Moissanite Engagement Rings

A relative newcomer on the jewelry scene, moissanite is startlingly brilliant gem that is nearly indistinguishable from diamonds to the casual observer and offers the mystique of being one of the rarest jewels in the world.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a rare mineral with a hexagonal crystal structure that occurs in iron-nickel meteorites, and may also be called silicon carbide or carborundum in reference to its chemistry. Naturally occurring moissanite crystals are too miniscule for use in jewelry, and it wasn’t until a lab process was created to grow large, single crystals that moissanite became a practical choice for engagement rings and other adornments.

History of Moissanite

Moissanite Solitaire

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize winning scientist Dr. Henri Moissan while he was studying meteorite fragments at the Diablo Canyon in Arizona. In 1905 the new mineral was named moissanite in his honor, but it would take a century before laboratory processes were developed that could grow moissanite crystals in quantities and sizes suitable for jewelry. In 1995, jewelers realized the potential of this remarkable mineral and began fashioning engagement rings, pendants, and earrings with it.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

Many people underestimate the value of moissanite by calling it a fake diamond. It is only fake, however, in the same vein that a pink sapphire is a “fake” pink diamond. Moissanite is a genuine gemstone, and should not be passed off as a diamond but should be valued for its own unique properties. While it is strikingly similar to diamonds, it does have differences that may make it an even more luxurious choice for an engagement ring.

Similarities

Like diamonds, moissanite is thermally conductive and unfortunately, this is the test that many jewelers use to test a diamond’s authenticity. Because moissanite can also pass this test, that may be where it gets its reputation as a fake diamond. Moissanite is nearly as hard as diamond and can feature the same brilliance, and for engagement rings, it can be fashioned into just as wide a variety of shapes, settings, and designs to suit any individual’s tastes.

Differences

Unlike diamonds, moissanite is rarely perfectly colorless, and may exhibit faint green, gray, or yellow tints, especially in larger stones. To avoid purchasing an inferior stone, always examine moissanite under different types of light to see how its hue alters. At the same time, however, moissanite’s hexagonal crystal structure is nearly twice as refractive as a diamond’s isometric one, giving it up to twice the brilliance and fire of a diamond depending on the shape and cut of the stone. This characteristic can easily conceal faint color variations. Because moissanite is grown in a laboratory, it lacks natural flaws such as mineral inclusions and crystal fractures, but it can contain miniscule white ribbons that occur during the crystal’s growth.

Choosing a Moissanite Engagement Ring

Moissanite and Sapphire Ring

Because of the incorrect assumption that moissanite is a diamond substitute, many people expect it to be far less expensive than natural diamonds. Because the growing process is so difficult, however, moissanite is only slightly cheaper than true diamonds, depending on the quality of each type of stone. A poor-quality diamond may well be less expensive than an exceptional moissanite stone.

As with any gemstone, to insure you select a quality piece you should thoroughly examine its carat weight, color purity, clarity, and cut intricacy. Ask to see the stone’s certification and other documentation, and inspect different sizes and shapes before choosing the one that suits your preferences best. Because of its rarity, not all jewelers carry moissanite, but it is gradually becoming more popular and can be found at JCPenny retailers as well as other stores in a variety of settings and arrangements from simple solitaires to elaborate bridal sets.

Just because it is lab-created does not mean that moissanite does not require the same care as natural diamonds. Its hardness and durability make its care similar to diamonds, such as storing it away from other gems to prevent accidental scratches and avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals. Moissanite engagement rings should be treated with as much care as any diamond jewelry.

Moissanite is a rare and beautiful gem, with the distinction of originating in the stars. A moissanite engagement ring may be a more affordable alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings for some couples, and its stunning beauty makes it an intriguing choice for any bride-to-be.