The world of engagement rings is full of sparkling possibilities. But if you’re looking for an ethically sourced, affordable alternative to a diamond, you may want to consider moissanite engagement rings.
Moissanite has become incredibly popular, especially amongst budget-conscious couples. This stunning gemstone offers incredible brilliance and fire. Plus, it comes with a lower price tag compared to traditional diamond engagement rings. This lets you invest more in the setting or put that money toward other things like the wedding, a honeymoon, or even a down payment on a home.
What Is Moissanite?
Discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring silicon carbide mineral. However, naturally occurring moissanite is incredibly rare, which is why most of the moissanite used for jewelry is created in laboratories. Don’t let the “lab-created” aspect scare you off. This controlled environment allows jewelers to offer top-quality moissanite stones in different shapes, sizes, and even moissanite cuts. The other economical option can be a pack of sterling silver rings.
The Allure of Moissanite Engagement Rings
Moissanite engagement rings offer numerous benefits, appealing to many modern couples. They are becoming increasingly popular, and rightfully so. Here’s why:
Brilliance and Fire
Known for its striking brilliance and fire, moissanite actually outshines a diamond in sparkle and rainbow flashes of light. This happens because of moissanite’s high refractive index, which means light bends more intensely as it enters and exits the gemstone, creating those dazzling visual effects. Many couples find this intense sparkle particularly appealing. While personal preference comes into play, some couples find moissanite more visually captivating than diamonds.
Affordability
If budget is a consideration but you want an elegant and stylish ring, consider a moissanite engagement ring to fit into your spending plans. They offer incredible value. Often costing a fraction of the price of similar diamond engagement rings, moissanite gives you a luxurious look without the hefty price tag. This affordability factor frees up your budget, allowing you to splurge on a more elaborate setting, perhaps choose a larger gemstone, or allocate funds to other aspects of your wedding or future together. You may also like to explore other options, like radiant-cut cubic zirconia rings.
Durability and Hardness
Don’t think for a second that a lower cost means less durable. Measuring 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is one of the hardest known minerals, second only to diamond, which measures 10. This hardness means moissanite engagement rings can withstand daily wear, scratches, and abrasions.
Perfect for an engagement ring that symbolizes eternal love and should stand the test of time. It’s meant to be worn every day for many years. So knowing it can resist damage and retain its beauty should offer peace of mind.
Ethical Sourcing
The environmental and ethical considerations of diamond mining are real concerns for many modern couples. This is one more area where moissanite engagement rings have an edge. The majority of moissanite used for jewelry is lab-grown, meaning there’s no involvement of potentially harmful mining practices, which are often associated with traditional diamond mining.
This makes moissanite a socially conscious choice for a stone engagement ring. Many people find the ability to confidently purchase a stunning engagement ring without worrying about any negative ethical implications comforting.
Variety of Styles
Today, you can find moissanite engagement rings in a vast variety of settings, designs, and shapes, including a princess cut or Asscher cut. So don’t limit yourself to certain looks. You can explore options that match your or your partner’s personal style. Explore various options and choose something that speaks to you, rather than settling for something just because it fits within your price range.
Comparing Moissanite to Diamonds: Key Differences
While both moissanite and diamonds are beautiful and durable, there are several key differences that can influence your choice.
Brilliance and Fire
While both gemstones sparkle, their brilliance manifests differently. Moissanite possesses a higher refractive index compared to diamonds, resulting in more “fire,” which is the rainbow-colored sparkle many people find mesmerizing. Some consider moissanite’s colorful sparkle more dazzling, whereas diamond brilliance is described as a white, clear sparkle.
Which type you find more attractive is subjective and comes down to personal preference. But seeing both in person and paying attention to what captures your eye is a good starting point.
Hardness
Diamond ranks as the hardest natural mineral, a 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is highly resistant to scratching and abrasions. Moissanite measures a 9.25, making it exceptionally hard and durable for daily wear, although very slightly less scratch-resistant than diamonds. In reality, this slight difference in hardness is often unnoticeable in regular, everyday wear.
Color
Diamonds are often evaluated based on a color grading scale, with colorless diamonds typically commanding the highest price. Most moissanite on the market exhibits a subtle yellowish or grayish hue, although this tint is typically very faint, particularly in smaller carat sizes. Jewelers continue to refine their production methods, creating increasingly colorless options.
And there’s good news for those wanting colorful gemstones. If your ideal ring includes color, this is where moissanite shines. It is readily available in fancy colors, offering affordable options for colorful engagement rings. Consider pairing a yellow gold band with a colored moissanite.
Price
Cost is one of the most significant distinctions. Typically, you’ll spend a fraction of the cost of a similar diamond when choosing moissanite. If sticking to a specific budget is critical for your engagement ring purchase, exploring the variety of moissanite options available at different price points can provide excellent value.
Moissanite: Is It Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not a moissanite engagement ring is a good fit depends on individual priorities, style, and preferences. But if you want something:
- Ethically Sourced.
- Sparkling.
- Durable.
- And within Your Budget.
A moissanite engagement ring might be the ideal choice. You can find many rings with a hidden halo, which adds extra sparkle to the center stone. Exploring options in person at reputable jewelers lets you see their fire and brilliance. Discuss preferences with your partner. Look at settings together, and let your personal style and budget guide you.
FAQs About Moissanite Engagement Rings
Are Moissanite Rings Good for Engagement?
Yes. They’re durable, sparkly, affordable, and ethically sourced. These factors make them excellent for an engagement ring. Since moissanite is so durable, it can even be used for a plain band that you wear every day. You can also get matching moissanite wedding bands.
What Is the Downside of Moissanite?
This gemstone is very durable, but it can get cloudy over time. However, this happens to many gemstones and can be remedied by regular cleanings using a jewelry cleaner. Moissanite’s high refractive index creates stunning brilliance, but this same trait can cause the stone to show double images of light (called doubling), particularly in larger carat sizes. So it depends on individual preference whether this doubling is perceived as negative.
Is Moissanite Trashy?
Definitely not. In fact, moissanite is gaining popularity due to its ethical sourcing, affordability, and remarkable brilliance. What makes a ring special is the love it represents, not the type of stone it contains. Ultimately, whether or not something is perceived as “classy” is entirely subjective.
Is Moissanite as Good as a Real Diamond?
Both are exceptional choices, so it boils down to individual priorities. Moissanite actually excels over diamonds in brilliance and fire, plus it costs less and tends to be more ethically sourced. If hardness is important to you, diamonds are very slightly more scratch-resistant, measuring a 10 on the Mohs Hardness scale. They also have a “clear white” sparkle. In contrast, moissanite has rainbow flashes of brilliance called fire and comes in various fancy colors like the oval moissanite. The “best” gemstone for you depends on your individual preferences, values, and priorities.
Conclusion
Shopping for engagement rings can be exciting. And the growing popularity of moissanite offers couples stunning choices for symbolic rings representing love and commitment. Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a beautiful journey, and no matter what gemstone calls to you, always choose a jeweler you trust to deliver exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
