Moissanite, an exquisite and sustainable gemstone, has recently emerged as the most recommended diamond simulant in the jewelry market. This lab-created stone has been integrated into various pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and engagement rings.
But how do the qualities of moissanite differ from those of real diamonds, and what makes it such a good choice for rings? Here is a comprehensive guide that answers all questions you might have about this unique gemstone to help you make an informed decision about choosing the ideal ring as a symbol of love for your significant other.
How Are Moissanite Stones Created?
Before discussing its creation, let's examine how moissanite came into existence. The gemstone was discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893 in Arizona in a meteor crater. While the chemist named it after him, it wasn't until the 1990s that moissanite began being commercially produced, thanks to the contributions of Charles and Colvard.
In the present day, moissanite is created synthetically as a version of silicon carbide using advanced technology and in an ethically sourced manner. The output of this process is a high-quality, diamond-like gemstone with brilliant clarity, sparkle, and hardness.
Moissanite vs Diamonds - What’s the Better Choice for Engagement Rings?
The most prominent reason for the increasing popularity of moissanite stones is their uncanny resemblance to diamonds. However, these precious stones differ from one another in various ways.
Here are some factors that make moissanite a better alternative for engagement rings compared to regular diamonds:
1. Unique Beauty
Moissanite stands far better than diamonds in terms of brilliance and sparkle. This is because the gemstone features a high refractive index, allowing more light to disperse through its body and create rainbow-like flashes. This fiery, extra sparkle ensures to turn every head in your direction as you walk by but can sometimes be noticeably more flashy compared to diamonds. Moreover, moissanite contains much fewer imperfections than naturally occurring diamonds for exceptional clarity and smoothness.
2. Excellent Durability
Boasting a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite might not be as strong as diamonds, but it sure is built to last. This durable gemstone guarantees protection from daily wear and tear and promises to keep your engagement ring shining for years to come.
3. Affordable Price
Similar to lab-grown diamonds, moissanite is also significantly cheaper than mined diamonds due to its eco-friendly creation process. With a price between 5% to 10% of the retail price of a diamond ring, moissanite is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on appearance in exchange for affordability.
4. Customizable Colors
Moissanite comes in a variety of colors, allowing buyers plenty of options to customize their choice. The stone is sold in classic yellowish-green, black, fancy hues, and colorless variants. This versatility allows for intricate designs, enabling the creation of personalized rings that suit your partner's taste and style perfectly.
5. Sustainable and Ethical Alternative
Since moissanite is grown in labs, you can rest assured knowing that you aren't contributing to harmful environmental practices. Another major problem with purchasing diamond rings is the danger of unintentionally becoming a part of conflicts and unethical behavior.
In contrast, moissanite is in no way linked to conflict or human rights issues, guaranteeing that your token of love doesn't come at the expense of someone else's well-being.
Is Moissanite a Good Engagement Ring?
Yes! Moissanite is a brilliant choice for engagement rings for a variety of reasons. This man-made gemstone offers the best of both worlds to its wearer with its stunning appearance, impressive hardness, and resistance against scratches—all for a budget-friendly cost and eco-friendly growing process.
If your significant other doesn't mind a substitute for diamonds or a ring that has more sparkle than a diamond, there is no better match for them than a moissanite engagement ring.
Conclusion
Deciding on the right ring for your engagement can be a daunting task, especially when you're on a tight budget or have an ethically conscious partner. However, moissanite's spectacular beauty and eco-friendly methods have made this chore easier than ever before. While moissanite rings aren't the same as diamond rings, they boast attractive features that can win over customers.
At Happy Jewelers, we offer an extensive collection of diamond and moissanite engagement rings upon request to help you pick the right one for your significant other. These rings add extra sparkle to your special day. So, feel free to browse through our products and decide on a ring that makes your partner stand out everywhere they go.
