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When it comes to choosing a stone for a piece of jewelry, diamonds have long been considered the gold standard. However, there is a new contender in town: moissanite. This brilliant stone is quickly gaining popularity among jewelry enthusiasts and is rapidly becoming a top choice for those looking for a diamond alternative. In this post, we’ll explore five reasons why moissanite is a better option for jewelry than diamonds.

Jewelry can be durable depending on the materials used to create it. Most jewelry is composed of different kinds of metal, which means it's essential to know what's in your favorite pieces before you take them for a swim. While some metals can go in the water and get wet without too much concern for rust and corrosion, other types are more prone to natural decaying over time. This factor is why you need to know what metal is in the chains, rings, earrings, and bracelets you wear daily. When you see what's in your jewelry, you'll learn how to handle it around water.  To know how to deal with this kind of decay, it is essential to understand different types of gold and other common metals that are found in jewelry. The answers to this question tend to be a little different for each of these metals.  Let's take a look at each type to learn how you should handle your favorite metal jewelry. Then, we'll show you some of our favorite water-safe chains and other accessories you can wear daily.   Which Kinds of Metals Can Get Wet and Which Can't? Every metal is different. Each type is often composed of very different substances on a molecular level, and all of these substances react differently to water. Some tend to oxidize and lose their color, while others rust and have adverse reactions. Still, some metals are just fine in water. Some metal jewelry pieces may even have a protective coating that allows them to retain their appearance even after water contact. There is no one simple answer to whether your jewelry should get wet. Still, it's helpful to know which ones you can feel free to adventure with and which kinds you should be a little more cautious about.   Sterling Silver Sterling silver is a common jewelry material. Its luscious silver color has long been lauded as exciting and versatile. Its look provides a luxurious feel jewelry-wearers have enjoyed for centuries. But can it get wet? Generally speaking, sterling silver is safe in the water but should be handled very intentionally. Over time, prolonged exposure to water will likely lead to oxidation, which produces a tarnish over the metal that darkens it and makes it less vibrant. It's generally better to avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry when you're in highly chemical water, like a pool. Those chemicals will often accelerate the oxidation process. Long story short, it's okay if sterling silver jewelry comes in contact with water briefly, but extended periods of exposure aren't the best idea. Solid Gold  Your gold is valuable, so it's critical to know whether or not it can get wet. When it comes to solid gold, it tends to react to water favorably.  On its own, pure 24k gold does not rust. So when a piece of jewelry contains pure gold, it is generally acceptable to have the gold in the water.  In most cases, you should be fine to have solid gold in the water, and it shouldn't have too many problems, as long as you take care of it and occasionally wipe it off with a jewelry cleaning cloth. Take care not to wear it during too many hot showers, though, as that can diminish its luster.  Gold-Plated  Gold-plated jewelry differs with each jewelry retailer. Some use only a thin layer of gold that can wear off and react to water poorly with oxidation and tarnishing. When it comes to reputable jewelers, gold-plated jewelry can fare in the water just fine.  At The Real, we use high-quality materials, so you have the most durable jewelry for everyday wear. Our pieces contain 14 or 18-karat plated gold coated in a waterproof covering, which means that our jewelry will often fare better than other kinds of jewelry in wet conditions.  Premium 316L Stainless Steel This is one of the most popular metals that we use in our Anti-Tarnish jewelry collection. This kind of stainless steel's ability to keep corrosion and decay at bay makes it incredibly durable and look incredibly beautiful and luxurious. It reacts well to water, even with chemicals present. In short, you don't have to wonder whether or not this kind of metal will work for you.    Why THE REAL JEWELRY COMPANY Stands Out From the Rest  At The Real, we want to provide you with jewelry that stands out and helps you feel your best. We make our rings, chains, necklaces, and pendants with the best quality materials to ensure your favorite jewelry lasts for years.   If you're looking for the next step to elevating your daily wardrobe, The Real jewelry is for you. Wear it in the office or white water rafting; your pieces will stand up to the challenge.  

