*This is a collaborative post sharing about Moissanite and why it may be replacing diamonds for many as a stone of choice in jewellery, that we hope you find helpful*
Looking for the ideal engagement ring has never been easier in today’s world. Lab technology has made jewel shopping fun and affordable. Long gone are those days when you needed to save tens of thousands of dollars to buy a diamond engagement ring for your spouse. There are more options to choose from presently, including traditionally mined diamonds, grown diamonds, diamond replicas, and, of course, moissanite. Why moissanite? What makes this gemstone special among diamonds? Is it a diamond replica? These questions and many more have their answers embedded in this guide.
Two Similar Gemstones – Two Worlds Apart
Placing a diamond and a moissanite rock side by side, there is one thing that strikes a viewer; they both look alike. To a novice, telling one from the other may be a herculean task. However, on closer inspection, a moissanite gem is more brilliant and radiant than a diamond – thanks to its double-refraction properties. But that doesn’t stop the fact that some individuals consider moissanite to be a diamond knock-off, one which is likened to a Ring Pop candy. In actuality, your spouse may be mortified to discover that you purchased a moissanite ring, instead of a “real diamond.”
Diamonds have come a long way, having been used in engagements, weddings, anniversaries, fashion, and even coronations. They hold various symbols, including love and royalty. So, bringing a moissanite gemstone into the scene can be likened to throwing a monkey wrench into the process. However, one thing is certain, moissanite is a gem in its rights. Its qualities make it stand out from those of its counterpart. For this reason, it is not a diamond replica, even though they bear semblance to each other.
A Gem Born from the Stars
The credit for moissanite’s discovery goes to Henri Moissan. The discovered the mineral in its naturally occurring state in a meteor crater in Arizona. Based on the circumstances surrounding this finding, many people suggested that it had an extra-terrestrial origin, coining the phrase “a gemstone born from the stars.” But let’s come back to earth. Moissanites exist in many rock formations worldwide and are in no way extra-terrestrial. The mineral exists in its natural state as Silicon Carbide (SiC). It is used in producing both LED light bulbs and moissanite gemstones.
Another factor that endears moissanite to jewel lovers is its durability. It can withstand scratches, cracks, chips, and even intense heat. In actuality, moissanite is the second-toughest mineral on earth, next to… drum roll please… diamonds. It has a Mohs hardness scale rating of 9.5, while its counterpart scores 10 – very impressive for a gemstone with a starting price of $300. And yes, you heard that right. Moissanites are affordable. With some few hundreds of dollars, you could own a piece.
Dotting the Is and Crossing the Ts with Moissanites
In summary, moissanite gems are durable, more brilliant, and less expensive than diamonds. Aesthetically speaking, this gemstone is in town to give jewel lovers a more diamond look and feel. However, some individuals still prefer the classic diamond. And those who can’t afford it can always go for lab-grown diamonds. But that doesn’t imply that they are cheap as well. On the other hand, couples who need a jewel that can provide them with value for money can always opt for moissanite, which comes in various colours, cuts, clarity, and carat weights and offers just as many options as you’d find in traditional diamond engagement selections.