Moissanites are sometimes described as ‘artificial’ or ‘budget’ diamonds, but really, they are so much more than that. A natural stone, moissanite is a mix of silicon and carbon, whereas diamonds are entirely made up of heavily compressed carbon. They are the second hardest stone and much rarer than even the elusive diamond in their natural form because they were originally found in moissanite meteorites. More importantly, moissanite jewelry is just as beautiful and virtually indistinguishable from diamonds to the naked eye.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of what are the different grades of moissanite. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Nowadays, because of their rarity, moissanite diamonds are almost exclusively created in a lab, meaning they are readily available in any shape and size, giving you an almost unlimited array of options for creating your perfect ring.
Below we answer a few of your most burning questions regarding moissanites and what makes them such a special choice for the modern bride and groom-to-be:
It’s widely known that diamonds are graded via the elusive three 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight). The same grading applies to moissanites. Therefore, while the final selection of your perfect stone is still up to your and your partner’s tastes, the best stone is one with superior colour and clarity. Grading up to very slightly included (VS), meaning inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye, are preferred, as well as a colour of F-G (meaning near colourless) to D, colourless. The cut and carat weight will depend entirely on the size and style of the stone you are looking for, and the higher the number of carats, the larger the moissanite will be. Interestingly, while moissanite diamonds are almost entirely man-made, they can still come with small inclusions just like their diamond counterparts. Inclusions are usually invisible but can, on occasion, add interest and a degree of uniqueness to a stone.
As you’ll have learned by now, when it comes to moissanite vs diamond, they are not all that different. Moissanites are the second-hardest gemstone around and almost exclusively lab-made due to their extreme rarity in nature. Diamonds, by comparison, are frequently still found and crafted into expensive pieces of jewellery. But there is almost no visual difference between diamond and moissanite, and moissanite stone can even offer the same unique inclusions (whether you want them or not is a different matter.) Look-wise, most people will not be able to tell the difference, and only upon closer inspection (and armed with the knowledge) will you know that diamonds sparkle white, and moissanite sparkle in rainbow colours.
Moissanite diamonds are truly versatile stones, shimmer in beautiful rainbow sparkles in the light, and can be crafted to be just as luxurious and high-quality in terms of colour and clarity as diamonds, thanks to modern technology. Where moissanite reigns supreme is ethics: Being manmade, moissanite rings have no potential for the concern of unethical mining, and you’re likely to find out exactly where and how your unique gem was made. This makes moissanite wedding rings indeed a very good choice.
Just like diamonds, moissanites will not tarnish or lose their durability or colour over time. They will not get cloudy or lose their brilliance, and you’ll never need to worry about them looking any less than spectacular.
You will, however, need to care for your moissanite engagement ring the same way you would for a diamond ring. To do so, simply fill a shallow bowl with soapy water (a mild dish soap is a great choice) and soak your ring. Remember to never place your ring anywhere near any plugholes or you might risk the terrible fright of your prized possession travelling down the drain.
Once you have let your ring soak for approximately 15 minutes, use a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt. Dish soap will also work fantastically at removing any oil slicks leftover from heavy hand creams or soaps. Finally, dry your moissanite ring with a paper towel and it will sparkle as good as new.
You can clean your moissanite as often as you would any diamond. As mentioned before, it will not tarnish or lose any of its brilliance over time, so how often you choose to shine up your special ring is completely up to you.
At Abelini, we have a wide selection of beautiful moissanite jewellery, particularly engagement rings and moissanite wedding bands, but also moissanite earrings, and more. You’ll find a fabulous selection of cuts including popular round princess cut and more unusual emerald, asscher, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, and radiant cuts. We even offer delightful heart-cut moissanite diamond rings for the bride with a girlish heart. Consider these for a brilliant promise ring option as well.
We also offer a variety of settings, from traditional to unique, and metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and even platinum
No, moissanites sparkle just as much as diamonds do, only in a different colour. While diamonds appear to shimmer white when light is reflected upon them, moissanites shine in all the colours of the rainbow.
No, moissanites sparkle just as much as diamonds do, only in a different colour. While diamonds appear to shimmer white when light is reflected upon them, moissanites shine in all the colours of the rainbow.
Yes, both diamonds and moissanites will test positive on a diamond tester. Interestingly, as moissanites have only been lab-grown since the 1990s, if you own a piece of jewellery that dates further back it will most certainly be a diamond if it tests positive.
On the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds measure a score of 10, while moissanites will measure 9.25. To put this into context, a masonry drill bit used for putting holes into your house walls measures a hardness of 8.5, meaning both moissanites and diamonds are really very hard.
Choosing an engagement ring stone is a big choice to make. For some people, it’s among the biggest and most exciting choices they will ever make! It is, after all, the perfect way to let your personality shine through and make a lasting statement about your love. But for some, this process can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Between the sheer number of options you have and the endless terminology that gets thrown around, you may be wondering how to choose a moissanite stone for your engagement ring that is right for you.
We are happy to say that the process doesn’t have to be complicated or painful, and with a bit of knowledge and consideration, you can take home a “forever” stone that you will cherish for many years to come.
In this brief guide, we will explain everything you need to know about choosing a moissanite stone and the factors you should consider.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is an incredible gemstone that increasingly rivals other stones, such as diamonds, among modern environmentally and socially conscious individuals. In fact, when Moissanite was initially discovered in a meteorite crater by French scientist Henri Moissan over 120 years ago, it was initially mistaken for a diamond.
But aside from a handful of physical similarities, moissanite and diamonds couldn’t be more different from one another.
Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and boasts extraordinary brilliance and fire, which refers to its ability to reflect light and disperse colors- even more so than diamonds. This is one of the reasons it has become such a popular choice for engagement rings in recent years.
Additionally, moissanite is renowned for its exceptional hardness, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale, which measures a gemstone's resistance to scratching. This durability ensures that moissanite can withstand everyday wear and tear without losing its luster. That also means that with some occasional basic cleaning and care, your stone will look just as stunning as the day you took it home for many years to come.
One of the key advantages of moissanite is its affordability compared to diamonds, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking a dazzling gemstone on a budget. Whether as an engagement ring, pendant, or any other jewelry piece, moissanite offers a captivating and unusually affordable option for those who desire the brilliance of a diamond-like gemstone.
Where Does Moissanite Come From?
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit cvd vs hpht.
Though moissanite was initially discovered in a crater and does occur naturally, it is somewhat rare, and most moissanite sold today is grown in a lab. In recent years, the technology for producing moissanite has improved exponentially, meaning that extremely high-quality stones can be produced relatively quickly.
This is one of the reasons that moissanite stones can be had for a fraction of the cost of a comparable natural or lab-grown diamond. It also allows moissanite to be produced in a range of gorgeous colors that showcase the stone’s finest qualities while allowing you more flexibility to find something unique to your tastes.
When it comes to lab-grown moissanite stones, there is a common misconception that they are an “imitation” of naturally occurring moissanite. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Lab-grown moissanite is compositionally identical to its naturally occurring counterpart, meaning lab-grown moissanite stones gems are always the real deal!
How To Choose A Moissanite Stone
When considering how to choose a moissanite stone, there are a few factors that are worth keeping in mind, which we will take a closer look at below. But before we get those finer details, we want to leave you with some advice that we hope will alleviate some of the pressure you may be feeling.
One of the great things about moissanite is that you can choose a stone that suits your style and needs without sacrificing a stone with lower color or clarity. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, people often feel like they have to compromise in quality, clarity, or carat size to choose a ring that fits within their style & budget.
Here at TOVAA, our moissanite stones are VVS+ Clarity and Colorless (DEF), regardless of carat size (unless, of course, you opt for a colored moissanite stone or desire a stone with more warmth).
That means we can help you create the ring you’ve been dreaming about without getting bogged down in price and compromise.
The Four C’s Of Shopping For Moissanite
When choosing a moissanite stone, there are a few factors you will need to consider. These traits, known as “the Four C’s,” include cut, clarity, color, & carat.
The cut of a moissanite stone refers to how the stone has been shaped and faceted. The quality of the cut directly affects how the stone reflects light, giving it that beautiful fiery sparkle. A well-cut moissanite will have precise angles and facets that allow maximum light to enter and reflect back, creating impressive brilliance and fire.
When you shop with us, you will find that we offer multiple cuts or “facet” options. With Oval stones, for example, we offer both a diamond cut & crushed ice cut. The difference is mainly how they refract light to create their distinct sparkle. This final decision is completely personal preference and there’s no right or wrong answer, which can sometimes make it the hardest decision of all!
Clarity in moissanite refers to the presence or absence of any internal or external flaws, known as inclusions or blemishes, respectively. Moissanite stones are well regarded for their exceptional clarity, with very few imperfections compared to natural & lab-grown diamonds.
When selecting a moissanite, opt for one labeled as "eye-clean," meaning any inclusions or blemishes are not visible to the naked eye. This way, you can enjoy a flawless appearance and maximum brilliance in your moissanite engagement ring.
In the world of moissanite, color refers to the presence of any tint or hue within the stone. One of the great things about moissanite is that it is available in various colors that allow you to personalize your piece. Green, blue, and yellow are colors often associated with moissanite stones.
If you desire a diamond-like appearance, opt for colorless or near-colorless moissanite. But if you're looking for something more unique, you can explore the captivating array of colored moissanite we offer!
Carat is a measure of a moissanite's weight, not its size or dimensions (though it does directly impact the perceived size of the stone). While large-carat moissanite may be visually impressive, it's essential to find the right balance between size, style preference, and, of course, budget.
One of the reasons that moissanite continues to grow in popularity is that it offers excellent value, meaning you can opt for a larger-carat stone for a fraction of the price of a comparable diamond.
Choosing A Moissanite Shape & Setting
When it comes down to choosing a moissanite stone, we believe the most important thing to focus on is the stone’s shape. Once you decide on a shape you love, all the other details will naturally fall into place!
Once you have decided on a shape, you must consider your carat size based on your finger size and the overall look you hope to achieve. A 3ct stone on a size four finger will look much different than it would on a size eight finger. Along with carat size, you will also need to consider size ratio, which is the length to width of a stone or how “skinny” or “chubby” shape is.
Your stone shape and size will also help to determine what kind of setting you will want to, as different shapes lend themselves beautifully to different settings. This is where your own taste will really be able to shine through!
By starting with deciding on a stone shape, you allow yourself the room and flexibility to factor in the other aspects of your stone so that you end up with a ring that you love and will be showing off for years to come!
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing a moissanite ring is a highly personal and exciting choice. Helping our customers find the perfect stone for their piece is one of the most important and fulfilling services we offer and one in which we take great pride.
If you are reading this guide, you’ve already made a fantastic choice by choosing to learn about the details that factor into how to choose a moissanite stone. All that’s left now is to get out there and start exploring the possibilities!
While the stone you decide on is a matter of personal taste, we are here to help you figure out what best suits your needs and answer any questions you may have along the way! Whether you choose to
visit us in person for a one-on-one showing or work with us remotely
, we do our best to keep the process as fun, accessible, and tailored to your needs as possible!
Are you interested in learning more about 1mm earrings? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!