8 Pros of Moissanite Engagement Rings

Moissanite is a naturally-occurring silicon carbide that you can obtain from beneath the Earth’s surface in a manner that is similar to mining diamonds. It is relatively rare to obtain, first discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 and named after him. The optical properties, thermal conductivity, and hardness make it useful for various industrial and commercial applications. It is sometimes used as a replacement for diamonds as well.

Because of the unique rareness of moissanite, laboratory efforts to synthesize it began in the early 20th century. Until the 1950s, no other source for this substance had been encountered except for meteorites which impacted the surface of our planet. Questions of its terrestrial formation lingered until 1986 as it has only been discovered in a few rocks, occurring naturally as inclusions in lamproite, kimberlite, xenoliths, and diamonds.

It was first introduced to the jewelry market in 1998 and it now serves as an alternative to diamonds, with some stones featuring better clarity.

List of the Pros of Moissanite

1. Most people cannot tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds.
When you are shopping for a wedding ring or fine jewelry while on a budget, then moissanite is a popular alternative. Because of its optical clarity, no one would know the difference between the two stones if they looked at the ring. Even a close-up inspection is unable to tell unless an experienced jeweler or laboratory technician was looking at the stone with measurement equipment. Because it offers incredible brilliance at a discounted price, it is worth considering.

2. It offers exceptional durability.
When moissanite is measured on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, it rates as a 9.25 out of 10. That means the only thing harder than it is a diamond. That means this gemstone option is suitable for every day wear. It will not break or scratch easily, and the sparkle which it offers stays brilliant with similar care and cleaning options. That is why it is such a viable alternative if you are looking for something other than diamonds.

3. You will receive an impressive sparkle with moissanite.
People love diamonds because the brilliance and shine of the gemstone creates a unique sparkle that few other stones can replicate. Moissanite does offer more of a rainbow sparkle compared to a diamond because of how it refracts light when it hits the surface. Diamonds tend to emit a colorless sparkle or flashes of light instead, although a high-grade one can sometimes cast-off rainbows as well. This advantage means that both options provide beauty, so it more comes down to your personal choice.

The high refractive index of moissanite means that you will receive more sparkle than that of the average diamond. It provides a flashy ring that you will love.

4. Moissanite can be cut in the same sizes and shapes as diamonds.
You will find moissanite available in the same series of shapes and cuts that jewelry makers use for diamonds. The most popular shape for this gemstone is the round cut because it offers the most twinkle and shine while appearing mostly white. If you like the idea of showing off a large stone that people will think is a diamond, then this advantage means you can make that happen. Only you will now it is moissanite instead.

5. The cost advantage is almost too good to be true.
The price of a moissanite stone is about 10% of what you would pay for a diamond of similar cut and clarity. If you were to purchase a 1-carat colorless moissanite ring in 2018, then the gemstone would cost approximately $600. If you opted for a diamond instead, you would pay about $5,000. The price of moissanite depends on its overall size and possible enhancements. Some stones go through a clarification process to make them whiter since it naturally offers a yellow tint.

6. You will receive a guaranteed level of clarity when choosing moissanite.
Moissanite gemstones are never sold unless the clarity grade is VS or higher. All products of MW are VVS1 and D colorless grade. That rating means that the stone has no visible flaws to it after examination. You can purchase diamonds which have visible flaws that you can see when looking at the stone – and probably still pay more for it than you would for the moissanite.