Blue moissanite has become a fascination in jewelry circles. With its vivid blueish-green hues reminiscent of valuable gems like sapphire and aquamarine, this laboratory-created silicon carbide gem possesses exceptional brilliance and durability. As consumer awareness grows, blue moissanite rings and pendants now give mined diamonds some serious competition.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything about the lustrous blue moissanite: its optics, hardness, best cuts, ideal settings and how to care for it. You‘ll gain confidence in selecting eye-catching blue moissanite pieces to complement your style. Time to give diamonds the blue sapphire blues!
What is Blue Moissanite?
While colorless or "white" moissanite has been popular for years as an ethical, affordable substitute for diamonds, advances in controlled manufacturing now impart gorgeous bluish-green saturated tones to moissanite, through carefully regulating trace elements like iron during production.
Like naturally-mined moissanite, lab-created blue moissanite rates 9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than all gems except diamonds. This gives blue moissanite exceptional durability for fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
While rare natural blue moissanite exists, almost all blue moissanite today comes from U.S. and Russian labs specializing in silicon carbide crystal cultivation under meticulously controlled settings. This has enabled more consistent color saturation and higher gem grades.
Fun fact: Natural moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan (thus its name). Found in a meteor crater, these extremely rare gems have only been located in trace quantities on Earth.
Dazzling Optical Properties
It is in optics that blue moissanite particularly excels, exceeding even fine diamonds. Let‘s examine the brilliance that characterizes this vibrant gem:
Refractive Index – Diamonds have a refractive rating around 2.4 compared to blue moissanite‘s higher rating between 2.65 – 2.69. This means more light enters a blue moissanite gem, increasing its brilliance and fire.
Dispersion – Dispersion indicates how sharply spectral colors burst from a gemstone. Blue moissanite far surpasses diamonds here too with a dispersion of 0.104 compared to 0.044 in diamonds. More prismatic fire!
By optimizing cuts, settings and metal colors, blue moissanites reveal their incredible dazzle and rainbow radiance for jewelry with distinction.
Cuts and Shapes That Make Blue Moissanite Sparkle
To make the most of blue moissanite‘s optical talents, choose from these cuts scientifically designed to maximize light return:
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Round – Most brilliant for dispersing spectral flashes. Ideal for solitaires or accent stones.
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Cushion – Elegant square shape with rounded edges reflects light beautifully.
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Emerald or Radiant – Sophisticated rectangular cuts emanating fire and purity.
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Asscher – Striking stepped-square cut scintillating blue flames.
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Oval or Pear (drop cuts) – Attractive elongated outlines bathing the wearer in color.
For dazzling rings, combine brilliant round or cushion blue moissanites with trendy fancy cuts like emerald or Asscher shapes.
Blue moissanites as small as 0.50 carats make impactful accent stones too. Set in 18k white or yellow gold, their saturated blue tones resemble far pricier blue sapphires.
Captivating Ring Settings for Blue Moissanite
To capitalize on blue moissanite‘s saturated hues, these ring settings take center stage:
Prong settings expose maximum blue radiance emanating from the crown and pavilion. Prongs securely grip a round, princess or Asscher cut moissanite.
Bezel settings enclose the blue gem‘s edges cleanly within a precious metal rim. Bezels suit emerald and cushion cuts.
Halo settings amp visual intrigue by encircling a blue moissanite center stone with a frame of shimmering smaller gemstones.
For multi-stone statement pieces, three-stone designs align impressive blue moissanites with complementary white sapphire or diamond side stones.
Personalize Your Blue Moissanite Jewelry
One of the joys of custom blue moissanite jewelry lies in tailoring pieces to your preferences. With online designers, you can customize your dream ring or pendant through choices of:
Center Stone Size: Between 1 to 5 carats for rings, and 0.5 to 2 carats for necklaces. Match stone dimensions to finger/neckline size.
Side Stones: Sparkling diamonds, icy white sapphires, or vivid green and orange gems that dramatically play off blue moissanite‘s unique tones.
Band Metal: Warm yellow or rose gold, contemporary white gold, or opulent platinum.
Accent Motifs: Vine, infinity, starburst and other delicate embellishmentsalong the band.
When conceptualizing your personalized jewelry, it helps to gather inspiring images of settings and styles you love. Share these visual references with jewelers to actualize your perfect bespoke bauble!
Caring For Blue Moissanite Jewelry
Blue moissanite earns its reputation for toughness and resilience through astounding real-world performance. As an extensively tested mineral, blue moissanite rates similar to diamond in thermal conductivity, heat capacity and hardness. This makes it highly impervious to chipping, cracking or marks during everyday fashion jewelry wear. With reasonable care, blue moissanite ornaments maintain their exquisite brilliance and fire for years.
Cleaning Tips
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and diluted mild soap for periodic jewelry cleansing.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach and alcohol which may erode mountings over longer term.
- For stubborn grime deposits, send to a professional jeweler for ultrasonic cleaning.
Wear & Storage
- Wear blue moissanite baubles casually but consider removing for physically demanding activities where blows or bumps may damage softer precious metal mountings.
- Store in soft fabric pouches or jewel cases individually to prevent scratching.
While blue moissanite itself remains highly resistant to fracturing or abrasions, take care to protect metal facets from undue rough impacts over time. With basic maintenance habits, you‘ll enjoy endless clear blue skies from your dazzling blue moissanite!
Let Your Blue Moissanite Jewelry Speak Volumes
Now that you‘re a blue moissanite expert, it‘s time to infuse your personal flair into earrings, pendants or engagement rings exhibiting this scintillating gem. As a morally-responsible diamond alternative, lab-created blue moissanite aligns budget, beauty and principles for showstopper statement ornaments.
Still have questions? Consult professional jewelers to translate your wildest blue moissanite dreams into tangible sparkling keepsakes. With resplendent rainbow radiance mimicking the natural iridescence of butterfly wings or peacock feathers, blue moissanite jewelry captivates at every angle. Every time gleaming blue fire graces your skin, you‘ll feel not only stylishly elegant but also ethically regal.