The recent evolution of watchmaking has allowed consumers to explore alternatives to luxury materials that provide high-quality yet wallet-friendly options.
For many, moissanite has quickly emerged as a favorite for watches because of its brilliance and durability. While still primarily associated with fine jewelry, moissanite is quickly establishing itself as a strong contender in the watch arena- especially in models that are designed with fashion in mind rather than luxury.
Having a basic understanding of the process which these watches are produced will give a better grasp of the value and quality that moissanite watches provide.
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1. What Is Moissanite? An Overview
Moissanite is a silicon carbide (SiC) crystal first discovered in a meteor crater by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893. Natural moissanite is super rare, the moissanite we all utilize now is a lab-created stone. These lab-grown gems are super radiant and have a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale making them second only to diamonds in durability. Thus, moissanite durability is never questioned.
2. Sourcing and Growing Moissanite Stones
Moissanite can only be made in a lab; scientists grow the crystals using one of two methods - chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT). The point of these processes is to produce clear, high-clarity stones, with a uniform structure and minimal inclusions.
When the scientists get the moissanite into its raw crystalline shape, the stone is cooled, examined and graded. Only the best stones, typically in the VVS (very very slightly included) or above grade, are used for luxury watches.
3. Precision Cutting and Polishing
The level of shine of a moissanite stone is largely dependent on the cutting, and for the cut stones that would go into the watches, cutting is a huge component as well.
Stones that go on the bezels, hour markers, or dials are micro-cut using laser or computer aided technology precisely to maintain size and symmetry across the stones. When the stones are cut, they are polished with diamond dust to smooth the surface and improve clarity.
4. Designing the Watch Case and Dial
Moissanite watch design of the case and dial occurs while the moissanite stones are being produced. The design can be completed in a computer-aided-design (CAD) platform or by professional sketch artists, either is acceptable as long as it is done precisely.
The design has to be precise because the placement of each moissanite stone must be exactly right, so there is a lot of micro-engineering to make sure everything is symmetrical and secure during placement.
When making the case, common materials include 316L stainless steel, plated gold, and ceramic composites, as these are materials that allow for the weight of the moissanite to feel and once again provide a sense of placement.
5. Stone Setting: Precision and Security
Setting moissanite stones is both an art and a science. Whether set by craftsman or machine, the moissanite stones are gently placed into predetermined designed holes in the watch case or dial design.
There are also a few techniques from the industry that vary depending on the design: prong set - for larger stones, bezel or channel set for bracelets and bezels, and micro-pavé for full coverage designs.
6. Movement Integration and Watch Assembly
After the completion of the dial and the case comes the movement. Moissanite watches will typically have either one of the Japanese quartz movements, Swiss quartz, or automatic mechanical movements, depending on the model.
The movement is carefully placed inside the moissanite-decorated casing and the hands of the dial, crown mechanisms, and additional complications (i.e. chronographs and date windows) are all added during this stage of watch manufacturing.
The entire assembly will then be sealed with a scratch-resistant sapphire or mineral crystal glass, so it retains clarity and protects internal elements at the same time.
7. Final Inspection and Packaging
Moissanite watches undergo a final polish and subsequent visual inspection with white LED lights after having passed quality control and inspection to ensure that they appear uniform and dazzling.
The watch is boxed in luxurious clean boxes, usually with lining made out of velvet or satin, it comes with product documentation. The packaging is polished to echo the brands commitment to high-end unboxing process, similar to that of the watch.
8. Customization in Moissanite Watch Manufacturing
Customization is a major trend in moissanite watches. The technology of digital design and flexible production platforms allows customers to choose the shape of the case, color of the metal (gold, silver, rose gold, and black), the layout and color of the stones, and can even add engraved initials or custom dials.
This obvious personalization has not been able to be provided within diamond watches and at a price point that allows for unique and memorable bespoke timepieces.
9. Ethical and Environmental Advantages
Moissanite watches are more in line with modern consumer scrutiny of supply chains in relation to ethical sourcing or environmental impact. Since moissanite is lab-created, it displaces no land or damages ecosystems, enters no conflict funding streams, and significantly reduces carbon footprint.
These advantages can add considerable value for conscientious buyers and offer substantial advantages over traditional diamond watches.
Conclusion
Moissanite watches serve as a contemporary alternative to diamond watches. Moissanite watches provide the same sparkle and prestige associated with high end fashion, while remaining practical and innovative. The moissanite watch concept represents an ideal balance of luxury and responsibility.
You can check the vast collection at glazeddiamonds.com, which is a trusted moissanite watch vendor if you love knowing how moissanite watches are made and want to add one of these to your collection.