Does Gold Jewelry Tarnish? When gold tarnishes, you will notice a slight discoloration of the jewelry (usually a darker color). This means that the surface of the gold is starting to slightly corrode and develop a tarnish film. There are a lot of speculations on whether real gold tarnishes of not, so we will explain exactly how gold jewelry tarnishes.   As an element, gold holds the title as being one of the elements that is least reactive. In it's pure form, gold does not rust or tarnish as it does not combine with oxygen easily. This is why pure gold stays as shiny as it does. When it comes to gold jewelry, it is very rare to find pure gold jewelry pieces. With as soft as pure gold is, it must be alloyed with other metals in order to be formed into strong, durable jewelry. The metals that are mixed with the gold usually have properties that make it tarnishable. This is why you will see gold jewelry start to tarnish if not cared for. If you are looking for gold jewelry that is less likely to tarnish, you are going to want to look for a higher karat gold. For example, 24 karat gold will not tarnish as it is pure gold. You will see more tarnishing in jewelry under 14 karats of gold. To play it safe, look for jewelry in the 14-18 karats of gold.   One of the biggest misconceptions of gold jewelry is that tarnishing indicates that the gold jewelry is not real. This cannot be further from the truth as this only implies that the jewelry is not pure gold. The higher the karat of gold means that less metals were mixed in with them. This is why lesser karats tend to tarnish more. However, lesser karat gold jewelry tarnishes at a slower pace than sterling silver, another popular choice in jewelry. So what exactly causes the gold jewelry to tarnish and what tends to speed up the process? Let's discuss!   What Causes Gold To Tarnish? Much like rust on a piece of metal, oxygen and sulfur are contributing factors to gold tarnishing. When moisture mixes with oxygen and sulfur compounds in the metals mixed with the gold, corrosion will take place on the surface causing a tarnished look. Due to the way that your body works, some people may experience quicker tarnishing than others.   If you are constantly using cologne, perfume, hairspray and detergents on parts of your body where your jewelry lies, you will also notice an increase in tarnishing. Acidic foods can also be a contributing factor. Food such as onions, spices, pickles, and lemons can all make gold jewelry tarnish quicker.   How To Prevent Gold Jewelry From Tarnishing When it comes to preventing your gold jewelry from tarnishing, you are first going to want to try to avoid exposing them to constant contact with the chemicals listed above. Here are some other tips to keep your gold jewelry from tarnishing:  Always remove your jewelry when washing your hands or showering. Soaps can leave a dull finish on your jewelry which will make it harder to clean your jewelry over time.  Invest in a nice jewelry box that will keep all of your jewelry separate. This will reduce the chances of them being scratched against one another. To help remove moisture from your jewelry box, add a silica gel packet.  Avoid allowing your jewelry to stay wet for long periods of time.   How To Treat Tarnished Gold Jewelry So what do you do when your gold jewelry starts to tarnish? If the jewelry only has a surface tarnish, you can use a few drops of a mild, non-phosphate dish soap and warm water to help clean up the tarnish. This can be done with a cotton swab, towel, or simply your fingers. While some may offer toothpaste or baking soda as a solution, these are both quite abrasive and can do more damage to your jewelry. Once cleaned, use a towel to dry your jewelry and allow it to air dry overnight. Using a cotton cloth or jewelry polishing cloth, polish the jewelry to a nice shine.   If you are unable to restore your jewelry back to its original shine, or do not feel comfortable cleaning it yourself, bring it to a professional jeweler such as The Real Jewelry Company. Our team of jewelry experts can access the gold jewelry and polish it back to perfection. A jeweler can also inform you on how to accurately care for your specific piece and offer cleaning tips to help you keep your gold jewelry looking new at all times.  

From a logical point of view Moissanite and Diamond have nearly identical visual characteristics. Both gemstones are clear and are two of the hardest gemstones known to man. Both exude incredible beauty, will last a lifetime, and are excellent options for everyday wear.

