Sparkling stones are a beautiful part of jewelry, but diamonds have a price tag. If you want to keep the beauty of a diamond ring without the splurge, consider moissanite instead. Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was discovered by a chemist named Henri Moissan while studying rocks from a meteorite in Arizona in 1893.
It’s Eco-Friendly
Moissanite and a real diamond, what’s the difference? Diamonds might reign supreme when it comes to engagement rings, but plenty of other options exist. One is moissanite, a gemstone that looks very similar to a diamond and is highly durable. Moissanite is also lab-created, unlike a natural diamond, which makes it an eco-friendly option. While some worry that a lab-created diamond won’t sparkle as beautifully as a real one, it is more sparkly than a natural diamond! That’s because moissanite has a higher refractive index and more color sparkle (known as dispersion) than a diamond. Another benefit of choosing lab-created moissanite is that it doesn’t require mining, which has many negative environmental impacts. These include toxic waste contaminating watercourses, dust polluting the air, and even human suffering as workers endure harsh working conditions. Choosing lab-created moissanite helps to reduce these impacts and may even allow you to afford your dream engagement ring!
It’s More Affordable
Many couples who choose diamonds for engagement rings are concerned about mined diamonds’ ethical and environmental impact. Lab-created diamonds, cubic zirconia, and moissanite are popular alternatives. Moissanite is more affordable than diamonds because it is made on demand rather than going through the rigors of the mining industry. Moissanite is also about 15% lighter than a natural diamond. This means you can easily buy a moissanite stone the size of a one-carat diamond for a comparable budget. Moissanite can mimic a diamond’s appearance so well that even experts struggle to tell the difference. In addition, the high refraction of moissanite gives it more fire and sparkle than other diamond alternatives. It can even pass for a genuine diamond when paired with specific diamond cuts.
It’s More Durable
Moissanite is a gem that is known for its durability. This diamond alternative is a 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the most durable gemstones available. It can even rival the durability of diamonds in specific cuts and settings. This makes moissanite an excellent option for those looking to buy their dream engagement ring but may have concerns about budgeting for a more expensive stone. While naturally occurring moissanites can be found in meteorites, they are more commonly lab-grown. This synthetic silicon carbide was first created in 1893 by Henry Moissan (hence the name). It is not an actual diamond simulant, as it does not look like a diamond, but it is used in many ways similar to diamonds. Moissanite is more eye-clean than diamonds, meaning it has fewer clarity imperfections that the naked eye can see. Moissanite is also more heat-resistant than diamonds, which makes it easier to work with in the jewelry industry. Jewelers use various torches and gasses to shape and join metals, and moissanite can withstand high temperatures without becoming cloudy or dull in appearance.
It’s More Colorful
Diamonds have a gorgeous white sparkle that shines in every direction, while moissanite has more fire or rainbow sparkles. Some people may prefer a more classic diamond look, but for those who want a gemstone that shimmers with unrivaled brilliance, moissanite might be the perfect option. While naturally occurring moissanite can be found in meteorites, most jewelry gems are lab-created. Because of this, moissanite doesn’t require the same mining process as mined diamonds and is a far more eco-friendly option. Moissanite is also more colorful than diamonds, meaning it has a broader range of colors to choose from when designing jewelry. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who want a unique gemstone, and it also looks incredible when set in different metals. Unlike diamonds, which sparkle the most in round brilliant cuts, moissanite can be cut into various shapes and will still offer a high level of sparkle. This means that moissanite can work well in both bezel and prong settings, making it a versatile choice for an engagement ring.
It’s More Versatile
Moissanite is available in various ring styles, just like diamonds. The glimmering gemstone is more versatile than cubic zirconia or other lab-created stones often chosen as diamond substitutes. While some jewelry enthusiasts still may be able to see a faint yellowish or greenish hue in classic moissanite, the stone’s color has been enhanced for years so that it is as close to diamond-like as possible. The luster of gem-grade moissanite is also ten times brighter than traditional crystals, and it displays an intense, eye-catching white sparkle. This luminous gemstone is a beautiful option for couples who want to purchase a wedding band with a high level of craftsmanship but are concerned about the environmental and social impact of sourcing natural diamonds. Couples can choose a ring with precious metals and mount a dazzling Moissanite in it, or go the extra mile and pair the gem with tungsten carbide, titanium, or silver instead. This will keep the ring price down even further and still produce an impressive, gleaming piece of jewelry.
