Your Guide to Choosing a Moissanite Engagement Ring
•Posted on June 29 2024
Moissanite is fast becoming a favored alternative to traditional diamonds for engagement rings. With its unique sparkle and sustainable appeal, a moissanite engagement ring is not just a symbol of love but also an expression of individuality and environmental consciousness. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of moissanite, providing you with all the necessary information to choose an engagement ring that's as enduring as your love story.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite was first discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially, it was mistaken for diamonds for its sparkling appearance. However, natural Moissanite is extremely rare, so today, nearly all Moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created.
Physical Properties of Moissanite
- Hardness: Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest gemstones available, second only to diamonds (which score a 10).
- Brilliance (Refractive Index): The refractive index of a gemstone measures how much light is bent or refracted when entering the stone. Moissanite has a refractive index ranging from 2.65 to 2.69, which is higher than that of diamond (which has a refractive index of 2.42).
- Fire (Dispersion): Dispersion refers to the splitting of white light into its spectral colors, also known as "fire." Moissanite's dispersion is 0.104, which is more than twice that of diamond (0.044). This results in a rainbow-like effect when the gemstone is exposed to light.
- Stability: Moissanite's chemical inertness ensures it remains unchanged and maintains its appearance. It won't discolor, fade, or change appearance with exposure to everyday household chemicals, making it an ideal choice for everyday jewelry like engagement rings.
- Clarity: Lab-created Moissanite typically has fewer inclusions and blemishes than natural gemstones, often resulting in higher clarity grades.
Color Grades of Moissanite
Unlike diamonds, which are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), most moissanite sold today is categorized simply by the terms "colorless" and "near-colorless."
- Colorless (D-E-F): These stones exhibit no noticeable color, appearing icy white to the naked eye. Under normal lighting conditions, colorless Moissanite stones can appear almost identical to high-grade diamonds.
- Near-Colorless (G-H-I): Near-colorless Moissanite still offers excellent brilliance and sparkle, with only a slight hint of color usually only noticeable when compared side-by-side, with minimal difference in appearance compared to colorless stones.
- Faint Color (J-K-L): These stones might have a perceptible yellow or gray tint, especially in larger sizes or certain lighting conditions. They can be a good option for those who prefer a warmer look or are on a tighter budget.
Why Choose a Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Moissanite offers a range of benefits that can appeal to many, from its dazzling appearance to its more attractive price point compared to traditional choices like diamonds.
Unique Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite is known for its brilliant sparkle, often outshining even the most well-cut diamonds. It possesses a fiery quality that radiates a spectrum of colors when light passes through it. This is due to its high refractive index, which exceeds that of a diamond, resulting in a stone that is exceptionally eye-catching and vibrant.
Remarkable Durability
Durability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an engagement ring, as it's meant to be worn every day. Moissanite scores impressively on the Mohs scale of hardness-a 9.25-9.5. This resilience ensures that your moissanite ring will withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining its polished look.
Ethical and Eco-Friendly Choice
Moissanites are lab-created, which means they don't contribute to the environmental degradation associated with mining. Additionally, they offer peace of mind for those concerned about the ethical implications often tied to the diamond industry.
Affordability without Compromising Quality
When comparing a moissanite stone to a diamond of similar size and clarity, the cost savings are significant. A moissanite engagement ring can cost anywhere from 10% to 30% of the price of an equivalent diamond ring. This allows for either a larger stone or the allocation of funds to other aspects of the wedding, a honeymoon, or investments into your shared future.
How to Choose the Right Moissanite Engagement Ring
Decide Size and Carat Weight
Moissanite is sold by size rather than carat weight. Because moissanite is lighter, a 6.5mm moissanite has the same visual size as a 1-carat diamond but weighs slightly less. Ultimately, this means you can have a moissanite engagement ring that matches the presence and splendor of a large diamond but at a more affordable price point and with a comfort that suits everyday wear.
