Everything You Need To Know About Moissanite

Whether you’re getting engaged soon, shopping for yourself, or searching for the perfect gift, a special stone can make all the difference. Choosing the perfect stone can often be stressful. Many people don’t discover all of the options until after they’ve made a purchase. This is especially true when engagement ring shopping, which is when people usually learn about moissanite.

Moissanite has been growing in popularity for years, but it’s still relatively unknown compared to other gemstones. Here, we’ll introduce you to this incredible stone and give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about this popular diamond alternative.

First Things First: What Exactly Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a clear, naturally occurring mineral that’s made when silicone and carbon are exposed to high pressure and heat. It was discovered in 1893 in the United States, by French chemist Henri Moissan. Today all available moissanite is lab-grown.

Moissanite is a colorless gemstone with lots of shine. It’s considered an alternative to diamonds because it shares similar characteristics. That being said, there are some differences between the two, so keep reading to find out more about moissanite.

Natural vs. Lab-grown

Naturally occurring moissanite is one of the rarest minerals on Earth–because it’s not actually from Earth! Natural moissanite comes from meteors that have fallen to Earth’s surface, making moisanite scarce. Luckily, moissanite is re-created in a laboratory, which makes it conflict-free and sustainable.

Pricing

When you look at moissanite stones or jewelry, you may be pleasantly surprised by the price tag. Though it looks almost identical to diamonds to the average person, moissanite is priced significantly lower–around 80% less than its more well-known counterpart. Moissanite engagement rings are a spectacularly beautiful and incredibly affordable alternative to diamond rings. If budget is a deciding factor in your gem search and you prefer a clear stone to a colored gemstone ring, moissanite might be the right stone for you!

Brilliance

When it comes to brilliance, moissanite has diamonds beat by a landslide–it’s much more sparkly. It’s got a higher refractive index, rating an average of 2.66, while natural diamonds rate around 2.41.

Another difference is that moissanite has more fire than a diamond, which means the sparkle emits a bit more color than diamonds. Of course, the sparkle is affected by the cut, but compared to diamonds, moissanite will outshine diamonds every time.

Hardness

One of the most attractive qualities of moissanite is its durability. On the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is a solid 9.25 out of 10. Like diamonds that rates as a 10, it’s hard enough that it resists wear and won’t scratch or chip as easily as other gemstones. It’s actually harder and more durable than sapphires and rubies, both of which are commonly used in fine jewelry.

If you’re worried about the longevity or how it will hold up compared to a diamond, you can rest easy knowing that it can last just as long! This makes moissanite ideal for an engagement ring or other daily jewelry.

Clarity

Because moissanite is created in a lab, the clarity is impeccable. Moissanite is often available in the range of Very Slightly Included (VS) or higher, which means that the naked eye can’t detect any flaws in the stone. Any inclusions can only be seen under magnifiers or microscopic lenses.

Color

Moissanite is available in colorless and near colorless. Depending on the moissanite, near colorless moissanite may lean the slightest yellow or grey. More recently, ,moissanite is also available in teal, blue, green, black, and many other colors so you can really get creative with your design! 

Cut

Moissanite comes in a variety of cuts, just like other gemstones. The most popular cut is a standard brilliant-cut because it maximizes sparkle. However, if you are looking for diamond cuts, crushed ice, old european-cut (OEC), or antique cuts, Forever Ring has you covered. Check out our available offerings for examples of different cuts and settings

Environmental Impact

Because moissanite is grown in a lab and not mined, it’s a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option. Not only does lab-grown equal perfection, it also means that moissanite is sustainable and conflict-free, so you can feel good about your decision in choosing moissanite for your engagement ring.

Carat & Size

Two factors that majorly influence the price of moissanite jewelry are the carat and the size of the stone. Contrary to popular belief, these are not the same thing. Carat measures the weight of the stone, while size refers to the surface measurement. This would be the diameter of a round stone or width and length of a rectangular stone.

The most accurate way to discuss moissanite is in millimeters (abbreviated as mm) rather than carat (abbreviated as ct), which would be the weighted equivalent. An example would be a 9x7mm oval or 2.7ct diamond equivalent.

It’s possible to purchase a moissanite stone that looks larger than a stone with a higher carat, and it often comes down to how the stone was cut. If you want a large moissanite stone, you may want to pay more attention to the size than the carat.

Moissanite Engagement Rings

Is moissanite suitable for engagement rings? The answer is a resounding YES! Moissanite is a fantastic stone selection for an engagement ring because it’s more affordable than a diamond but relatively similar in hardness and brilliance. If you want a dazzling, sparkly ring that will last a lifetime (without breaking your bank account), a moissanite engagement ring is a great option.

Moissanite can come in just about any cut, and designing a custom moissanite ring is a great way to get a unique, sentimental piece for your significant other. It’s a popular choice as both a center stone and as side stones in just about any desired size and shape.

We encourage couples to book a consultation to see our moissanite and discuss design ideas. We also welcome partners who are designing rings or shopping as a surprise!

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

Why are diamonds the traditional choice, anyway? It mostly has to do with good publicity. Thanks to the success of a 1948 campaign launched by the De Beers diamond company, “A Diamond Is Forever”, diamonds became associated with durability and endurance. As couples began to choose diamonds, it became normalized that a diamond engagement ring should cost three months pay. Today, the pressure to keep up current trends means that couples feel pressured to purchase an engagement ring that costs tens of thousands of dollars.

More and more couples are passing on diamonds and are choosing moissanite because of what it offers them: a long-lasting, eco-conscious, brilliant stone. Moissanite is also conflict-free, a feature that many natural diamonds can’t guarantee. A moissanite engagement ring is still an investment, but it doesn’t carry quite as hefty a price tag as diamonds, offering larger stone sizes at more affordable prices without sacrificing quality.

Looking for Moissanite Rings? Start Here!

Ready to find your perfect moissanite engagement ring? Shop our selection of made-to-order moissanite rings or schedule a custom consultation to collaborate in creating a one-of-a-kind heirloom for the love of your life. We carry our own brand, Forever Ring Moissanite, as well as Charles and Colvard Forever One, Harro Gem, and Neo to accommodate every taste.