Diamonds might reign supreme in the world of hip hop jewelry, but they certainly aren’t the only gemstone option out there. If you want something different, you have plenty of choices—including stones that look remarkably similar to diamonds, such as moissanite. “Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide, which is very rare and can’t be found in nature large enough to be cut into even a one-carat gemstone,” explains Don O’Connell, president and CEO of Charles & Colvard, For this reason, the moissanite used in fine jewelry is created in a lab—unlike diamonds, which are naturally occurring. Despite their differing origins, these two gemstones have plenty in common. Ahead, O’Connell and expert Kim Kanary explain how moissanite compares to diamonds. MEET THE EXPERT Don O’Connell is the CEO and President of Charles & Colvard, the biggest moissanite jewelry company in America. Kim Kanary is a certified gemologist and vice president of community development and engagement at JTV, an online jewelry shopping destination. Moissanite vs. Diamonds Price Perhaps the biggest advantage of moissanite over diamonds is the price, for moissanite is considerably cheaper than a diamond. “A moissanite gem is approximately one-tenth the cost of a mined diamond of equal size and quality,” O’Connell says. “The value of moissanite is greater with larger carat weights.” If you want a large carat, white gemstone, but you don’t have the money for a large diamond, moissanite is the way to go. “For many, a colorless diamond with the highest clarity grade is completely unattainable,” O’Connell says. “In my opinion, there is no reason to compromise overall quality with a lesser diamond.” Lower quality, smaller diamond tends to cost more than higher quality, larger moissanite stone. Durability Diamonds are known for their durability. They are the hardest known mineral and can withstand almost any kind of wear and tear, which makes them ideal for everyday wear, especially for an engagement ring. Kim Kanary of JTV explains, “Diamonds do possess a higher degree of hardness, so it will be significantly more resistant to abrasions." However, moissanite doesn’t fall far behind. “Moissanite is the second hardest to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale,” O’Connell says. “Based on rankings from one to 10, diamonds are a 10 and moissanite is a 9.25-9.5.” Moissanite is a very durable option for an engagement ring stone, especially since the material doesn't scratch easily. Brilliance The most obvious difference between moissanite and diamonds is their brilliance. In general, moissanite has more brilliance than a diamond. “It has more fire and brilliance than any other gemstone, meaning it has more sparkle,” reveals O’Connell. “Because moissanite is double refractive, it is cut differently than diamonds to enhance the sparkle.” Kanary adds, “Moissanite has over twice the dispersion value of a diamond, which means that it has a greater fire (or display of spectral colors) that is visible when you rotate the stone.” The result is a rainbow-like effect, while diamonds reflect whiter light. Color Both moissanite and diamonds can both be colorless or have some color to them. Kanary offers, “Moissanite has traditionally carried a yellowish or greenish tint to it. However, manufacturers have been perfecting the creation process over time, and you can now get high-quality moissanite that is colorless.” Diamond color, however, can vary greatly. She explains, “Diamond color is graded on a scale of D-Z, with D being colorless and Z being a light yellow or brown (with those beyond Z being fancy color diamonds). So, diamonds can be everything from colorless to yellow, pink, blue, green, red, or brown.” Shopping Considerations While shopping for moissanite is like shopping for any other gemstone, there are a few things to keep in mind. “The most important aspect to remember is that you can find high-quality moissanite for a reasonable price, so don’t settle for a stone that has visible imperfections in clarity or color,” Kanary says. “While moissanite can have inclusions, you should be able to find a stone that is eye clean.” Don’t settle for a low-quality stone thinking it’s all you can afford—if you shop around, you’ll likely find higher quality stones at the same price point. How do you know if the stone is of high quality? “Look for that high degree of fire, a bright luster, and a good polish with very minimal surface scratches,” Kanary says. As usual, shop with a retailer you trust in order to get the most for your money. Moissanite looks good in any setting and pairs well with any other gemstone accents, including diamonds. It’s versatile and easy to play around with, so finding a piece you love shouldn’t be difficult.

You’ve probably gazed upon that versatile gold link chain hanging around the neck of DJ Khaled and said “Oh, that chain necklace looks pretty cool for a cool dude.” Yes, we all know what type of chain necklace that is. It’s the iconic Cuban link chain. The redeeming best of all necklace chain types when it comes to looking versatile and stylish.  Well, not just DJ Khaled, almost all hip hop artists and rappers are seen to have been wearing this iconic one-in-a-kind link chain. The design is just top-notch, meant to outclass any other in a modern setting.  Come 2022 and the Cuban necklace has just become even more appealing. In this blog, let’s take a look at this interesting piece of jewelry that has won the hearts of most men who love to represent class and style.  Off we go! What is a Cuban link chain? There isn’t much of a pattern difference when you see a Cuban link chain and other cable chain types. But there is a significant difference once you know what uniquely highlights a Cuban link. The Cuban chain is a subtle variant of the normal cable chains that you get to buy in any jewelry store. In these types of chain necklaces, the links are featured in an oval shape. They are tightly and closely knit together and represent a rope-like pattern.  