Moissanite Engagement Rings & Gems: Everything You Need to Know
Moissanite is a relatively new buzzword in the engagement ring and fine jewelry space. What are moissanite gems and how does a moissanite engagement ring compare to a natural diamond engagement ring?
Consider this your one-stop, moissanite shop. In this article, we will discuss the following:
- What is moissanite?
- How does moissanite compare to a natural diamond?
- What types of moissanite do we carry?
- How do the different types of moissanite compare?
If you prefer visual content, you can watch our YouTube video:
What is Moissanite?
Cushion-Cut Moissanite Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring
Moissanite is an ultra-rare, naturally occurring gemstone composed of silicon carbide that was first discovered by Henry Moissan in a meteor crater 120 years ago. Moissanite has been discovered in both meteorite fragments and as natural inclusions in diamond gems, though encountering moissanite is extremely rare.
Lab-grown moissanite is almost always used in place of natural moissanite in engagement rings and fine jewelry as a result of the scarcity of the stone. Lab-grown moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are not the same; lab-grown moissanite has a completely different chemical composition than a lab-grown diamond.
Moissanite Gems vs. Diamonds
When observing moissanite’s unique characteristics, it is helpful to compare this gemstone to its more popular alternative: a natural diamond. Using the diamond as a basis of comparison allows us to fully appreciate all that moissanite has to offer.
For an in-depth analysis of moissanite vs. the natural diamond, you can watch our YouTube video:
Brilliance
On the Left: Round Moissanite Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
On the Right: 1.81 Carat Round Diamond Invisible Gallery™ Solitaire Ring
The most notable difference between moissanite and diamonds is their brilliance; Moissanite has more fire and brilliance than the natural diamond with 30% more refraction, which creates a colorful light play effect, or “fire,” when looking at the stone in the light.
Color
Moissanite and diamond gemstones both appear white when face-up and are graded along the same color scale.
Moissanite gems in the D-F color range appear ice white and resemble the colorless diamond. At Lauren B, we typically recommend moissanite within the colorless D-F range for our clients. However, if you prefer a warmer center stone, the near-colorless G-I range would be better suited for your preferences.
Clarity
Moissanite gems are either flawless or near flawless with no natural inclusions.. Most natural diamonds, on the other hand, have varying levels of inclusions unless graded “Flawless.”
Diamonds with a “Flawless,” “Internally Flawless,” or “Very Very Slightly Included” grade are rarer and far more expensive than their flawless or near-flawless moissanite counterparts. When shopping for a natural diamond engagement ring, it may take time to find a diamond center stone with clarity to your liking. A moissanite center stone virtually eliminates the need to navigate through clarity grades for a flawless center stone.
Hardness
Both moissanite and natural diamonds are high on the Moh’s Hardness Scale providing a durable and reliable center stone. Diamonds top the chart with a hardness rating of 10, while moissanite comes in at 9.25.
National Parks Service, Mohs Hardness Scale
Price
The moissanite gemstone is a cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds.
To elucidate the price difference, let’s examine the price of a 1-carat natural diamond and a 1-carat equivalent moissanite center stone:
3ct Natural Diamond (Emerald Cut): $48,207
3ct Equivalent Moissanite (Emerald Cut): $660
The budget-friendly price point is a major contributor to the increase in popularity of moissanite as an engagement ring center stone. To note: moissanite can be set into any one of our custom Lauren B settings for a stellar and unique engagement ring.
Types of Moissanite Gems
In our showroom, we carry moissanite from two major manufacturers: Charles & Colvard and Harro Gems. Each manufacturer creates moissanites with different purposes: Charles and Colvard want to maximize the brilliance of moissanite while Harro Gem wants to create moissanite that looks as close to a diamond as possible.
Charles & Colvard
Radiant Cut Moissanite Classic Pave Ring
Cut & Shape
Charles & Colvard offers moissanite gems in every diamond shape except for hybrid step-cuts, which are exclusive to diamonds. Should you desire a three-stone engagement ring, Charles & Colvard offers ample side-stone options including trillion, baguette, tapered baguette, trapezoid, and half-moon.
Emerald-Cut Moissanite Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Charles & Colvard moissanites cannot be custom cut, but they do offer a wide variety of standard sizes with consistent length-to-width ratios.
Charles & Colvard Variations
There are three moissanite gemstone variations from Charles & Colvard: the Forever One, the Forever Brilliant, and the Forever Classic. At Lauren B, we only carry Forever One.
Forever One is the highest quality of Charles & Colvard moissanite. Forever One moissanite gems are only available in colorless or near-colorless grades and fall within a clarity range equivalent to VS1 to internally flawless. These gems are graded to have excellent cut, polish, and symmetry.
Oval Moissanite Encrusted Basket Engagement Ring
Harro Gems
Antique Cushion Moissanite Engagement Ring
Cut & Shape
Harro Gems moissanite is frequently custom cut, though they also offer a selection of moissanite in in-stock, ready-to-buy, standard ratios. If you have a certain ratio in mind for your center stone or you find a diamond engagement ring in our store or online in a shape that you really like, you can custom cut your Harro Gem to those exact specifications.
The most popular Harro Gems moissanite shapes include elongated cushions, elongated oval, old mine, antique cushions, and square radiant. These shapes are not available at Charles & Colvard.
Round Moissanite Six-Prong Engagement Ring
Harro Gems moissanite also comes in three different faceting styles, which offer a variety of sparkle and shine to the center stone: the brilliant cut, the crushed ice cut, and the diamond cut.
Finding the Perfect Moissanite Engagement Ring
Moissanite is a great alternative to a natural diamond, especially if you are looking for a budget-friendly or eco-conscious engagement ring.
Whether you prefer the quality variations of Charles and Colvard or the customization options of Harro Gem, when you shop at Lauren B Jewelry you can create a truly unique engagement ring. Schedule an appointment digitally or in-store for an engagement ring consultation or email info@laurenb.com for general inquiries.
