Moissanite has been around since 1893 when it was found in a meteor crater in Arizona by Henry Moissan. The gem is not naturally occurring on earth, but scientists have been able to grow them in labs, creating a similar look to diamonds but with high clarity, refraction, and fire. Many people get caught up in the similarities and differences between moissanite and diamonds, but moissanite is gem in its own right, similar to if you chose an emerald or sapphire for your wedding ring instead of a diamond. Here are some of the reasons why moissanite is a great choice for your engagement rings.
Moissanite is very cost-effective if you want a large stone
Choosing a moissanite engagement ring allows you to have the size and style of ring that you would like without breaking the bank. Because it is a man-made gem, the cost of a bigger gem rises in reasonable increments, whereas diamonds rise steeply as the size of the stone increases. If you and your partner agree on a moissanite engagement ring, it means you can have the moissanite as large as you want, mix in some other gems, or choose an intricate custom-made design.
To compare prices, for a 6x8mm (1.5ct) Round cut moissanite (DEF, VVS1-2), you’d pay around $1050 AUD. For a diamond of the same size, clarity and colour as that, you’d have to pay over $9000 AUD!
Moissanite is extremely durable
Precious stones are rated for hardness using the Moh Scale, which will rate the hardness of a gem out of ten. Diamonds are the hardest at 10, but moissanite is just behind at 9.25, making it one of the hardest substances on earth, and is therefore very durable and capable of being worn everyday with a low risk of damage. Moissanite is more durable than almost every other type of gemstone, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Moissanite engagement rings will also not lose any of their beauty or sparkle over time. At Cullen Jewellery, we are so sure of this that we offer a lifetime warranty. This warranty protects your moissanite stone against any changes in brilliance, colour, or clarity.
Moissanite is ethical
One of the best reasons to pick a moissanite engagement ring rather than a diamond engagement ring is that moissanite is eco-friendly and ethical. Because it is made in a lab, you do not have to research the impact of mining on the local community and if there are any unethical labour practices. Also, because it is lab made, moissanite does not cause pollutants through the mining process and overall has a smaller environmental impact than mining.
Moissanite sparkles more than diamonds
The different facet pattern of moissanite makes it refract light better and therefore makes it more sparkly and fiery than a diamond. When light hits a moissanite ring, the flashes are more colourful and brighter than you would see with a diamond.
Even when a moissanite engagement ring is due for a cleaning, it will still retain a lot of its sparkle, which is perfect for busy people who can’t have their jewellery cleaned often. The bigger the moissanite stone, the more sparkly and fiery it will be, and the more noticeably different than a diamond.
Choose Moissanite Jewellery
Moissanite is its own gem, separate from a diamond. While its looks can be comparable to a diamond in some aspects, it offers many unique benefits. Moissanite is made in a lab, therefore there is a uniformity of clarity and quality. The number one reason to choose a moissanite engagement ring is that you will never have to sacrifice quality for price. A Cullen Jewellery ring will remain as sparkly and beautiful as the day you bought it.