The difference between Cuban and Curb link chains Some people tend to get confused with the curb chain to be a Cuban link chain. But in truth, the two are totally different necklace chain types. The Cuban necklace has a much rounder, bolder, and thicker look compared to that of the curb link chain. The curb chain has a thinner frame and a flatter wall. The next classification comes in terms of the weight of both types of chain necklaces. A 10k gold Cuban link chain that has measurements of 10 mm and 26” inches, weighs approximately 200 grams. A curb link chain of the same measurements will weigh only 70 grams. You see the massive difference in both necklace chain types. So people who like a heavier necklace will naturally find the gold Cuban link chain appealing. Origin of the Cuban link chain You should have probably heard of the Cuban link to be addressed as the Miami link chain. There’s a reason for that. It’s because these necklace chain types originated in Miami out of a rapid movement in the early ’70s. The hip-hop jewelry movement which was gaining attention at the time in Miami eventually gave way to the Cuban necklace that we see today. Today you can spot custom Cuban chains across the necks of many hip hop artists and other fashion enthusiasts.   Why is the Cuban link growing in popularity? There are so many types of chain necklaces in the modern fashion world but very few like the gold Cuban link chain have a place of their own. You don’t have to think beyond the normal scope of thought to understand why it’s so. Although other curb and cable chains also give a strong and endearing look, the Cuban link upholds the rank because of its cultural relevance. On top of that, the sleek and fine design of these necklace chain types is what gives them the appeal.  It fits into the bill if you’re having a modern outlook, owing to the huge celebrity following that this chain has. You’re also going to benefit from Cuban necklaces if you have a traditional outlook. The traditional aspect of the gold Cuban link chain is much evident in this twisty cable-like design of the chain. That’s why the Cuban chain is growing in popularity even though the initial breakthrough was in the year 2012.  Another prominent reason is the ability of these types of chain necklaces to fit any type of fashion wear. Whether you are wearing a casual T-shirt or a Blazer, they complement the tonality of the costume. It also complements well when you have other gold chains layered with it. All these reasons give way to the massive appeal that the Cuban link chain draws towards it.  Types of Cuban chain necklaces You will find these types of Cuban necklaces in the current jewelry scenario.  10k gold Cuban link chain  14k gold Cuban link chain Gold plated Cuban chain Gold-filled Cuban link Sterling Silver Cuban necklace Diamond Cuban Chain Moissanite Cuban Chain You can choose your personal favorite Cuban necklace according to your choice.  Style it your own way! Another plus point of using the gold Cuban link chain is that you can style it the way you want. You don’t necessarily have to wear it plainly. You can showcase pendants of any sort to add some contrast to the Cuban link chain. The pendants can also represent something that showcases your identity. That’s why hip hop artists and rappers use particular pendants with their Cuban necklaces. You can also choose the size, weight, and thickness of your choice, thus optimizing your look for a given setting. For a casual setting, you might prefer more of a shorter Cuban link compared to when you go for events and showtimes.  You can also glamorize your gold Cuban link chain with diamonds engraved into the rope-like pattern of the chain. These diamond-studded gold Cuban necklaces are highly attractive and fashionable. The current trends have spotted several celebrities keen on this fashion regime. Pave diamonds are a good choice for this kind of setting.  Enjoy this trend in style! The legacy of the Cuban necklace is evolving every day. It’s a trend that never looks to settle. That’s why you can customize your jewelry collections with these iconic necklace chain types. You can also find Miami Cuban link chains that are affordable for everyday use. The durability and strength of these cable chains are up to the mark that they will not break down or tear apart.  The Real Jewelry Company will get the Cuban link chain for you. Just fill a form on our website and let us know the specific type of Cuban necklace you’re looking for will get back to you. 

Moissanite probably isn’t the first gemstone to come to mind when thinking about an engagement ring. It isn’t because Moissanite is a newly discovered gem, but Moissanite simply couldn’t become popular until recent years, due to its extreme rarity, they do not occur naturally on Earth and can only be found in meteorites (more on that below). However, modern technology has fundamentally shifted the supply of Moissanite through synthetic creation.   Supply Moissanite is extremely rare in its natural form because it doesn’t grow on earth like other gemstones. This gemstone actually originate from meteorites in space and become recognized as Moissanite when it lands on Earth. Given the circumstance of this gem's origin, natural Moissanite is not available to be mined and astronomically expensive to source.When the idea of engagement rings became popular around 1910, Diamond had enough natural supply in the mines around the world to meet the demands of the newly adopted proposal culture. Although gemologists and jewelers knew about Moissanites at the time, there wasn’t enough Moissanite supply for widespread commercialization. This was the case until the technology became available for producing Moissanite gemstones in labs. Technology In recent decades, advanced technology enabled chemists to produce mainstream gemstones in lab setting. These includes Diamonds, Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies and Moissanites. Moissanites gained popularity as consumers appreciated its equivalent beauty, durability, and fair cost. Consumers and sometimes even jewelers, have difficulty telling Moissanites apart from its over-marketed counterpart due to its similar visual properties. The industry's secret When lab created Moissanites became available on the market around 1980, jewelers had mutual interests to not mass release this gemstone into the market. Jewelers were aware of Moissanites but had all refused to sell or educate consumers on this gem since it would interfere with sales on highly profitable Diamonds. Moissanite has been the longest kept secret within the jewelry community and is a contributing cause to why most people haven’t heard of this gemstone. The information on these gems have been exposed in recent years and Moissanites are now the second most popular gemstone used in engagement rings.

