Diamonds are the mineral most frequently found on rings but there are other options out there, like moissanite. If you're unfamiliar, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about moissanite rings.
The average engagement ring, 1.00 ct stone, carries a hefty price tag of over $6500. It's no wonder that people are increasingly choosing alternative stones for their wedding sets.
Alternative gems are trending like never before, thanks to the beauty and unique look of choices such as moissanite rings.
Moissanite has risen in popularity as not only a diamond alternative, but as beautiful stones in their own right. These gems are durable, conflict-free, and ecologically friendly. Not only that, but moissanites are more brilliant than most diamonds available on the market today.
Are you looking for the classic feel of a diamond with an affordable price tag? Read on to find out why moissanite is the perfect choice.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is not a fake diamond, but a gem composed of a naturally-occurring substance. Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by a Nobel Prize chemist named Henri Moissan. He unearthed particles of the gem that later came to bear his name at the bottom of a meteorite crater in Arizona.
At first he thought his discovery was diamond particles. Upon further research, he found that the gems were in fact made of silicon carbide.
Natural moissanite, having come from space, is quite rare. Laboratories have replicated the composition and growth of these gemstones. Nearly all moissanite on the market today is lab-grown.
The result? A dazzling, sustainable gem that is perfect for fine jewelry.
Differences of Diamond and Moissanite Rings
Though very similar in appearance, diamonds and moissanite do have structural differences. Some of these indicators are:
- Durability: Gemstones are rated on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Diamonds, one of the hardest substances on earth, rates at a 10. Moissanite ranks a bit below it at a 9.25, which is stronger than emeralds or rubies and suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite stones are a 9.25 on the MOHS hardness scale. Moissanite is as close to a diamond in durability as you can get.
- Color: While colored diamonds exist, a "colorless" diamond is sparkling white, and extremely expensive. Moissanite can vary from colorless to near colorless or even be found in pink, green, yellow and green.
- Brilliance: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, so it offers excellent sparkle and beautiful brilliance.
- Rating: Diamonds are rated on the cut, clarity, color. The higher the score in each, the more expensive the diamond. Moissanite is rated on color and clarity with a pretty consistent cut of excellent. Moissanite is priced either per carat or by millimeter size.
- Ethical Impact
If you're in the market for a gemstone ring, you may be concerned about the ethical and ecological impact of your choice. Sometimes it's hard to trace the history of a gem as it passes through many hand before hitting the consumer market. Many consumers today worry that their purchase could be a conflict or blood diamond.
Diamond mines can wreak ecological havoc on the environment around them. Diamond processing plants have been associated with toxic pollution, illness, skin ailments, cattle death, and other severe consequences.
The mining and trade of diamonds has a history of funding conflict in war-torn regions around the globe. Slave labor is sometimes used to mine precious gems, often in miserable and unsustainable conditions. Buyers today often worry that their money is contributing to pollution and human suffering.
Luckily, the purchase of a lab-grown gemstone can help you make an ethical buying choice. Because most moissanite stones are created in a lab setting, they require zero mining to produce. This means they have a very small carbon footprint.
In addition, their origins are completely traceable and involve zero conflict to create. Moissanite stones are valued by many conscious shoppers because they are a more environmentally and ethically friendly choice compared to mined alternatives.
Cost of Moissanite
Moissanite stones can be up to 90% less expensive than their diamond cousins of equivalent size. Some diamond rings can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Many beautiful and high-quality moissanite options cost less than $2,000.
Many couples are opting for the equally dazzling yet more economical price of moissanite. While classic, diamonds suffer from inflated pricing due to a tightly controlled market and decades of marketing savvy.
Moissanite can stand up as an heirloom-quality ring yet still leave room in the budget for the down payment of a home, a better honeymoon, or more funds to start a family.
In fact, a 2016 study reported that one third of Americans now feel $1000 or less is an appropriate price for an engagement ring. Far from the tradition of the "two months" salary rule of thumb, smart consumers balance the value of their ring versus the economic impact of their spending.
A Forever Gem
A diamond isn't the only stone that can represent forever.
Interested in a more sustainable, affordable alternative to a traditional diamond? Moissanite rings are a beautiful option. Today's couple knows the value of investing in themselves and their future.
With rings available in nearly any price range, moissanite stones have endless customization options and creative choices to suit your personal style at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to shop? Visit us at Bel Viaggio Designs. We pride ourselves on carrying the best variety of affordable and socially conscious gems.
Choose from lab-grown diamonds and traceable conflict-free diamonds, to beautiful moissanite and morganite gems. Whatever your preference and budget, we can help you find the perfect stone today.
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