Though many people are fond of moissanite rings and find it as a good alternative and affordable as well in comparison to diamonds, but some people might not know about it. The below-mentioned points would surely help you to understand the same so that you may choose it for gifting your loved ones.
What is a Moissanite and how was it discovered?
In the year of 1893, Moissanite was discovered from a crater by the famous French Scientist Henri Moissan after the crater created by a meteorite had fallen at the Earth. This massive meteorite strike had taken place in Arizona and initially, Moissan thought that these were diamonds, but later on, concluded that these were the crystals made up of silicon carbide. The gem was named after Mr. Moissan.
During the year of 1958, it was also found in the Green River Formation at Wyoming and in the very next year as inclusions in kimberlite from a diamond mine situated at Yakutia. Since the natural moissanite on the earth is left on a very small quantity, these days it is mostly lab-grown and the cost is almost in a fraction compared to that of the lab-grown diamonds. Moissanites were introduced in the jewelry market in the year of 1998 after a firm named Charles & Colvard had received the patents to start with the creation and marketing of these gemstones that had them the first-ever company to do so.
How good is a Moissanite?
Moissanites do give the illusions similar to diamond and with the naked eye; it looks absolutely the same as diamond, although its composition is totally different. Its brilliance, durability, and color are quite distinct and a few of its unique features. As per an article published in Money Magazine, it says “while a perfect, colorless two-carat diamond will cost you upwards of $40,000 and an imperfect one-carat diamond can set you back nearly $10,000 whereas an almost flawless one-carat moissanite gem costs less than $1,000. And thanks to recent innovations in the way they are made, moissanite stones are tough to distinguish from natural diamonds, even for experts.” Thus, these moissanite engagement rings are almost s hard as diamonds, in spite of a low pocket pinch. Also, Moissanites have the same cuts, configuration, and settings similar to that of the diamonds. It also offers earrings, rings, pendants, and necklaces.
Moissanites are considered to be the second hardest mineral in the world because it is around 9.25 on the Mohs scale, whereas diamonds the hardest one is around 10 on the same scale. Once compared to a diamond, Moissanites enjoy higher brilliance along with light dispersion and sparkle. Though labeled as colorless, they are capable of producing yellow or grayish hue in certain lights. Similar to that of a diamond, the colors are more noticeable if the Moissanites size is larger. On the other hand, it looks more colorless the moissanite is smaller in size. Also, when it is set in the rings featuring diamond accents, Moissanites looks the most beautiful.
What are the different types of Moissanites available?
Based on the availability, there are four types of moissanite as per the following-
- Forever one colorless: Considered to be the most premium brand of moissanite, this generally falls in the range between internally flawless to very slightly included (IF-VS).
- Forever one near-colorless: Being the second most premium brand, it is flawless with some amount of color.
- Pure light: These are intensely white and colorless gems and are graded as D, E, or F in color.
- True light: It shows very distinct heart and arrow patterns and their behavior rating ranges between Very Good + to excellent light.
What are the reasons for choosing a Moissanite Engagement Ring over diamonds?
Apart from being Cheap Engagement Rings, there are a few more factors that would surely ensure that the Moissanites are far superior to the diamonds and the factors are as follows-
- Affordability:
The prices of Moissanites are found to be ninety percent lesser than that of diamonds although both of them portray the same type of appearance. Affordability is one of the most important features of moissanite. For instance, if the price of a one-carat diamond is $4,000, it would be $400 for the moissanite. Although the price of the diamonds depends on the cut, clarity, and a few other aspects, the prices of moissanite are almost the same, only its size and type, i.e. enhanced or non-enhanced varies. As mentioned above, it ensures a higher brilliance than the diamonds and it is not only less expensive to a diamond but also to that of a few other gems as well.
- Different & Unique:
Since a lot of people have diamond rings, therefore it has become expected and traditional as well. But moissanite looks unique since it had come from stars and this is the reason that makes your engagement ring quite different from others.
- Moissanites are eco-friendly:
Since these are made in labs with minimal environmental impact and with zero involvement of mining in the process of creation, it, therefore, proves to be an eco-conscious gemstone. Neither it has been ever involved in conflict trades, nor does it cause any sort of harmful effects to the earth.
- Moissanites ensures durability:
Since the moissanite is 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it’s not only great as an engagement ring, but also suitable for day to day wear. Secondly, the chances of getting scratches are almost negligible because of its hardness. It is always said, “the harder the stone, the hardest it is to scratch it.”
Therefore, there are various factors to make you fall in love with the Moissanites. It also has a lot of good features and that too at such affordable prices. Secondly, since the chances of getting scratches on the moissanite rings are almost negligible, it is highly recommended to give it a try and it would surely become the best engagement ring. Sometimes you need to think out of the box in order to make your gift unique as well as different from that of others.
