The Moissanite Engagement Ring is a big trend right now. We are seeing more and more jewelry brands creating their very own line of Moissanite engagement rings and jewelry. It’s fair to wonder whether or not you should choose a moissanite engagement ring over a diamond one. It’s far more affordable than a diamond ring. There are also many moissanite designs to choose from. But if you still have a few questions about Moissanite before making your final choice, here’s a quick list of all your questions, answered by our experts at Brillianteers.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone discovered by a French Chemist named Henri Moissan back in the 1800s. It was, in fact, discovered in the debris of a meteorite. Moissan believed that the gemstone was a diamond as it looked significantly similar to diamonds. In the 1900s, Moissan realized that this was an entirely different gemstone composed of carbon and silicon.
Moissanite was also a rare gemstone to come by and was not as popular as diamonds because it wasn’t readily available in the market. Another factor behind its unpopularity was the fact that the naturally occurring diamonds that were found in meteorites were relatively small; too small in size to be used for jewelry designs.
In the 1990s, scientists discovered a way to create synthetic moissanite gemstones in laboratories, that are identical to earth-mined moissanite, adding more supply to the market. This was the beginning of the growth of the popularity of moissanite used in all jewelry designs.
What are the Differences Between Diamonds and Moissanite?
Diamonds and Moissanite have a distinct similarity in the way they look, but they are two entirely different stones.
| Moissanite | Diamond |
| Affordable | Expensive |
| Reflects a Rainbow Spectrum of Light | Reflects a White Light |
| Ranges from Colorless to a Yellow or Light Green Color Tint | Ranges from Colorless to a Yellow Tint |
| 9.5 Mohs Hardness Scale | 10 Mohs Hardness Scale |
| Available with Certification | Available with Certification |
| Prone to Inclusions and Blemishes | Prone to Inclusions and Blemishes |
| Available in all Cuts | Available in all Cuts |
| Higher Refractive Index – More Brilliance | Lower Refractive Index – Less Brilliance |
A moissanite gem is approximately one-tenth the cost of a mined diamond of equal size and quality
– Don O’Connell
The biggest difference between Moissanite and Diamonds is their price. A Moissanite ring is far more affordable to buy than a diamond ring. This gives buyers the opportunity to shop for larger center stones at a lower cost. If your goal is to find a ring with a large center diamond, but want to work within a budget, a moissanite engagement ring is a great choice.
Is Moissanites Ethical?
How ethical is it to buy a moissanite stone or piece of jewelry? This is a big question in the industry as, with the moissanite’s lower price point compared with a diamond, it’s fair to question whether or not the process of retrieving moissanite is ethical.
Unfortunately, diamonds have had a less ethical history in the past. And it’s only right to ask if moissanite is an ethical choice. The answer is yes, it is. In fact, it is one of the most ethical stones as all moissanite stones in the market is now grown in laboratories. This means that it involves no mining and has a minimal environmental impact, which makes it an even more endearing choice.
Are there any Downfalls to Buying a Moissanite Engagement Ring?
There aren’t any significant downfalls to buying a moissanite engagement ring. It’s all about your perspective on the matter. For example, if you personally believe that an earth-mined diamond is the ‘real’ stone, and lab-grown moissanite is synthetic, it is your discretion on whether or not one is better than the other. But there are some factors that you need to consider when shopping for moissanite.
- Some jewelers refuse to use moissanite as they categorize this as synthetic – Certain jewelry brands maintain an agenda of working with only naturally forming, earth-mined diamonds and stones, and may not want to work with moissanite.
- You might not be able to re-sell this in the future – With the abundance of supply in the market, jewelers are not eager to buy second-hand or used moissanite jewelry.
- Moissanite reflects a colorful and brighter light than a diamond and may appear synthetic – Diamonds are known to only reflect white light, and moissanite may appear to be a ‘fake’ diamond if you do not disclose that it is, in fact, a different gemstone.
The pros and cons of moissanite will depend entirely on your own perception. These factors mentioned above may not be something that bothers you or challenges your consideration to shop for moissanite engagement rings. And with the popularity of moissanite engagement rings constantly on a rise, we are seeing more and more influential figures on social media who praise the beauty of moissanite, it’s evident that this is a choice that the jewelry market is happy with.
Does a Moissanite Work With All Ring Designs?
Yes! The great thing about moissanite is it functions just as a diamond does and can be used for any engagement ring design of your choice. Here are some examples of Moissanite engagement ring designs that you can choose from.
- Solitaire Moissanite Engagement Ring
- Solitaire Moissanite with Accent Stones
- Halo Moissanite Engagement Ring
The variety in ring design is the same as the variety you get with diamond engagement rings. If you have a specific engagement ring design you’re hoping to buy, you’ll most likely find the design made with moissanite.
You also have the choice of having your engagement ring custom-made if you have a particular design. This could be a vintage ring design or a design that’s been passed down from in your family. Have a look at your options for custom ring designs at Brillianteers.
Does Moissanite Look Like Diamonds?
The most endearing feature of a moissanite stone is how similar it looks to a diamond. When it was first discovered, it was thought to be the same as a diamond until scientists learned that it was made of a completely different material from a diamond.
There are two big differences in the way moissanite looks to a diamond. The first is its color. Stones such as diamonds and moissanite can be formed with a tint of color. Diamonds are known to have a yellow tint to them. Moissanite has a green or yellow tint. But it is possible to have colorless moissanite stones that look almost identical to diamonds.
Another way moissanite differs from the way a diamond looks is the light that it reflects. A diamond reflects a white color while moissanite reflects a rainbow spectrum of colors. This can be seen when direct light hits the stones.
Other than these two distinctions, moissanite is popular for the fact that it looks similar to a diamond, but is far more affordable to buy compared to a diamond. It’s the cheaper alternative to diamonds.
Do I Need Certification for a Moissanite?
Most moissanite stones that are made into jewelry are certified. If you are shopping for a moissanite stone directly from a supplier of moissanite, it’s always recommended that you ask for certification. The reason for this is two-fold. One is to confirm the authenticity of a moissanite stone. Two is to guarantee that you are paying the right price for the moissanite. This is recommended if you are shopping for larger moissanite, and not necessarily the smaller stones used as accent stones on a piece of jewelry.
Do I Need to Have a Moissanite Engagement Ring Insured?
If you choose moissanite for your engagement ring, it is still recommended that you have this insured for the sole purpose of protection. An engagement ring, or any type of jewelry for that matter, is still prone to be misplaced or stolen. Having your moissanite engagement ring insured should be a priority.
Do I Have Other Affordable Alternatives to Moissanite?
The other affordable option other than moissanite is a lab-grown diamond. Although lab-grown diamonds are more expensive than moissanite stones, they are still cheaper than getting an earth-mined diamond.
You also have the choice of other stones that resemble the color of moissanite:
- Swarovski
- White Sapphire
- Topaz
- Opal
There are also colored gemstones that would also be beautiful on an engagement ring:
- Morganite
- Ruby
- Pearl
- Amethyst
- Emerald
- Turquoise
- Sapphire
- Granite
You don’t have to stick to a classic colorless gemstone. You also have other great options that will look
Conclusion – Choose a Moissanite Engagement Ring
If you’ve read through this article and felt excited about all the benefits of a Moissanite engagement ring, and you want something affordable that can give a better-looking ring for a lower cost, a Moissanite engagement ring is the right choice for you. The amazing part of shopping for a moissanite engagement ring is that there really isn’t any limitation to the designs you can choose from. Have a look at our full collection of moissanite engagement rings to start!