Moissanite Rings: The Best Way to Save On Your Engagement and Wedding Ring

Moissanite has recently grown in appeal, notably in the engagement and wedding ring markets.

Moissanite's growing appeal stems partly from the fact that it's perceived as an environmentally sustainable alternative to diamonds, as well as its lower cost. Where in most cases, moissanite costs 1/10th the price of diamond.
 

Not so new

Moissanite may appear to be a recent stone due to its growing popularity, but it actually dates back to 1891, when chemist Edward Acheson discovered tiny crystals of silicon carbide in his heated mixture of carbon and alumina.

More than a decade later, French chemist Henri Moissan discovered a natural form of the gemstone in an Arizona meteor crater, which became known as moissanite.

As much as moissanite is not obtained in nature, it has a lot of different aspects, like hardness and refractive properties, that are similar to diamond. These features make moissanite a great alternative if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a diamond ring.
 

Moissanite is hard

Moissanite is harder than rubies and sapphires, coming in second only to diamond, which has a Mohs hardness of 10. (Moissanites are ranked 9.25.) Moissanite is a less expensive alternative to diamond, yet it sparkles brighter.

Moissanite has a refractive index ranging from 2.65 to 2.69, which is somewhat more significant than that of a real diamond which makes it more appealing.

As much as moissanite comes with plenty of perks, you have to buy your ring from a reputable store such as Moissanite Co.
 

Moissanite is more ethical

Almost all moissanite stones on the market are laboratory-created. This makes it a popular choice for clients who have ethical reservations about the environmentally harmful mining processes associated with the diamond business, as well as objections to exploitative human labor practices in other countries.

Furthermore, some consumers may be hesitant to acquire a blood diamond--so-called because revenues from the sought-after gemstone have occasionally been used to fuel brutal military battles in several African countries.

Such worries have translated into increased sales of moissanite.
 

How to buy a Moissanite ring

Consider the 4C’s

The four C's are used to judge the price and grade of a gemstone, often diamonds, but they can also be applied to moissanite. The four C's are color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Color: The color scale refers to the absence of color in a stone; the less color, the higher the price. Moissanite is typically a DEF color, with D being the highest attainable grade.

Cut: The level of sparkle in a moissanite can be determined by its cut [form]. In general, this can be done based on your personal preferences, but if you want to be strategic and obtain the greatest [and most] sparkle possible, there are a few factors to consider when selecting the cut of your moissanite ring.

A cut's facets are what give it its glitter, where the more facets there are, the more sparkle you have on your ring. Facets are the cut edges that form the curves and edges of a shape, reflecting light and sparkling.

A round brilliant cut is the most dazzling because it has the most facets, as proven by comparing it to an emerald cut, which, while gorgeous, is not as sparkly.

Clarity describes how clear a stone is. Internal marks' are called inclusions, whereas any external marks are called blemishes. The scale ranges from FL [flawless] to I1, I2, and I3 [inclusive].

For a great experience, go for moissanite stones that have a clarity grade of VVSI-2 [very, very slightly included], commonly known as "eye clean." This means that they will appear as flawless diamonds to the naked eye but for a fraction of the price.

Carat: Moissanite comes in the same carat weight range as diamond. Because moissanite is inexpensive, customers who prefer the beauty of large diamonds but not the price tag can attain a similar look for a lower cost.

Choose the right setting

A ring setting' explains how a stone is mounted into a ring, which can be done in a variety of ways that you may be unaware of. If you prefer a center stone that stands out, a "high set" ring is ideal because the stone is positioned on top of the band and creates a spectacular effect. For the opposite, use a "low set" engagement ring.

Another thing to consider is the type of metal you want. Yellow gold engagement rings are currently in style, as the modest luxury aesthetic remains popular among the world's fashionistas.

If you prefer the look of a platinum engagement ring, white gold is a less expensive option; however, the shine might wear off over time, revealing the yellow gold beneath, making platinum a more durable metal type.
 

Pay attention to the price

Moissanite prices vary depending on the four C's, but they are still significantly less expensive than equivalent diamonds, which is ideal if you have a limited budget.

Engagement rings are a significant investment, some may say lifelong, so if you have a specific vision in mind, advancements such as moissanites are making more quality wedding ring easily accessible.

To ensure that you get a good deal when it comes to moissanite rings, you need to take your time to research and find stores selling high-quality pieces at a low cost.
 

Parting shot

Moissanite rings come at a fraction of the cost of what you would have paid for a diamond, so if you are working with a tight budget, moissanite rings are the way to go.

Moissanite is a hard stone at 9.25 on the MOHs scale [a mineral hardness scale], whereas a mined diamond is 10, making it nearly as durable and requiring less maintenance. That is not to mean you should not care for your ring on a regular basis.

One thing you should do is clean your ring. To clean your moissanite engagement ring, pour a small bowl with soapy water; dish soap works well. Soak your ring for about 15 minutes, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any dirt.

You can do this as often as you want, and if possible, get your ring professionally cleaned by a jeweler once a year. Most local jewelers will be able to perform this with specialized tools, restoring your ring to like-new condition.

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