(Ad) It’s been said “diamonds are forever” — and for decades, they’ve been a staple gemstone in rings.
The first diamond engagement ring was recorded in 1477 when Austria’s Archduke Maximillian commissioned one for Mary of Burgandy. It wasn’t until the late 1940s, however, that they were first pinned as the pinnacle for engagement rings — largely thanks to a marketing campaign from De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd.
From the late 1940s onward, the popularity of diamond engagement rings began to skyrocket. And as of 2022, diamonds accounted for 65% of the entire jewelry market.
However, in recent years, some have opted for a more affordable and socially conscious — yet extremely durable and brilliant gemstone alternative: moissanite.
What Is Moissanite?
Silicon carbide, also known as “moissanite,” is a naturally occurring material but is extremely rare in that form.
Henry Moissan discovered it in 1893 when he mistakenly thought a gem he found was a diamond. However, he later realized it was an entirely different gemstone, which he identified as silicon carbide.
Today, silicon carbide is commonly known as “moissanite,” named after Henry Moissan himself.
In 1998, over a hundred years after its discovery, experts perfectly recreated moissanite in a lab. In the years since, it has become an increasingly popular gemstone in everything from rings to earrings and more.
Lab-made moissanite is an affordable, conscious, durable, and beautiful stone. This makes it very desirable for a wide range of jewelry.
Mined Diamonds vs. Moissanite Rings
There are several unique qualities that make moissanite engagement rings and other jewelry so desirable.
For one, it’s a very affordable gemstone, with prices being just a fraction of what diamond jewelry of a much smaller size would cost.
According to the International Gemological Institute, for around $1,000, you could find a moissanite gemstone a bit larger than a 1-carat diamond. A diamond of that size could cost between $3,000 to $4,000, depending on the color grade and other properties.
This makes moissanite a top gemstone for couples in search of more affordable engagement rings. Choosing a lab-made moissanite ring means you can save the money you would have spent on a mined diamond and reinvest in yourselves — whether it’s on your wedding, honeymoon, or future savings.
Moissanite jewelry is also extremely durable, with a ranking of 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This comes just under that of diamonds, which max out the scale at a hardness of 10.
When it comes to appearance, many appreciate the flawlessness, brilliance, and fire of moissanite. With a Brilliance Refractive Index (RI) of 2.65–2.69, moissanite disperses twice the light of a diamond.
The higher fire and brilliance of moissanite compared to mined diamonds means more sparkle and iridescence. The double-refractive nature of silicone carbide means when light hits the gem, it creates a rainbow shimmer.
With gemstones being rated from a letter scale of D (colorless) to Z (very yellow), it’s easy to find lab-made moissanite that falls between D and F for a good cost. Mined diamonds, meanwhile, can fall anywhere on that D to Z scale — and the cost can quickly spike if it’s more colorless.
Another factor that makes lab-grown moissanite fine jewelry so appealing is that it’s ethical and made with environmentally and socially conscious practices.
While mined diamonds are unique and beautiful, they do come with some environmental and ethical considerations that lead some people to search for lab-grown alternatives.
When comparing moissanite and mined diamonds, the economical cost, durability, and high shine make moissanite a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet beautiful gemstone.
Moissanite Considerations
There are many pros to moissanite wedding sets. However, there are a couple of considerations when choosing between moissanite and diamonds.
Moissanite gems’ affordability means couples can get a stone of equal size to a diamond for just a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to color, lab-created moissanite goes through a whitening process, so many stones are near-colorless. However, this can vary with each stone, and some may have a warmer yellow or green hint.
Their refractive nature and flawlessness of moissanite also mean much more brilliance and fire, with a multi-color rainbow shimmer and sparkle. This is very distinct from that of diamonds, which will have more of a white or gray sparkle, and some people may not prefer.
Another consideration with moissanite is when compared with gemstones like lab-created diamonds, they are not as easy to repair, reset, or resize. Since most jewelers are familiar with diamonds, it’s easier and more accessible to find somewhere to care for your diamond jewelry. If you need care for your moissanite ring, it may take a bit more hunting to find a jeweler who is able to help.
However, the bright, shiny characteristics and durability of the gem also mean that it will hold up well over time, making it a great option for engagement and wedding rings, among other jewelry.
Investing in the Future
Choosing lab-grown moissanite and diamond rings (among other gemstones) is a great investment option — not just for your pockets but for the planet and the greater good, too.
Since you get a larger stone for a more affordable price with a lab-made gemstone — whether it’s moissanite or a diamond — you can use the money you would have invested in a mined jewel on other things that are important to you — whether it’s your wedding, a house fund, or something else.
Whether you opt for man-made moissanite or a lab-grown diamond, you’re investing in the future of humanity.
Mining processes are hard on the environment. To mine a one-carat diamond, it takes 120 gallons of water and 250 tons of earth and soil. It also emits 140 pounds of carbon dioxide, according to Blue & Green Tomorrow.
Furthermore, one study from consultancy group Frost & Sullivan discovered that “mining diamonds produces 4,383 times more waste than manufactured gems, uses 6.8 times as much water, and consumes 2.14 times the energy per carat produced.”
The environmental considerations are clear when it comes to choosing lab-grown moissanite and man-made diamonds over mined options.
Additionally, choosing a lab-made jewel means there is no concern over the working conditions involved in creating that beautiful piece of jewelry. You can rest assured that your gemstone was crafted with the utmost care and ethical working conditions.
Discover Beautiful Moissanite Fine Jewelry
If you’re searching for beautiful moissanite jewelry — whether it’s a moissanite ring, earrings, or another piece — here are some of our favorites from Diamond Nexus.
Choose a more affordable yet stunning moissanite gem, or opt for a dazzling man-made diamond. With Diamond Nexus, you can also choose many different customizations on each piece, from carat size to the precious metal.
With master craftsmen that delicately create each piece of jewelry, you know you’re getting a piece that’s guaranteed for quality.
With a classic design, this ring is sophisticated and elegant yet comfortable, with a comfort-fit band.
This ring features a stunning centerpiece with a hidden halo and accented band, for lots of sparkle and shine.
These studs are the perfect piece of jewelry for any occasion. Wear them as a simple accessory on the day-to-day, or make them a dazzling accent for a night out.
This classic tennis bracelet is the perfect piece to shine on its own or to pair with other beautiful bracelets.
With a distinct teardrop shape, this pear-shaped gemstone set in a pendant on a delicate chain is a classic complement to any outfit.
