Moissanite: The Girl’s Best Friend, When You’re on a Budget!
Moissanites are the perfect alternative to diamonds when you’re on a budget. Your big day will be just as special even when compared to someone who has spent thousands more on a ring, and you know what? Just about everybody will assume that glorious stone is a diamond!
Just how much can you save? Well, when we checked out engagement rings from MoissaniteCo.com we found that they typically cost 50% less than diamonds. So, you could make a saving, or you might decide to go for a much bigger stone than you could ever have afforded with a diamond.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a beautiful lab-created mineral that was first discovered in 1893 by Dr. Henri Moissan while he was conducting an experiment to produce artificial diamonds using carbon electrodes in an electric arc furnace in Paris, France. He described his findings as “an unknown substance” and concluded that the unusual material could only be found deep inside the Earth.
Daniel C. Jackling, who founded the company, renamed the new gemstone Moissanite after its original discoverer, Dr. Henri Moissan. In 1997 Charles & Colvard registered a patent for producing and marketing this remarkable crystal as a diamond alternative suitable for jewelry & other commercial purposes under the name of “Created Moissanite” or “synthetic moissanite,” Hence the term “Moissanite.”
How Durable is Moissanite?
Now we can’t get away from the fact that diamonds are the hardest mineral known to mankind. They get the top-ranking score of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. But Moissanite receives a respectable score of 9.25, which makes them harder than sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
They are immune to scratching from everyday wear & tear, and they won’t fade or lose luster over time.
A quality moissanite ring will last ages and ages! And most jewelers will give you a lifetime warranty with them, providing perfect peace of mind!
Which Sparkles More, Moissanite or Diamonds?
Moissanite easily takes the lead on this one! And if the stone was cut just right, it will sparkle even more than a traditional diamond!
That’s because moissanite utilizes facets to reflect light. That means that they can both bounce back and reflect light at shallow angles, and that’s incredibly effective at making them look much brighter than diamonds.
Selecting a Moissanite Stone
Diamonds are graded on what’s called the 4 C’s scale. So that’s assessing their cut, clarity, color, and carat. Things are a little simpler with moissanite because they’re graded solely on their color.
You’ll often see moissanite described as premium and super-premium. Premium moissanite has virtually no color, and they’re comparable to a G or H rating for a diamond. Super Premium moissanite has no color at all, and so they fall within the D-F range.
Advantages of Moissanite Engagement Rings
- Moissanite stones can be used individually or in multiples – have the freedom to create your own design and choose the perfect center stone(s) that match your style, personality, and budget!
- Moissanites are available in a variety of shapes: a round brilliant cut, cushion-cut, trillion (rectangular), emerald cut, oval, and pear shapes.
- Compared to diamonds, moissanite feature brilliance & fire superior to diamonds at a similar cost, while their color is more saturated (which some people prefer).
- Moissanite is lab-created, so it’s not from an earth-bound source but rather the same kind of material that scientists believe to be present in the planets and stars, residing in what’s called “carbonaceous chondrite meteorites” for over 15 million years.
- Fire & Brilliance: Moissanites’ fiery brilliance (dispersion) makes them appear larger than diamonds at the same brightness level. Diamond has a specific light performance known as “brilliance” that depends on color, cut quality, and size; Sapphire has its own “fire” that’s dependent on cut quality and size, while moissanite reflect both with equal l
- The Ethical Choice: Moissanite is safe to wear! It’s 100% conflict-free. Sadly, diamonds are often mined in environments where abuse of human rights is a daily occurrence. From forced labor, beatings, torture, and even murder, the diamond is not always a symbol of love.
Disadvantages of Moissanite
- Moissanites are too small for some people. If you prefer a larger center stone, consider a Moissanite halo or buttress style setting.
- The cut quality causes moissanite to lose its brilliance sooner than diamond (although some models can last up to 200 years). Professionals also recommend that you always take the ring to an expert jeweler who can adjust the prongs and clean your Moissanite if you want to extend its lifespan.
- Moissanite rings have a higher specific gravity than most mined diamonds; this means that it weighs more. This unique characteristic is not an issue for brides. Still, some jewelers recommend checking the exact weight of any ring with moissanite before buying (especially if your ring will be used as an engagement ring).
Moissanite can be a great alternative when it comes to engagement rings.
If you’re looking for something that’s going to last and hold up exceptionally well in the long run, all while meeting a tight budget, then moissanite may just be the perfect solution!