Though still unfamiliar to some, moissanite’s popularity as a diamond-alternative gem has soared in recent years thanks to a number of reasons. Worldwide, it is the second most popular gemstone after diamonds for fine jewelry and engagement rings. While often compared alongside diamonds, moissanite is a unique stone with its distinctive traits and aesthetic qualities. Moissanite’s growing popularity, especially among environmentally and socially conscious millennials, represents a massive shift in values towards creating a more sustainable future. Despite moissanite’s beauty and diamond-like durability, its rarity on earth prevented it from becoming more popular and widely used. Nearly a hundred years later, in the mid-1990s, scientists began to perfect a process for synthesizing moissanite in a lab. Since then, they have been able to produce lab-grown moissanite stones that rival even the finest diamonds in size, detail, and brilliance. In terms of appearance, when comparing moissanite vs. diamonds, the two gems seem similar. The truth is, while moissanite shares some of the diamond’s best traits (such as beauty & durability), it also has its own set of unique benefits that have driven its popularity in recent years. Let’s take a look at the top reasons to pick moissanite over diamond when shopping for jewelry.   Moissanite Is Cheaper Than Diamond One of the most appealing aspects of opting for moissanite over diamond is that moissanite is vastly cheaper than diamonds. This should not be taken as meaning moissanite is simply a cheaper “knock-off” version of a diamond. On the contrary, moissanite contains all of the most desirable aspects of a diamond (& more) without the astronomical price tag. This is thanks to our ability to grow moissanite in a lab setting in a consistent, reliable, and cost-effective way. While diamonds can also be created in a lab, the process is a lot more costly and complicated than moissanite, and they ultimately aren’t much cheaper. A moissanite engagement ring, on average, costs less than 1/10th the price of a diamond ring.   Moissanite Is More Sustainable Than Diamonds (Socially & Environmentally) The diamond industry has long been known to engage in mining practices that are harmful to the environment and exploit cheap local labor. Naturally-occurring moissanite is incredibly rare on planet earth, which means there are no questionable major mining operations procuring them. The fact is that lab-grown and naturally occurring moissanite are chemically identical to each other. Because of this, lab-grown moissanite should not be thought of as an imitation stone but as the real deal. This bypasses two of the major conflicts associated with diamonds since moissanite does not need to be dug out of the earth in mass quantities. As younger and new generations begin to step up to the plate in the fight to protect our planet, the need for socially and ecologically sustainable options in all corners of our lives has become ever more evident. This is one of the driving factors behind moissanite’s exploding popularity in recent years, as we begin to redefine how we value beauty in this world.   Unparalleled Brilliance & Color Moissanite has both a high refractive index and dispersion value. These are just two fancy scientific ways of measuring how much light the gemstone reflects in its cut. Moissanite is renowned for its radiance and fiery brilliance and outscores diamond in both of these metrics. Not only are moissanite gems quantifiably more dazzling than diamonds, but they are also available in a broader range of color options to suit your style. Thanks to modern lab techniques, scientists can produce moissanite in hues that are more even, and consistent throughout than diamonds generally are.     Moissanite Is Tough & Durable One of the reasons diamonds have become so treasured over time is that they are the hardest naturally occurring substance found on earth. This means that when cared for, they can virtually last forever and be passed down from generation to generation. It also means that they are tough enough to stand up to general, everyday wear without worrying too much about damaging the stone. Moissanite is an excellent diamond alternative because it is nearly as hard as diamond. Gems’ hardness is measured on the MOHS scale, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds rate as a perfect 10, meaning they are the hardest gemstone at the end of the spectrum. Moissanite stones score between 9.25-9.5, which puts them right up there in hardness. While it is slightly less, you can be sure that moissanite is every bit as reliable and durable as a diamond is and will last you a lifetime.   Conclusion: Why We Believe Moissanite Is Better Than Diamonds When deciding between a diamond engagement ring and a moissanite engagement ring, the answer is pretty straightforward. Moissanite provides a more sustainable and ethical alternative relative to diamonds – and it is much cheaper and easier to produce. With moissanite, you sacrifice nothing in customizability, beauty, and durability and will have a piece of jewelry that you can treasure for a lifetime.