Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring silicon carbide gemstone that was discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, hence the name. Moissan found the gemstone within a fallen meteor located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, initially mistaking it for diamonds. Because of the extreme rarity of this gemstone, the vast majority of moissanite on the market today is lab created and therefore ethical and conflict-free. Moissanite is near-colorless and has a similar refractive index to a diamond, but has more colors and fire making quick flashes of rainbow color when moving the stone around. Though moissanite looks similar to diamond and the DIA deems it the closest diamond imitation, it is its own unique gem with unique chemical and optical properties and is not a synthetic diamond but it is a great diamond alternative.
Is A Moissanite Engagement Ring Right For You?
Brilliant, sparkling and ethical, moissanite looks similar to a diamond but with more fire and a smaller price tag. Because it’s a white stone, it’s extremely versatile when it comes to engagement ring styles and tends to create a classic look when used in a timeless design like a round solitaire engagement ring. For a more alternative look, think about an uncommon cut like a marquise or setting the center stone horizontally or in a non traditional thick band. Watch the video to learn more about designing your own custom moissanite engagement ring.
Gemstone durability is rated from 1-10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, moissanites are a 9.25
More durable than sapphire, ruby, emerald, morganite, and all gemstones except diamonds
Cons
Moissanites distinct sparkle and scintillation can cause “disco ball effect” that can be more pronounced in sunlight
Not as durable or hard as diamonds
Some moissanite can appear to have a yellow or green tone
Who Is A Moissanite Engagement Ring Right For?
If you love the look of diamonds but want an ethical alternative, moissanite is a great choice. moissanite engagement ring is right for you if you like lots of brilliance, sparkle and fire and don’t mind the slight rainbow colors that are visible in some lighting. Moissanite is not a good choice if you have your heart set on a diamond, it is its own unique gemstone and it doesn’t look exactly the same. Moissanite is also not for you if tradition is extremely important to you, moissanite is still pretty uncommon and misunderstood by consumers. Well-meaning family and friends may be confused with your decision, but the good news is that the majority of people will assume moissanite is a diamond.