Moissanite Engagement Rings – Everything You Need to Know About the Diamond Alternative

Many people believe the center stone for an engagement ring must be a diamond, but that’s not true. In fact, moissanite engagement rings are uber popular, and we’ll tell you why.

First off, what’s moissanite?

It was originally discovered in 1893 – in a crater created by a meteorite that fell to Earth – by a French Nobel Prize-winning scientist named Henri Moissan. The mineral, which was later named about Moissan, was found at the site of a massive meteorite strike in Arizona and is a very rare and scarce mineral. There are such small natural quantities of it on earth that nowadays the mineral is almost always lab-grown. Created moissanite is silicon carbide formed as a single crystal. It comes in all of the same cuts, settings, and configurations in which diamonds can be made. Moissanite jewelry includes rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants.

Halo Moissanite & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K White Gold 2.10ct by Allurez.

What’s so special about having a moissanite engagement ring?

Diamonds are traditional and expected. Moissanite came from the stars so having a moissanite ring will make your bling different from everyone else’s. Stand out in a crowd! Dare to be different! Similar with diamonds, the smaller the moissanite, the more colorless it will look. Also under certain lighting, moissanite may project a yellow or green hue.

In terms of getting scratches, the harder the stone, the hardest it is to scratch it. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, moissanite is rated as a 9.25, which is higher than any other gemstone used in jewelry besides diamonds. It’s extremely durable (making it great for everyday wear) and is second to diamond in terms of hardness. Diamonds, which are the hardest known mineral, score a 10.

Princess Cut Halo Moissanite & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K White Gold 3.35ct by Allurez.

Why buy moissanite over diamonds?

Well for starters, think of your wallet: moissanite is cheaper than diamonds. While a diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity, and other factors, moissanite stones are usually the same price and vary only with size and type of moissanite (enhanced or non-enhanced). The affordable pricing for moissanite is one of its most appealing qualities. Moissanite also has a higher brilliance (the ability to reflect white light) than a diamond, meaning they have more of a sparkle (and who doesn’t love sparkle).

Also, if you hope to be eco-friendly, because moissanite is lab-grown there is no mining involved in its creation process. It is not harmful to the earth, and it is not involved in any conflict trade.