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Diamonds may be forever but it looks like it’s not the only one: moissanite is shaking up the engagement ring game by challenging for the title of ‘go-to stone’.
In 1893, chemist Henri Moissan discovered moissanite while examining rock samples from a meteor crater. However, it was only in 1998 when moissanite was introduced into the jewelry market after decades of synthesizing the stone in laboratories.
Today, moissanite is quickly becoming the popular choice for engagement rings. Pinterest reports a 294% increase in moissanite gem search in 2018 alone, and we can totally understand why.
- It doesn’t break the bank.
For a couple about to enter marriage, the engagement ring is only the tip of the financial iceberg. After the engagement comes the wedding, honeymoon, a baby, etc. – you get the picture. Moissanite stones cost only a fraction of the price of diamonds which should give your bank account some breathing room.
Paying less by opting for a moissanite ring does not equate to lower quality. In fact, moissanite has been an industry game-changer because of its ability to rival diamonds in quality at a much lower price.
- It is almost as scratch-proof as diamonds.
The harder the stone, the more scratch-proof it is. The Mohs Scale of Hardness rated diamonds a 10, making it the hardest known mineral in the world. This characteristic alone has justified exorbitant price tags to be slapped on to diamond rings all across the globe.
While moissanite didn’t quite make the cut for the Perfect 10 league, it does trail closely behind with an impressive 9.25. This still makes moissanite virtually impossible to scratch.
- It is competitive in clarity and brilliance.
Unlike diamonds, moissanite is not graded on color since its natural form comes in shades of green. Nearly colorless moissanite may project green or yellow hues under certain lighting. The smaller the stones, the more colorless they seem as apparent on moissanite wedding bands. Fortunately, recent developments have birthed moissanite stones that are completely clear in color. This type of clear moissanite, however, is still limited in supply due to its recent release.
Moissanite is known to rival existing gems in fire and brilliance. In fact, moissanite is said to be more brilliant – that is, more ‘sparkly’ – than diamonds. This paved the way for a plethora of classic moissanite engagement ring cuts that several Sydney jewellers have already masterfully crafted today.
Maintaining the ‘sparkle’ also requires fewer cleaning sessions as moissanite attracts less dirt and grime compared to diamonds.
- It is environmentally conscious.
Natural occurrences of moissanite stones are extremely rare since they have only been discovered on meteorites and upper mantle rocks. Studies have also revealed the inclusion of moissanite in diamonds, lamproite, kimberlite, and xenoliths. Because of its rarity, most of moissanite available today are lab-grown and have minimal impact on the environment. This is a huge plus if you have an eco-friendly bride.
- Only a few can tell the difference.
For years, cubic zirconia was tagged as the best thing next to diamonds despite a gaping difference in quality. An average jewelry fanatic can easily tell the difference between the two. With moissanite, even professionals have a hard time distinguishing one from the other because of their similarities.
The stigma that moissanite is ‘fake diamond’ doesn’t hold true because the former is in a league of its own. It squares up to diamonds in brilliance, color, hardness, and especially price – all four standards are basic for classifying any gem.
The most breathtaking rings don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Thanks to moissanite, you get more glitter for your buck without losing out on quality.
