Are you looking for your perfect engagement ring, something that you can present to your loved one as a symbol for your love and devotion for them?
Diamonds have been for several centuries a symbol of everlasting love, dedication and devotion. They have represented and symbolized different values in countless different cultures. However, as consumers have become more aware, the ethical and social injustice issues that diamond mining partakes in have come to light, and people are looking for more ethical and more environment friendly alternatives for diamonds for their jewelry.
Moissanite: A reliable alternative
Moissanite rings have emerged as a captivating alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings, offering a unique blend of beauty, durability, and ethical considerations. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which gives it a more brilliant and fiery sparkle. When moissanite was first discovered, it was compared to the stars, because of its incredible shine, it looks quite literally like a fragment of the stars.
Unlike diamonds, which are naturally occurring, moissanite is a man-made mineral called silicon carbide, which makes it a more sustainable and ethically sourced option.
This distinction not only reduces the environmental impact but also eliminates concerns related to unethical labor practices and exploitation often associated with diamond mining.
Regarding durability, moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale, rating 9.25-9.5, closely trailing the diamond's perfect 10.3034This exceptional hardness makes moissanite highly scratch-resistant and suitable for everyday wear, ensuring the ring's longevity.
The Origin Story of Moissanite Stones
Moissanite not only has a brilliant fiery shine and sparkle, it also has an equally fascinating and brilliant origin story that dates back over a century.
The discovery of moissanite can be credited to the pioneering work of French chemist Dr. Henri Moissan, who in 1893 stumbled upon tiny crystals of silicon carbide while examining a meteorite crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona.
At first, Moissan mistook these crystals for diamonds, due to their similar appearance and hardness. However, when he closely analysed these crystals he had just discovered, he realized that he had stumbled upon a new and remarkably rare mineral, which was later named "moissanite" in his honor.
Despite Moissan's efforts to recreate his extraordinary finding in the laboratory, he was never able to successfully synthesize moissanite in his lifetime. However the efforts were not thwarted after his passing.
It was finally in the late 20th century that researchers finally developed a viable process for producing this remarkable gemstone.
In the 1990s a company called Charles & Colvard pioneered the commercial production of moissanite, paving the way for its widespread use in jewelry.
The company's patented process of chemical vapor deposition allowed for the creation of high-quality, colorless moissanite that could rival the brilliance and fire of diamonds.
Should you choose a Moissanite Ring for your special Occasion?
We know and understand that you want your day and your present to someone you love to be as special as them, we understand that you don't want to lose out on any qualities and perks that a traditional ring would come with.
Moissanite engagement rings have for a long time captivated the hearts and minds of modern couples seeking a brilliant, durable, and ethically-sourced alternative to traditional diamond rings. These remarkable gemstones possess a unique set of qualities that set them apart from their natural counterparts.
If you are also considering a moissanite ring for your special day, let's delve into the most remarkable qualities this brilliant stone has to offer.
It has an unparalleled brilliance and a fiery sparkle
One of the most striking features of moissanite is its unparalleled brilliance and fiery sparkle. With a refractive index higher than that of a diamond, moissanite emits a rainbow-like display of light, captivating the eye with its mesmerizing optical properties.This exceptional brilliance and "fire" create a truly mesmerizing effect, making moissanite an excellent choice for those seeking a ring that truly stands out.
It offers you a promise of longevity and uncompromising Durability
Moissanite's hardness is a key factor in its longevity and suitability for everyday wear. Ranking 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, moissanite is second only to the diamond in terms of hardness, making it highly resistant to scratches, chips, and other forms of damage.This promised durability ensures that a moissanite engagement ring will maintain its stunning appearance for years to come, making it a practical and long-lasting choice, making it a symbol for your love and devotion for your partner.
There are barely any ethical concerns and this stone has sustainable Origins Unlike diamonds, which can be associated with ethical concerns such as conflict diamonds and environmental degradation, moissanite is a lab-created gemstone. This means that moissanite rings are entirely conflict-free and produced in a controlled, eco-friendly environment, offering peace of mind to couples who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices.
Moissanites are cost effective!
We know that it is a hard conversation with depth and nuances, but the diamond industry has marketed diamonds to us as symbols of class and eliteness, their high prices have been used in both media and our daily social structures to highlight the economic inequalities that pervade our society because of their rarity, they are attainable almost exclusively to the elites of a society.
One of the most significant advantages of moissanite engagement rings is their affordability. Compared to diamonds of similar size and quality, moissanite gems typically cost a fraction of the price, allowing couples to obtain a larger and more impressive-looking ring without breaking the bank. This cost-effectiveness makes moissanite an attractive option for you if you’re looking for a high-quality engagement ring that aligns with your financial goals, not only that, the inclusivity that moissanite rings offer also bridges the gap and social inequalities! There is really no losing here!
Versatility in Cut and Design offer you freedom to choose something that closely speaks for you
Moissanite is available in a wide range of cuts and shapes, mirroring the options available for diamonds. From classic round brilliant to more modern styles like the cushion or emerald cut, moissanite offers endless possibilities for creating a truly unique and personalized engagement ring.
By offering a captivating combination of brilliance, durability, ethical sourcing, and exceptional value, moissanite engagement rings have emerged as a remarkable choice for modern couples seeking a symbol of their love that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Are Moissanites and Diamonds the same thing?
It is very hard to distinguish the two, however, these two gemstones are not the same and have quite a few differences that on the bases of which they can be differentiated.
Here we have highlighted the key differences between the two gemstones: ● Chemical Composition: Diamond is composed solely of carbon atoms14, while
moissanite is made of silicon and carbon in the form of silicon carbide (SiC) ● Refractive Index: Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) compared to diamond (2.42), resulting in greater brilliance and fiery shine, making it a brighter gemstone
- Hardness: Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance, scoring a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite is also extremely hard, rating 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it the second-hardest gemstone.
- Origin: Diamonds are naturally occurring minerals found in the Earth's mantle, while moissanite is a rare mineral found only in trace amounts in nature. Most moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created.
- Rarity: Natural diamonds are much rarer than moissanite, as diamond formation requires very specific conditions deep within the Earth, making them both hard to mine and rare, diamonds can not be created in the lab, unlike moissanite.
While moissanite and diamonds may appear similar, they differ in their chemical composition, optical properties, hardness, origin, cost, and rarityMoissanite serves as an affordable and durable alternative to natural diamonds, but it is not the same gemstone.
A fun fact about these two is, that if while being tested, the tester relies on thermal conductivity, it is easy to get confused between these two diamonds because of their shared thermal conductivities. A more reliable tester is the electrical conductivity test!
What should you choose for your loved one?
One shoe does not fit all, so the choice is completely up to you!
When selecting between a moissanite or diamond engagement ring, consider your personal preferences, your budget, and the weight that you place on ethical and sustainable choices. Both moissanite and diamond rings can provide a beautiful and long-lasting symbol of your love and commitment, and will nonetheless make your day special!