Introduction
Moissanite is quickly becoming the premier gemstone for couples seeking a more unique and memorable alternative to traditional diamonds in engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. One of the main reasons Moissanite is becoming so popular is its dazzling brilliance, which can rival that of a diamond. Furthermore, its affordability makes it an even more attractive option than diamonds. Many people are now choosing Moissanite as their go-to gemstone for luxurious, unique jewelry pieces that stand out from the crowd.
This guide will explore the benefits of choosing Moissanite over a diamond.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide and is often referred to as a diamond simulant or simulated diamond, although it is not a diamond. It was discovered in a meteorite by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 and is a rare mineral. Moissanite is extremely sparkly and has a refractive index higher than diamonds, as well as a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it incredibly hard and durable.
In recent years, Moissanite has become increasingly popular as a gemstone for engagement and wedding rings due to its advantages over diamonds. It provides the look of diamonds without the hefty price tag or ethical concerns, making it an excellent choice for those who want to make a statement.
3-row 20mm moissanite cuban link chain
How is it different from Diamond?
When comparing Moissanite to Diamond, there are a few key differences to be aware of.
Firstly, Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamonds (2.42-2.47), reflecting and bending light more than a diamond, creating a 'disco-ball' effect. In addition, Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than diamond with a 10 rating.
Moissanite is also more affordable than diamonds, with an engagement ring made of Moissanite costing a fraction of what a diamond ring would cost. Lastly, Moissanite is available in various colors, whereas diamonds are generally colorless.
Benefits of Moissanite over Diamond
Price
One of the most significant advantages of Moissanite is its affordability.
Moissanite costs a fraction of that of diamonds of equal size and clarity, yet it has just as much sparkle and fire. On average, a Moissanite of the same size costs 10-15% of that of a Diamond. However, this may fluctuate depending on Carat Weight, Quality, and Size.
Durability
Moissanite is tough and durable, with a 9.25 rating on the Mohs scale, nearly as hard as diamond's 10 rating. This makes it resistant to scratching and other wear and tear over time and highly resistant to heat and high temperatures, making it suitable for use in jewelry.
Sparkle
Moissanite has much more sparkle and fire than diamonds. Its refractive index is much higher than diamonds, meaning that it bends and reflects light sparkly - often compared to a 'disco-ball' effect. In most cases, Moissanite also has a brilliant style of cut - which is why its many facets allow it to reflect light from all angles and create a significant sparkle.
However, opinions may vary, and many prefer the subtle sparkle of diamonds.
Color
While Moissanite is "colorless" when viewed from a face-up position, it may have hints of yellow or gray undertones depending on the lighting condition. There are multiple grades of Moissanite, mainly graded D-E-F (Colorless) and G-H-I (Near Colorless).
Some manufacturers tend to produce fancier colors of Moissanite, such as yellow, blue, green, and even pink, for people looking for more unique colors. This makes Moissanite an extremely versatile stone for jewelry and compares well to diamonds.
Ethical Choice
Moissanite is, without doubt, a more ethical option considering the social and environmental impacts of diamond mining. Moissanite is lab-created, so it does not require mining - and therefore does not involve the labor abuse, human rights violation, and death toll that comes with it. Furthermore, Moissanite sourcing does not depend on the relocation of local communities to achieve it - making it a more humane sourcing process.
Diamond Mining harms the environment. Mines are created by destroying natural habitats such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands - disrupting the local ecology. They pollute the soil, water, and air through their operations - and are not sustainable. On the other hand, Moissanite does not harm the environment as it is produced in a controlled laboratory environment.
6mm vvs moissanite tennis chain
Personal Experiences with Moissanite
"I bought my now fiancé a moissanite ring after discussing the topic prior to me proposing. I was able to buy the ring of her dreams and she loves it so much. No one is able to tell that is not a diamond, and it has the added bonus of not contributing to a business that is rife with slave labor and/or poor working conditions. Lab grown diamonds are another solution but won't be in the same price category as Moissanite. I would just make sure your SO is comfortable with a moissanite ring before going that route." - says u/IslandStateofMind from Reddit.
"I have both a diamond ring and a Moissanite ring.
Both diamonds and moissanites are durable, so there's no difference in that. They do, however have a slightly different look. The diamond is less sparkly and throws white light, whereas the Moissanite glitters in all colors. How noticeable that depends on the size and cut of the stone; the bigger the stone, the more "obvious" it is." - says u/noanke from Reddit.
"I LOVE my moissanite ring!! It's nice and durable (it's just below the diamond on the Mohs hardness scale) ,and it's very sparkly. I get many compliments on it all the time. They're also produced more ethically and priced more reasonably." - says Reddit user u/sefidcthulhu
Final Thoughts
While diamonds are undeniably beautiful, their sky-high price points can often make them unobtainable for many people. Fortunately, there is a much more accessible and affordable alternative: Moissanite. This gemstone is perfect for engagement rings, as well as other pieces of jewelry. It is just as brilliant and robust as a diamond. Furthermore, it is a much more ethical option and an excellent gift for those on a budget. So, if you're looking for a high-quality gemstone at a fraction of the cost of a diamond, we highly recommend Moissanite jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moissanite better than a diamond?
It all depends on your preferences. Moissanite is often called a diamond simulant or simulated diamond, but it is not a diamond. Moissanite is more affordable than diamonds and has a higher refractive index, giving it much more sparkle and fire. Additionally, it is created in a laboratory and does not involve the issues associated with diamond mining.
Is Moissanite more durable than a diamond?
No, diamond has a 10 rating on the Mohs scale, while Moissanite has a 9.25 rating. However, Moissanite is still an extremely durable gemstone; to the untrained eye, there are no observable differences. Rest assured, and you do not need to worry about the durability of your moissanite jewelry.
Does Moissanite come in different colors?
Yes, Moissanite is available in various colors, including colorless, near-colorless, and shades of yellow and gray. This gives you a more comprehensive range of choices regarding the color of your stones and can be paired well for any occasion.
