Getting engaged on a budget? Here’s why moissanites are perfect as the more affordable and sustainable choice to diamonds – all while offering you the same level of beauty.
What if you learned that there was a gemstone that rivalled diamonds in brilliance yet was up to 90% cheaper? You’d be eager to jump on board, wouldn’t you? Well, that’s precisely the reason so many people are already on board with the idea of moissanite engagement rings. These gemstones are a more environmentally friendly and ethical choice than earth-mined stones, and they make a fine alternative to diamonds. But that’s not the only reason they’ve become so popular. Experts like Moissanite Engagement Rings share their insights on why moissanites are the latest “in” thing when it comes to fine jewellery!
Let’s start with the basics. Moissanite is a colourless gemstone that was first discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893. It may have been discovered on Earth, but you actually won’t be able to find it, no matter how much you dig. That’s because all natural moissanite comes from meteorites! In a sense, they’re even rarer than diamonds!
Even though it’s extremely rare in nature, the gemstone can be easily synthesised in controlled environments, eliminating costs associated with extraction, labour, and international transport in traditional mining. This is one of the primary factors that contributes to moissanite’s affordability and smaller carbon footprint, and it is also the reason they are often regarded as a more ethical alternative to earth-mined gemstones.
But don’t take that to mean that they’re a lower-quality substitute for diamonds! When cut for jewellery, moissanites appear virtually indistinguishable from colourless diamonds to the naked eye.
In fact, moissanites are even superior in some ways. For example, Moissanite Engagement Rings says that they’ll scatter light better than diamonds of the same size and cut due to their higher refractive index. Consequently, they’ll often appear brighter and display more intense flashes of colour under the light.
Although moissanites are slightly less durable than diamonds, they are ranked 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them more resistant to scratches and chipping than all other types of gemstones. Rubies, sapphires, alexandrites, and topaz - all these hard gemstones are nothing before the moissanite!
Anyway, what this means for the consumer is that moissanites are particularly suitable for daily wear and will retain their clarity over time, unlike the similarly man-made cubic zirconia.
So, have you made your decision to go with moissanite jewellery? You have many options when it comes to engagement rings. Jewellers like Moissanite Engagement Rings typically offer rings that feature stones of different carat sizes and facets, which include asscher, oval, pear, princess, round, and emerald cuts.
You’re equally spoiled for choice when considering your setting style. If you just want a single stone as the focal point, get a solitaire ring. If you want something a little more decorated, cluster, trilogy, halo, and pavé settings are the way to go.
Most jewellers will also let you choose your precious metal as well. 14K white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold will obviously be cheaper than 18K yellow gold, but they won’t have as much lustre.
Something you may also want to consider is whether the jeweller offers gemstone certification and a lifetime gemstone warranty. Most do, including Moissanite Engagement Rings. If you purchase your ring from such a jeweller, you’ll be able to verify that your stone is the real deal. You’ll also be able to get it replaced for free if it ends up clouding or chipping.
Of course, choosing an engagement ring may not be that simple. When in doubt, you can ask experts like Moissanite Engagement Rings for some guidance. They’ll help you tie the knot ethically and in style.