlike diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, natural moissanite barely exists in the Earth’s crust. It’s typically found in trace amounts within meteorites, kimberlite, and corundum deposits. Because of its scarcity, gem-quality moissanite is almost entirely lab-created today. This makes moissanite not just rare, but also one of the most sustainable gemstones on the market—no mining required, no environmental disruption.
Moissanite Sets | Shop Now
Moissanite Nature Inspired Jewelry Sets | Moissanite Toi et Moi Jewelry Sets | Moissanite Engagement Ring | Moissanite Wedding Band | Moissanite Eternity Ring | Moissanite Promise Ring | Moissanite 3 Stone Ring | Moissanite Stackable Ring | Moissanite Oval Cut Ring | Moissanite Emerald Cut Ring
The Rise of Lab-Grown Moissanite
It wasn’t until the 1990s that moissanite jewelry became commercially viable. Scientists at Cree, Inc. developed a method to create large, single-crystal silicon carbide in laboratories. Shortly after, the jewelry brand Charles & Colvard secured patents for moissanite gemstones, bringing them to the global market.
This marked a turning point: moissanite went from being a mineralogical curiosity to an affordable, ethical, and durable gemstone option. Its introduction was revolutionary at a time when consumers were becoming more conscious of conflict diamonds and the environmental toll of mining.
Moissanite Necklaces | Shop Now
Moissanite Cushion Cut Ring | Moissanite Round Cut Ring | Moissanite Heart Shaped Ring | Moissanite Princess Cut Ring | Moissanite Pear Cut Ring | Moissanite Marquise Cut Ring | Moissanite Asscher Radiant Cut Ring | Moissanite Pearl Earrings | Moissanite Rose Gold Ring | Moissanite Yellow Gold Ring
Moissanite vs. Diamonds: A Historical Comparison
-
Durability: Ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond (10), making it one of the toughest gems for everyday wear.
-
Brilliance: Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) than diamonds, meaning it reflects more light and creates more sparkle.
-
Affordability: Since the 1990s, moissanite has consistently cost a fraction of diamond prices, making luxury jewelry more accessible.
-
Ethical Edge: Unlike traditional diamonds, moissanite is lab-grown, conflict-free, and eco-friendly.
Moissanite Earrings | Shop Now
Moissanite White Gold Ring | Moissanite Sterling Silver Ring | Moissanite Platinum Ring | Moissanite Black Ring | Moissanite Men Ring | Moissanite Solitaire Necklaces | Moissanite Tennis Necklaces | Moissanite Cross Necklaces | Moissanite Choker Necklaces | Moissanite Name Initial Pendants
Evolution of Moissanite in Jewelry Design
From the early 2000s, moissanite began appearing in engagement rings, earrings, and fashion jewelry. Jewelers and consumers quickly embraced it for its brilliance, versatility, and affordability. Modern cutting techniques now allow moissanite to be shaped into hearts, ovals, emeralds, and round brilliants, rivaling the finest diamond cuts.
Moissanite Engagement Rings | Shop Now
Moissanite Heart Necklaces | Moissanite Cluster Necklaces | Moissanite Halo Pendant Necklaces | Moissanite Teardrop Drop Necklaces | Moissanite Circle Bezel Pendants | Moissanite Pearl Necklaces | Moissanite Men Necklace | Moissanite Cuban Link Chains | Moissanite Dog Tag Necklaces | Moissanite Rose Gold Necklaces
The Role of Moissanite in Sustainable Luxury
Today’s shoppers are deeply concerned with sustainability and ethical sourcing. Moissanite’s history uniquely positions it as a gemstone that fulfills these values. Unlike diamonds that require extensive mining operations, moissanite is grown in controlled environments, ensuring:
-
Traceability
-
Low environmental impact
-
Fair pricing
This makes it not only a practical choice but also a statement of modern values.
Common Myths About Moissanite’s History
-
“It’s just a diamond simulant.”
Not true—moissanite is its own unique gemstone with different chemical and optical properties. -
“Moissanite has only been around for a few years.”
In fact, it was discovered over 130 years ago and has been sold as fine jewelry since the 1990s. -
“It doesn’t last like a diamond.”
With its exceptional hardness and toughness, moissanite jewelry can last for generations.
A Timeline of Moissanite
-
1893: Henri Moissan discovers silicon carbide in a meteor crater.
-
1905: The mineral is officially named “moissanite.”
-
1950s–1980s: Research advances in creating synthetic silicon carbide crystals.
-
1995: Charles & Colvard introduce lab-created moissanite jewelry.
-
2000s–Present: Moissanite becomes a leading alternative to diamonds in engagement rings and fine jewelry worldwide.
Why Moissanite Is Here to Stay
Moissanite has proven itself over more than a century, evolving from cosmic dust to a modern jewelry essential. Its brilliance, durability, affordability, and sustainability make it more than just an alternative—it’s a gemstone with its own rich legacy. As jewelry continues to shift toward ethical and eco-conscious choices, moissanite stands out as a gem of the future, rooted in history.
Final Thoughts
So, how long has moissanite been around? The answer is: since 1893—though its story stretches from outer space to modern jewelry counters. What makes it remarkable isn’t just its longevity, but its journey: from a rare mineral found in a meteor crater to a lab-grown symbol of sustainable luxury.
At Moissanite Jewelry Wholesale, we celebrate that journey every day. Our collections showcase moissanite in all its brilliance, helping couples and jewelry lovers choose a gemstone that is as timeless as it is forward-looking.
Moissanite Necklace Collections
Moissanite White Gold Necklaces | Moissanite Necklace Yellow Gold | Moissanite Sterling Silver 925 Necklaces | Moissanite Stud Earrings | Moissanite Hoop Earrings | Moissanite Drop Dangle Earrings | Moissanite Cluster Earrings | Moissanite Leverback Earrings | Moissanite Screw Back Earrings | Moissanite Round Cut Studs
Moissanite Earrings Collections
Moissanite Princess Cut Earrings | Moissanite Emerald Radiant Cut Earrings | Moissanite Pear Teardrop Earrings | Moissanite 1 Carat Earrings | Moissanite 2 Carat Earrings | Moissanite 3 Carat Earrings | Moissanite White Gold Earrings | Moissanite Rose Gold Earrings | Moissanite Sterling Silver 925 Earrings | Moissanite Men Earrings
Moissanite Bracelets Collections
Moissanite Tennis Bracelets | Moissanite Cuban Link Bracelets | Moissanite Bangle Bracelets | Moissanite Cross Bracelets | Moissanite Pearl Bracelets | Moissanite Rose Gold Bracelets | Moissanite White Gold Bracelet | Moissanite Sterling Silver 925 Bracelets | Moissanite Men Bracelet | Moissanite Men Tennis Chain Cuff Bracelet
Moissanite Watches Collections
