Thinking about buying moissanite but still have questions?
Good. You should have questions before you spend money on any stone.
Whether you’re shopping for a tennis chain, a custom pendant, or everyday earrings, this guide walks you through 20 key questions you need to understand before you buy moissanite—especially if you’re looking at iced–out hip hop jewelry like Sommarnox.
1. What exactly is moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone originally discovered in a meteor crater. It’s made of silicon carbide and is famous for its insane brilliance and fire—it reflects more light than a diamond, which is why it looks so bright on camera and under club lights.
2. Is moissanite a fake diamond?
No. Moissanite is a real gemstone, not glass or CZ. It’s not a diamond, but it’s often used as a diamond alternative because it delivers similar or even stronger sparkle at a much more accessible price.
3. How does moissanite compare to diamonds in hardness?
Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale; moissanite is 9.25–9.5, which is extremely durable for daily wear. That means your chain, pendant, or earrings won’t scratch easily and are suitable for everyday use when treated properly.
4. Why do moissanite stones look so bright?
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond. Translation: it bends light more, so you see more rainbow flashes and white sparkle. On stage, in photos, or under LED lights, moissanite tends to “pop” harder than many diamonds.
5. Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Most high-quality moissanite, including the pieces used by Sommarnox, will pass common diamond testers, because they conduct heat similarly to diamonds. That’s why moissanite is often used in high-end iced–out jewelry.
6. Does moissanite turn yellow or get cloudy over time?
High-quality moissanite does not turn yellow or cloudy. If you keep it clean (You can clean it with jewelry cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush.), it will keep its sparkle for years. Any “yellow” effect you sometimes see online usually comes from poor lighting, low quality stones, or dirty jewelry.
7. Are there different grades of moissanite?
Yes. Just like diamonds, moissanite comes in different color and clarity grades. Sommarnox focuses on D-color, VVS-grade moissanite, which means near-colorless stones with very few internal flaws, giving you a clean and bright look.
8. Is moissanite good for everyday wear?
Definitely. With its hardness and durability, moissanite is perfect for everyday chains, pendants, rings, and earrings. Just avoid harsh chemicals, remove before heavy workouts or swimming, and store it properly to protect the metal and plating.
9. What metals are best for moissanite jewelry?
For long-term wear, look for:
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925 sterling silver with high-quality PVD 14K gold plating
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Solid gold (10K/14K/18K) for premium pieces
These options give a good balance between luxury feel, durability, and price. Sommarnox frequently uses 925 silver as the base with a thick 14K PVD layer for strong color and shine.
10. Why do iced–out moissanite pieces cost less than diamonds?
Because moissanite is lab-created, its supply is more controlled and efficient. You’re not paying for mining, middlemen, or “brand markups” from luxury houses. You get the look and performance of high-end jewelry at a fraction of the price.
11. Is moissanite ethical and eco-friendly?
Compared with mined diamonds, moissanite is more ethical and environmentally friendly. It’s lab-grown, so there’s no large-scale mining, no conflict zones, and far less environmental disruption.
12. How does moissanite look in real life vs. photos?
In photos and videos, moissanite often looks extremely bright—sometimes even more than diamonds. In real life, it has a sharp, clean sparkle that feels luxe rather than cheap. On a well-made Cuban chain or tennis chain, the effect is very “celebrity” but still wearable.
13. Can people tell it’s not a diamond?
Most people cannot tell the difference just by looking, especially in smaller stones or in full-iced pieces like Cuban chains or pendants. Even many jewelers need tools to be sure. What they can see is: it shines hard.
14. How should I clean moissanite jewelry?
Use this simple routine:
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Warm water + a drop of mild dish soap
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Soak for a few minutes
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Gently brush with a soft toothbrush
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Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth
Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners—those damage the metal and plating, not the stone.
15. Does moissanite work well in hip hop / streetwear style jewelry?
Yes. Moissanite is perfect for hip hop jewelry because it:
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Shines aggressively under stage and club lights
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Works well in large, fully iced designs
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Is strong enough for everyday and high-energy wear
That’s why many iced-out chains, pendants, and earrings now use top-grade moissanite.
16. What should I check before buying a moissanite piece?
Look for:
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Stone quality (D color, VVS clarity if possible)
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Metal type (925 silver, 14K gold, or high-quality plating)
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Weight and size details
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Secure settings (prong / claw settings rather than glued stones)
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Brand reputation and reviews
17. Are custom moissanite pieces worth it?
If you want something personal—name, logo, symbol, photo pendant—then yes, custom moissanite is one of the best ways to get a luxury look without overspending. Sommarnox offers custom pendants with VVS moissanite set in 14K gold or 925 silver, designed to match your style and story.
18. Is moissanite suitable for gifts?
Absolutely. Because it delivers a high-end look with a more friendly price, moissanite is great for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or self-reward gifts. Chains, cross pendants, and earrings are especially popular for men’s gifts.
19. What is the biggest mistake people make when buying moissanite?
The biggest mistake is focusing only on price and ignoring:
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Stone grade
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Metal quality
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Setting style
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Brand reliability
Cheap moissanite with weak settings and bad plating will lose its charm fast. You want pieces that are built to last, not just shine for a month.
20. Is moissanite right for me?
Ask yourself:
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Do I want strong shine and bold presence?
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Do I care more about look & quality than about paying for a big-name luxury logo?
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Do I want something durable enough to wear often?
If your answer is “yes” to these, moissanite is a perfect fit—especially in well-crafted pieces like those from Sommarnox.
