Moissanite Engagement Rings vs Diamond? Purchasing engagement rings is always a very tricky task, perhaps next to choosing wedding bands. Diamond rings can be very expensive, not because of their rarity but because of the artificial value that society has put on them throughout the years.
If you want to get engaged with someone, the first thing you might want to ask is this: would she mind having an engagement stone that is not a diamond? More people should talk about moissanite engagement rings vs diamond rings.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is often incorrectly tagged as a diamond simulant, but if you look at moissanite, you will find that it is much more than that. A moissanite’s appearance surpasses that of a diamond when it is well-made. Moissanite has more brilliance and fire than a natural diamond without the hefty price tag.
More and more ladies are looking into moissanite engagement rings, and they are quite happy with their choice.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: 5 Key Differences
To help you choose between moissanite engagement rings vs diamond rings, below are their major differences.
Cost
The first, stark difference between the two gemstones is the cost. While diamonds are costly, especially if they have GIA certifications, moissanite rings can be sold for as low as $25, depending on the ring’s metal and the stone’s carat weight.
Diamond engagement rings can set you back around $4,000 to $6,000.
Moissanite engagement rings are usually the ring of choice for those who would like to enjoy a bigger stone’s beauty without spending more of their life savings.
Brilliance
Diamonds and moissanite look incredibly similar. However, they are not structurally the same. Moissanites have double refraction, which makes their brilliance and fire higher than a natural diamond.
However, while a natural diamond gives off a fire that is more on the white side, moissanite produces rainbow reflections. This might be attractive to some people and off-putting to other brides-to-be.
Hardness
Diamonds are still the hardest stones, with an MOH level of 10. Moissanites are close to that hardness at 9 MOH. With proper care, both stones can last a very long time. They are also both high in carbon which is why most moissanite will test positive in a diamond tester.
Resell value
Naturally-mined diamonds, especially those with GIA certification, will still sell at a much higher price than moissanite. Most people who buy a moissanite ring do so because they enjoy the gemstone for what it is.
Ethical value
If you do not like the idea of wearing mined gems, then moissanite will sit well with you. Brides who want to stir clear of unethical stones choose the brilliant and fiery moissanite over any diamond or its simulants.
Buying cheaper, uncertified natural diamonds might be practical, but you are not sure about the quality of the stone under the jeweler’s loupe. You might also come across diamonds acquired unethically through child labor.
Moissanite Engagement Ring FAQs
How Are Moissanites Made?
Moissanites are made in the laboratory using heat and pressure. Unlike diamonds that are cut and polished from a rough, naturally mined stone, moissanite has a perfect structure because the silicon carbide is grown in laboratories.
The fact that it is laboratory-manufactured lowers its cost. This means a less expensive moissanite can have better light performance than a more expensive natural diamond stone.
Where Can You Buy A Moissanite Engagement Ring?
There are plenty of reputable stores selling high-quality moissanite engagement rings.
You will find some of the best moissanite rings from reputable brands like DovEggs. Brilliant Earth also carries beautiful, authentic moissanite pieces. If you wish to purchase from some of the pioneering distributors of moissanite engagement rings, you must also check out Charles and Colvard and Forever One Moissanite.
Smaller stores online carry these cheaper, diamond-similar gemstones, but you need to look at the actual product and reviews.
How Do You Clean A Moissanite Ring?
Moissanite is close to the hardness of diamond, exposure to harsh chemicals is still discouraged as this can discolor your stone or compromise its stability.
The best way to deep clean a moissanite ring is to soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. After that, you may clean it with a very soft brush just to get rid of any loosened dirt. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth afterward. You may also use generic polishing fabric to finish.
Moissanites vs. Lab Diamonds
Moissanites are different from laboratory diamonds, although most of the moissanite you will find today are also lab-grown. Moissanite is different chemically and structurally.
Lab diamonds are made using smaller, natural seed diamonds in a process that imitates nature in a controlled setting. On the other hand, moissanite stones are made from silicon carbide.
While moissanite stones emit double refraction and produce a rainbow-like brilliance, lab diamonds are made to simulate natural diamonds completely. They are also as hard as naturally-mined diamonds.
Moissanite Engagement Rings vs Diamond: Which One Should You Buy?
When choosing between moissanite engagement rings and moissanite engagement rings, it’s good to ask yourself these questions:
- Get to know the bride and her preferences. How much does the bride want a diamond? Is a diamond simulant or a moissanite even an option?
- What are the consequences, for you, of purchasing an affordable but unethical diamond ring?
- Is the appearance of a lab-grown diamond better for you than a moissanite? Or do you prefer the flashier appearance of the moissanite ring?
- How big a stone do you want on your ring, and will you be able to afford this size on a GIA-certified diamond?
- Can you afford the ring of your choice? If not, will the alternative make you happy?
Look at the practical side of things. You want to get married and not be stuck in debt. You can enjoy a high-quality engagement ring without spending your life savings with a beautiful moissanite engagement ring.
Once you’ve made up your mind, you might start brainstorming with your bride-to-be about the best wedding entrance ideas.
