While on your hunt for your dream ring, you may have come across the word ‘moissanite’ on multiple occasions. Known as a diamond simulant, this sparkly mineral is becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings.
This is hardly surprising, given its fantastic shine and durability that comes without the hefty price tag associated with buying a diamond engagement ring. Moissanite is also diamond-like enough that most people aren’t even able to tell them apart.
If you’d like to know more about what all the fuss is about, continue reading for an in-depth guide to moissanite engagement rings, including six reasons why they are a great alternative to diamond rings.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral also known as silicon carbide. It was initially discovered in Arizona in around 1893 after a meteorite made landfall with the earth.
Today, moissanite is known as a diamond simulant and most of the stones you see in moissanite engagement rings and other jewelry are lab-made. This is because natural moissanites are incredibly rare and usually found in tiny sizes – often not even large enough to be cut into a one-carat stone.
Moissanites possess many of the same qualities as diamonds. They’re transparent, shiny, and extremely hard. So, unless you’re an expert, the two stones are practically identical to the naked eye. This is great news if you’re looking for a stone that’s similar to a diamond in durability and appearance, but comes with a much lower price tag.
Moissanite stones have an incredible amount of sparkle thanks to their refractive index, which is much higher than that of a natural diamond. This means that moissanite rings have a kind of brilliance that’s sure to turn heads!
Yes, it’s true that some people might turn their noses up at these flashy gems, but there’s also no denying that you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to buying a moissanite ring.
No, really – moissanite is a nearly flawless stone, displaying the kind of color, clarity, and size that few diamonds do. This is because the majority of moissanites are lab-made.
Of course, there are some who might argue that these stones are a little too perfect, but we beg to differ. After all, is there really any flaw in being flawless?
Let’s face it – diamonds are expensive. A lot of couples who are just starting out in life don’t have that kind of money lying around. Fortunately, moissanite makes for a much cheaper alternative, if you’re willing to settle for a less prestigious gem than a diamond – at least, that’s what you’ve been made to think.
But here’s the thing: moissanites are no less prestigious than diamonds unless you believe the DeBeers narrative, which is nothing more than a clever marketing scheme to get people to buy more diamonds.
Unfortunately, many couples have fallen for the idea that the price of an engagement ring somehow equates to their love for another. Of course, this story that they’ve fabricated for us is completely unfounded – the amount that you’re willing to spend on an engagement ring, and the kind of stone you decide to put in it, for that matter, does not correlate to how much you love your partner.
Indeed, there are far better things that you could spend your money on instead of buying the most expensive engagement ring – like saving up for your first house together or splurging on your honeymoon where you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
On the flip side, there’s also nothing wrong with buying an expensive ring if it’s within your budget; then by all means get the diamond if it’s what you want.
However, let’s also not forget the reason why moissanite is less expensive than a diamond. Firstly, the process and materials for these two gems aren’t the same, which is reflected by the price. Moissanite is also the more eco-friendly of the two, which is something else you may want to consider when choosing a ring.
Sure, nothing is harder than a diamond, but moissanite does give it a run for its money. Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite sits at around 9.25.
Simply put, this means that moissanite can only be scratched by a diamond or another moissanite. So, if you’re looking for a diamond lookalike that will stand the test of time, moissanite is the way to go.
As mentioned elsewhere, the majority of moissanite stones you see in rings and other jewelry have been made in a lab. This is because natural moissanite is extremely rare – in fact, the only natural moissanite ever discovered was in the form of a meteorite!
One of the advantages of lab-created gemstones is that they’re more sustainable than those that have been mined from the earth. Moissanite also costs far less to make than lab diamonds, so you get double the sparkle for a fraction of the price.
Okay, we know this one is a little subjective, but how can you disagree when you consider that moissanite was discovered in the wake of a literal shooting star?
Again, most people have been sold the story that giving someone a natural diamond is the epitome of a romantic gesture, but we’re going to let you in on a little secret…the romance of an engagement ring has nothing to do with the stone or the metal holding it in place. It comes from the story behind it and the people involved in it.
Moissanite engagement rings can be just as stunning as diamond engagement rings and are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a diamond lookalike that will stand the test of time.
Not only is it durable, but its brilliance rivals that of a diamond for a fraction of the price. This gives you the freedom to design the engagement ring of your dreams without breaking the bank. It’s also sustainable and, nine times out of ten, completely flawless.
So, now we’ll ask you: what’s not to love about moissanite?
Moissanite is rated a 9.25 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale. In other words, it’s as hard as a rock, so it won’t get scratched or dull from daily wear.
So, yes, you can wear your moissanite engagement ring every day.
Yes, you can wear your moissanite ring in the shower, the water won’t do anything to harm it. However, it’s generally not recommended to wear any kind of jewelry in the shower because frequent exposure to soap and shampoo will result in a build-up of grime over time, which can dull the sparkle of your ring.
That being said, you can always take your ring in to be cleaned to get it looking brand new again.
Moissanite can be cut into a wide variety of shapes. However, bear in mind that some of these will showcase the natural qualities of the gemstone better than others. Here are some of the most common ones:
Round is the most popular stone shape for moissanite. This classic cut will maximize the amount of sparkle you get and is ideal for showcasing the center stone in a solitaire engagement ring.
Oval is another exceptional shape for solitaire engagement rings since they create the illusion of a larger center stone.
Also known as a brilliant square-cut, the facets of a princess cut stone do a great job of showcasing the fire of these sparkly gems and is a great choice for those who want a modern, geometric shape with strong lines.
Another cut that maximizes the fire and brilliance inherent in a moissanite stone is the cushion cut. This cut is reminiscent of the glamour associated with the Art Deco movement and is a great compromise if you can’t make up your mind between a round or a princess cut.
While initially created for emeralds, the emerald cut is now a popular shape for a variety of gems, including moissanite. Its elongated rectangular shape lends an exceptional depth to moissanite, which showcases the clarity of the stone instead of playing up its brilliance like a cushion or a round cut.
While both of these colorless stones are marketed as diamond simulants, moissanite is hands down the better option. Firstly, it’s much harder than cubic zirconia, which means it holds up to a wider variety of cuts. Moissanite will also stand the test of time, making it a great choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry, while cubic zirconia is not known for its durability.
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