3mm Moissanite | 6mm Moissanite |
Look for Shape and Cut
The cut of your moissanite is crucial as it directly influences the stone's sparkle. From the classic round brilliant to the elegant princess and cushion cuts, each shape brings a different aesthetic and level of brilliance. A well-cut moissanite will look stunning in an engagement ring.
Oval Cut | Princess Cut |
Pick the Right Metal
Choose from various metals such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.The classic elegance of yellow gold sets off moissanite's brilliance, reminiscent of a vintage halo design that harkens back to an era of timeless romance. On the other hand, the warm, rosy color of rose gold can complement all skin tones, try to picture an oval-shaped moissanite set in soft rose gold with a Art Deco design. The metal's edges have a detailed, beaded milgrain finish that draws the eye.
Rose Gold | White Gold |
Consider the Ring Band
A thicker band can make a bold statement and often gives a sense of durability and prominence to the jewelry. It can stand up to a larger or more elaborate moissanite stone, balancing the piece and ensuring that the stone does not overpower the setting. On the other hand, a thinner band offers an air of subtlety and grace. It can create the illusion of a larger stone by minimizing the amount of metal visible and maximizing the moissanite's visual impact.
Thin Band | Wide Band |
Find Your Ring Styles
If you prefer a minimalist aesthetic with a focus on the stone itself, a simple solitaire setting is perfect like an elegant round moissaniten, bringing understated statement of elegance. Alternatively, if you're drawn to intricate details and historical charm, a vintage-inspired design like an oval-shaped moissanite surrounded by smaller gems, set in a band adorned with elaborate side stones and tiny bead-like detailing will be perfect.
Art Deco | Nature Inspired |
Custom Design Options
For those looking for something one-of-a-kind, custom-designed rings offer a unique way to incorporate personal elements into the design. Maybe you're drawn to the symmetry and bold lines of Art Deco designs, which could be brought to life with a halo setting encircling a princess-cut stone; perhaps the intricate twists and knots of a Celtic-inspired band resonate with you. For the nature-loving soul, leaf patterns can weave their way around the band or cluster around the central stone.
Toi et Moi | Celtic |
Budget Considerations
While moissanite is more affordable than diamonds, various factors affect its price, including size, cut, and clarity. By choosing moissanite, you can often afford a larger or higher quality gem than would be possible with diamonds. Additionally, considering long-term factors such as durability and the potential need for repairs is important when budgeting for your ring.
$884 | $2240 |
Where to Buy Moissanite Engagement Rings
When embarking on the journey to find the perfect moissanite engagement ring, it is crucial to align with a jeweler who not only provides high-quality stones but also embodies the essence of craftsmanship and customer care. Nobel Yates, an online jeweler, emerges as one such brand that resonates deeply with those values.
At the core of the Nobel Yates brand lies a beautiful mission: to safeguard each couple's unique love story. The artist behind Nobel Yates believes that every love story is as unique as the precious gems he works with.
The main products of Nobel Yates are wedding rings and engagement rings, each designed with a modern take on the timeless Art Deco style. By combining the novelty and elegance of Art Deco with contemporary elements, Nobel Yates creates rings that are not only stunning but also symbolic of love that withstands the test of time.
Nobel Yates is more than just a brand; it is a heartfelt commitment to honoring and celebrating the beauty of love in all its forms. With each carefully crafted ring, Nobel Yates aims to capture the essence of your unique love story, creating a cherished symbol of your eternal bond. When you select a moissanite engagement ring from Nobel Yates, you are not only choosing a stunning piece of jewelry but also embracing a brand that truly understands the profound significance of your love.
Embellish Your Romance with a Moissanite Engagement Ring
Choosing a moissanite engagement ring is a sensible choice for those who value sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and a striking resemblance to diamonds. With its nearly unmatched durability and brilliant sparkle, moissanite offers a modern twist on the traditional engagement ring. Let your moissanite ring not only symbolize your commitment but also stand as a testament to your individuality and ethical considerations!