What Should You Consider Before Buying a Moissanite Engagement Ring? Getting engaged and considering a moissanite engagement ring? You're not alone. Many couples are opting for moissanite rings because of their beauty, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Keep reading to find out more about why moissanite might be the right choice for your engagement ring.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Originally discovered in a meteorite crater by Henri Moissan in 1896, geologists found it outside of meteorites in 1958 in the Earth’s upper mantle and in 1959 as inclusions in rock. Due to its rarity in nature, moissanite is now created in laboratories using a process that replicates the heat and pressure of the Earth resulting in a gemstone with remarkable brilliance.
Moissanite's exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to scratching, second only to diamonds, and its unique optical properties give it a sparkle and fire that many find even more dazzling than diamonds. Additionally, its lab-grown origin makes it an attractive option for anyone seeking an affordable and sustainable option.
Moissanite vs. Diamonds
When comparing moissanite and diamonds, both are captivating gemstones with their own unique qualities and appeal. Moissanite presents a compelling alternative to natural diamonds although it doesn’t quite look the same. It is notably more affordable, making it feasible to opt for a larger center stone without stretching your budget too thin.
Traditionally, natural diamonds have been the go-to choice for couples, prized for the rarity of higher quality stones, which contributes to their higher cost, especially for larger carat sizes. However, more and more couples are choosing alternatives that offer the desired aesthetic, affordability, and sustainability.
When considering a moissanite engagement ring, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Durability: Moissanite's exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to scratching, second only to diamonds.
Affordability: Moissanite is significantly more affordable, allowing for larger, more dazzling stones.
Brilliance and fire: Moissanite offers unique optical properties that are slightly different from diamonds that give it a sparkle and fire many find attractive.
Lab grown not mined: Moissanite is lab-created, eliminating concerns associated with diamond mining.
Setting a Budget
When comparing moissanite to diamonds, affordability is a significant advantage that moissanite offers over natural diamonds, allowing couples to better prioritize their preferences.
When setting a budget for a moissanite engagement ring, key considerations include the size of the center stone and the choice of metal setting.Larger moissanite stones naturally come with higher price tags, so it's important to balance size with your budget and desired appearance. Similarly, the choice of metal affects pricing: platinum, known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties, comes at a premium, while white gold offers a classic alternative at a more accessible price point. Yellow and rose gold provide distinct warmth and style variations that can suit different tastes and budgets.
Furthermore, the complexity of the setting design—whether opting for a simple solitaire or a more intricate halo or vintage-inspired style—also influences the total cost. This allows couples to customize their choice based on both aesthetic preferences and financial considerations.
Pro tip…purchasing the wedding band as a set with the engagement ring can often result in savings. Not only might you be able to request a discount, but securing your wedding band now can also help you avoid potential price increases in the future.
Choosing the Right Style, Stone Shape & Stone Size
When you embark on the journey to find your perfect moissanite engagement ring, you step into a world of endless possibilities. Here's how to get started:
Seek inspiration from social media. Create a Pinterest board to gather and refine ideas, focusing on styles and settings that resonate with you. After some time, you’ll notice that patterns emerge as you identify preferences.
Visit local jewelers wherever you may live, try to explore different designs firsthand. Trying on various styles and capturing photos will help you visualize how each ring complements your hand and reflects your personal tastes.
Consider practical aspects like your lifestyle when choosing a setting. An active lifestyle may suit a low-profile design, while intricate settings like high-set solitaires offer a timeless look.
If you are the one receiving the ring, sharing your preferences with your partner can greatly help them choose the perfect ring. Start conversations about ring styles you admire or celebrity rings that inspire you, ensuring your partner understands your desired aesthetic—we guarantee that they will appreciate your guidance!
Selecting the Shape and Size
As you explore different styles of moissanite engagement rings, you'll naturally gravitate towards specific stone shapes. Perhaps the timeless elegance of a round cut, with approximately 58 facets that enhance light reflection, captures your attention. Alternatively, consider exploring distinctive shapes like oval, pear, or radiant cuts, which not only complement the finger but also infuse a romantic touch into the design. For those with a preference for a bold, modern look, geometric shapes such as princess, emerald, or Asscher cuts are known for their sleek lines and architectural appeal. Enjoy the process of discovering the moissanite shape that aligns best with your personal style.
When it comes to choosing the size of your moissanite, rest assured—this will become clearer as you curate photos or try on different rings. We recommend making notes of the stone sizes that appeal to you most, whether you're browsing online or in person. We encourage you to book a consultation to try different moissanite stones or have them modeled for you. A consultation can really help you feel confident about the shape, cut, and size.
Understanding the 4C’s of Moissanite
Understanding moissanite is simpler than navigating the complexities of natural diamonds or lab-grown diamonds. Here’s what you need to know:
Carat: Moissanite is typically measured in millimeters rather than carat weight. When carats are referenced it means diamond equivalent weight to compare sizes accurately. Due to moissanite being lighter than diamonds, a moissanite gem of the same carat weight as a diamond will be larger. Using a diamond equivalent weight makes it easier to compare sizes between moissanite and diamonds. If you are unsure about carats vs. the size of a moissanite stone, reach out to us at Forever Ring.
Cut: The cut of a moissanite greatly influences its visual appeal and brilliance by affecting how light interacts with the stone. Here are some important cuts to consider for your moissanite engagement ring:
Standard Brilliant Cut: This is by far the most popular cut. It’s the cutting style of the classic round diamond that we know and love. In a round, there are approximately 58 facets pointing toward the center of the stone that create a brilliant sparkle. This cut, or pattern in the stone, is the popular choice in almost all shapes.
Step Cuts: Emerald and Asscher shapes are defined by their step cuts and look very different from brilliant cut stones. It’s characterized by strong lines within the stone.
Crushed Ice Cut: Known for its textured appearance resembling crushed ice, this newer cut style features numerous small facets across the entire surface, creating a scintillating effect. It’s a distinctive choice that instantly captures attention.
Antique Cuts: Inspired by vintage styles like old mine or old European cuts, these cuts offer a unique, almost floral pattern, within the stone. If you are searching for something unique, this is a nice option.
Rose Cut: Characterized by a flat base and a domed crown covered in triangular facets, resembling a rosebud. This 16th-century cut has made a modern comeback. It’s ideal for non-traditional bezel set engagement rings and earrings.
Clarity: Moissanite is renowned for its excellent clarity, typically classified as
