When it comes to proposing, the perfect engagement ring is key. While diamonds have traditionally been the go-to choice, synthetic diamond alternatives are becoming increasingly popular for various reasons. One such alternative that has been making waves in the jewelry industry is moissanite, a lab-grown gem that offers beauty and affordability.
Moissanite engagement rings by the likes of trusted companies like Zen Moissanite or other online retailers have gained popularity among millennials and Gen Z, who are drawn to their unique and modern styles. Vintage-inspired designs such as art deco and minimalist rings have also gained popularity in recent years. Moissanite gems can be set in a variety of metals, including yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. The halo style, which features a center stone surrounded by a circle of smaller stones, has also become a popular choice for moissanite rings. Fine jewelry companies like Brilliant Earth have embraced moissanite, offering a wide range of options for those seeking an elegant and affordable alternative to diamond engagement rings.
The History of Moissanite
Moissanite has an interesting history that began with a meteorite crashing into the Canyon Diablo region of Coconino County, Arizona. The impact created a massive pit almost 600 feet deep and 4,000 feet in diameter. Although the crater was only discovered by American settlers in the 19th century, it is estimated to have been formed as long as 50,000 years ago.
French chemist Ferdinand Frédéric Henri Moissan began studying fragments that were found in the crater in 1893. His objective was to find substances that were suitable for efficient electrical conductivity. During his extensive research, Moissan uncovered a remarkable new mineral—silicon carbide. The mineral was named after him and became known as moissanite.
Due to the extreme rarity of moissanite, there was little development in its study or use. However, researchers in North Carolina patented a process to create pure synthetic silicon carbide for use in semiconductors over a century later. This invention caught the eye of jewelry maker Charles & Colvard, who introduced the first lab-created moissanite gem in 1998.
Since then, moissanite has gained popularity as a diamond alternative due to its brilliance, hardness, and affordability. In a lab setting, moissanite can be created with minimal environmental impact, unlike traditional diamond mining. As a result, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have become popular alternatives to mined diamonds, which can have negative environmental and ethical implications.
Moissanite vs. Diamond
Moissanites and diamonds are two of the most popular gemstones used in fine jewelry. While they may look similar to the untrained eye, there are some key differences between the two stones that are worth considering before making a purchase.
Brilliance and Fire
One of the most notable differences between moissanites and diamonds is their brilliance and fire. Moissanites have a different faceting pattern and a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means they react to light differently and produce an intense brilliance with greater flashes of fire. The larger the moissanite, the more noticeable the distinction. However, this depends partly on the diamond cut.
Color and Clarity
Classic moissanites traditionally come with a yellow hue that works brilliantly with vintage settings and yellow or rose gold. However, many buyers prefer colorless gems to symbolize purity and perfection. With the precision of the creation process, moissanites can match the colorless diamond D-grade that is the gold standard of diamond jewelry. Quality, natural diamonds are rare. And natural D-grade diamonds are one in a million. Meanwhile, lab-manufactured moissanites can be produced at will. While buyers can expect to pay upwards of ten thousand dollars for a 1.0-carat natural D-grade diamond, a moissanite of the same carat weight and absence of color will cost but a fraction of the price.
Similarly, trying to source a diamond with superior clarity can be difficult without an immense budget. Diamonds naturally come with visible imperfections that affect the beauty of the stone. Moissanites are grown in high-tech laboratories under a strictly controlled process. Therefore, they are always free of imperfections and completely eye-clean.
Durability
Diamonds are known for their durability and are used for engagement rings because they are said to last ‘forever’. As the toughest naturally-occurring material, diamonds are resistant to scratches and abrasions. The good news is that moissanite is not far behind. Diamond is rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale while moissanite is rated 9.25-9.5, making it the second hardest material used as a gemstone. Zirconia, another common alternative, comes in at 8.5. With such strength, the only thing that can scratch moissanite jewelry is a diamond. Since it is unlikely that you would store your fine jewelry haphazardly, a moissanite ring will probably look perfect for life. That said, certain gem cuts are more vulnerable to chips. For example, princess cuts are known to chip more easily than round cuts. So, choose your cuts wisely.
Another thing to consider is that moissanite does not lose its brilliance or clarity over time. Some synthetic diamond alternatives such as cubic zirconia can develop a cloudy or milky appearance. Many people want to pass their engagement rings down to future generations and you can rest assured that a moissanite gem will shine just as bright in a hundred years
Sourcing
The natural diamond mining industry has been involved in many controversial human rights and environmental issues. To completely avoid these ethical and ecological concerns, many jewelry buyers are now turning to lab-created gemstones. Moissanites provide all the good looks with none of the conflict and guilt. It is an eco-friendly and ethical choice/
With all of that being said, moissanites are a great alternative to diamonds for those who want a clear, brilliant, durable, and affordable gemstone. They are also an ethical and eco-friendly choice. However, diamonds still hold their value and rarity, making them a popular choice for those who want a traditional and classic look. Ultimately, the choice between moissanite and diamond comes down to personal preference and budget.
