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In recent years, the demand for moissanite engagement rings has increased, making them one of the most popular non-diamond gemstones for engagement rings. There’s little wonder, as these stones are durable, brilliant, affordable, and beautiful to look at.
But some people wonder if moissanite is even a good choice. After all, isn’t it a fake stone? To answer these questions, and to dispel any myths surrounding moissanite, let’s take a closer look at the stone, the pros and cons of a moissanite engagement ring, and why you should consider moissanite.
Why Choose Moissanite?
This is a good question to ask, because with all the gemstone options for engagement rings out there, why would you want to choose moissanite? Here are six reasons that make a moissanite engagement ring a good choice:
- Moissanite is an ethical and sustainable option.
Regardless of the measures taken to address them, there will always be an environmental and ethical cost to mining gemstones from the earth. The diamond mining industry, for example, has come under fire in the last couple of decades for funding conflicts, unethical treatment of workers, dangerous working conditions and so on.
Moissanites, on the contrary, are created in more ethical and sustainable conditions. They can be traced back to their origin as they’re made in labs. This is why moissanite is a stone of choice for those concerned about the impact of their stone on the earth or on conflicts.
- Moissanite is affordable compared to diamonds and precious gemstones.
Moissanite is a durable, brilliant gemstone that can be indistinguishable from a diamond, but it comes at a fraction of the price. This is the perfect choice for those who want a diamond-like stone without breaking the bank.
- Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones for engagement rings.
Diamonds rank at 10 on the Mohs scale, while sapphires and rubies rank 9. Moissanite comes in at 9.25, making them the second hardest stone used in jewelry, outranked only by diamonds. This means that they can be worn, exposed and enjoyed with minimal chances of scratches and damage.
- Moissanite is more brilliant than most other gemstones, including diamonds.
Moissanite is a brilliant gemstone, with a higher Refractive Index (RI) than even diamonds. This makes them a highly brilliant gemstone. One factor to note is that moissanite can sometimes have a colorful flash of light, which is prominent on larger stones. This ‘rainbow effect’ is loved by some but not by all, so double check this if you’re going for a large moissanite stone.
- There are many moissanite ring designs available these days.
Moissanite is a recent addition to the world of gemstones, but it has quickly become a prominent one. As such, moissanite is easily available and can be found on many retail stores. One of our favorite stores that offer a stunning range of Moissanite products is Barkev’s. You can check out their moissanite collection here.Â
- Moissanite is a unique choice.
Why is all moissanite lab-created? The reason is because natural moissanite is extremely rare. It’s believed to have come to earth on a meteorite thousands of years ago and can only be found in a few places on earth. As a result, moissanite is also called ‘space diamond’ and ‘stardust’. For those who love nature or are into science, moissanite offers an added layer of awe-inspiring symbolism.
Stunning Moissanite Engagement Ring Designs
While there are many moissanite engagement ring designs available on the market, some of our favorites are listed below.
This ring stands out with its unique setting, pave band and halo emerald. The overall look is stylish, chic and avant-garde. Ideal for a bride who wants to stand out with something unique!
If you’re heart’s set on an eye-catching ring with lots of sparkle and detail, this might be it. The marquise halo surrounding the round brilliant moissanite takes this ring to the next level, giving it texture and complexity.
Featuring a center moissanite and a band channel set with blue diamonds, this is a stylish ring with a pop of color. Perfect if you’re after contrast in your gemstones.
While stylish, innovative designs catch your eye, the classic look of a solitaire ring should never be underestimated. If you’re after a simple ring design that will never go out of style, this is it.
As one of the most popular colored gemstones, blue sapphire adds a touch of class and sophistication to any ring design. Here it perfectly blends with the sparkle of the moissanite, adding color and enhancing the overall beauty of the ring.
Choosing Moissanite Engagement Rings
Now that we’ve gone over some solid reasons as to why moissanite makes for an excellent ring choice, and checked out some stunning ring designs, let’s take a look at how to evaluate a moissanite.
- Moissanite Cut
Moissanite is typically cut into all popular gemstone shapes, much like diamonds. This includes the round brilliant, pear, cushion, princess, emerald and marquise cuts to name a few. When faceted, moissanite stones sparkle and are fiery, but when shaped into step cuts, they show depth and calm brilliance.
- Moissanite Color
Moissanite is commonly colorless or clear. This is the preferred color for moissanite engagement rings, as it has a classic look. However, as the technology for creating moissanite improves, the stone is increasingly found in other colors as well, including green, blue, gray and pink.
- Moissanite Clarity
Because it’s a lab-created stone, moissanite is almost always flawless in appearance. It won’t have the usual inclusions that gather in gemstones as a result of millions of years of formation. While there may be tiny flaws in moissanite, these aren’t visible to the naked eye.
- Moissanite Carat Weight
Unlike diamonds, which are measured in carats, moissanite is measured in millimeters. Moissanite is less dense than diamonds, so a moissanite will weigh around 10% less than an equivalent sized diamond. You can find moissanite in a range of sizes, but it’s a good idea to reconsider extremely large moissanite stones, as they can exhibit strong flashes of color.
Caring for a Moissanite Engagement Ring
Moissanite is durable and holds up to exposure well. However, it’s important to take care of moissanite to avoid the stone losing its brilliance, due to dirt and grime build-up.
Moissanite doesn’t get cloudy, but it can lose its sparkle due to build-up of residue. Cleaning the stone on a regular basis can take care of this issue. Using warm water and a mild soap is the best way to go when washing any gemstone, and moissanite is no exception.
If you notice that your stone has what’s known as a moissanite ‘oil slick’ which appears like a stain on the surface of the stone due to build-up of organic residue, this can be cleaned away with silver polish and a toothbrush. This doesn’t damage the stone, but it does a great job at keeping your stone sparkling and slick free.
Store your moissanite engagement ring separately, to avoid it damaging other jewelry. When engaging in strenuous activity, it’s a good idea to take off your moissanite ring to avoid accidental damage.
Where to Buy Moissanite Engagement Rings
As mentioned above, there are many retailers that offer moissanite rings nowadays. However, searching in store will limit your options, so its best to take your search online.
There are many moissanite specialist stores that focus solely on jewelry made from moissanite.
For a wider variety, we recommend searching at reputable retailers, such as Barkev’s or Charles and Colvard, where you will find a range of high-quality, exclusive moissanite engagement rings.
Wrapping Up
Moissanite is a stunning choice, offering many benefits as an engagement ring. Moissanite engagement rings can be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime, making them perfect as heirlooms as well. With their low price point, exceptional aesthetics and wearability, these gemstones offer many advantages to the savvy shopper.
