What is Moissanite?

Exploring the World of Moissanite Diamonds and Engagement Rings

The journey to finding the perfect engagement ring often involves exploring various gemstone options. Among these options, moissanite diamonds have gained significant popularity in recent years. In this informative blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of moissanite, its origins, properties, and why it has become a beloved choice for engagement rings.

Table of Content

The Discovery of Moissanite
Understanding Moissanite Properties
Lab-Grown Moissanite: A Sustainable and Ethical Choice
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Price Comparison
Renowned Moissanite Brands and Designs
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia
Selecting the Perfect Moissanite Engagement Ring
Caring for Your Moissanite Engagement Ring

The Discovery of Moissanite

Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan. Moissan initially believed he had found diamonds within a meteorite crater. However, he later identified the crystals as a new mineral, silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, which has led to the development of lab-grown moissanite for use in fine jewellery.

Understanding Moissanite Properties

Moissanite diamonds are prized for their brilliance and fire, rivalling the beauty of natural diamonds. The gemstone has a high refractive index (2.65 to 2.69), which is a measure of how much light bends when entering the stone. This is higher than the refractive index of natural diamonds (2.42), resulting in even more sparkle and radiance for moissanite stones.

In terms of durability, moissanite is an excellent choice for everyday wear. Ranking 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, it is the second hardest gemstone, surpassed only by diamonds, which rank at 10. This makes moissanite resistant to scratches and chipping, ensuring that your moissanite engagement ring remains beautiful over time.

Lab-Grown Moissanite: A Sustainable and Ethical Choice

One of the most appealing aspects of moissanite diamonds is their ethical and environmental benefits. Since most moissanite stones are lab-grown, there is no need for environmentally destructive mining practices. This also eliminates the possibility of "blood diamonds" or diamonds mined in conflict zones that fund violence.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Price Comparison

Moissanite diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds, making them an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly engagement ring. Diamond prices can vary greatly depending on factors like carat weight, cut, clarity, and color. In contrast, moissanite stones are consistently more affordable, allowing you to choose a larger center stone or a more intricate design without breaking the bank.

Moissanite vs Diamonds

Renowned Moissanite Brand and Designs

Ralph Jacobs is the most well-known brand for moissanite diamonds, as they were the first company to market the gemstone in South Africa for fine jewelry. They offer a wide range of moissanite engagement rings in various styles, from classic solitaires to more elaborate designs featuring halo settings and side stones. Their Moissanite is considered the highest quality moissanite stone available, providing exceptional brilliance and fire.

Other popular moissanite engagement ring designs include vintage-inspired settings, contemporary designs, and custom creations that allow you to create a truly unique piece of jewellery.

Moissanite vs. Caubic Zirconia

When considering diamond alternatives, it's essential to understand the difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide, and while it closely resembles a diamond in appearance, it is not as durable or brilliant as moissanite. Cubic zirconia ranks 8.0 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it less resistant to scratches and chips than moissanite. Additionally, cubic zirconia has a lower refractive index than moissanite, resulting in less fire and brilliance.

Selecting the Perfect Moissanite Engagement Ring

When choosing a moissanite engagement ring, consider the following factors to ensure you select the perfect ring for your loved one:

1. Shape and Cut

Shape and Cut: Moissanite stones come in various shapes and cuts, including round, oval, cushion, pear, and radiant. The most popular moissanite shape is the round brilliant cut, which maximizes the stone's fire and brilliance. When selecting a shape and cut, consider your personal style and the overall design of the engagement ring.

2. Carat Weigh

Carat Weight: Moissanite is available in a wide range of carat weights, allowing you to choose the perfect center stone for your engagement ring. Keep in mind that moissanite weighs slightly less than diamonds, so a moissanite stone with the same dimensions as a diamond will have a lower carat weight. Use a size-to-carat conversion chart to help you determine the right size for your desired carat weight.

3. Color

Color: Moissanite color grades range from Colourless to Faint Colour. The highest quality moissanite stones, such as Ralph Jacobs Moissanite, are colourless to near-colourless. Consider your personal preference and the metal color of your engagement ring setting when selecting a moissanite color grade.

4. Setting and Style:

Setting and Style: Moissanite stones can be set in a variety of engagement ring styles, from classic solitaires to elaborate designs with halo and side stones. Consider your partner's personal style and preferences when choosing the setting and overall design of the moissanite engagement ring.

Caring for Your Moissanite Engagement Ring

To ensure your moissanite engagement ring remains stunning for years to come, proper care is essential. Clean your ring regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild soap solution, then rinse and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they may damage the metal setting. It is also recommended to have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected regularly to maintain its beauty and integrity.

Conclusion

Moissanite diamonds offer a captivating alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings, with their exceptional brilliance, fire, and affordability. Additionally, the ethical and environmental benefits of lab-grown moissanite make it an increasingly popular choice for modern couples. By understanding the unique properties of moissanite and considering factors such as shape, cut, carat weight, colour, and setting, you can select the perfect moissanite engagement ring to symbolize your love and commitment.