Is Moissanite Right For You?
Moissanite engagement rings is a gorgeous alternative to diamonds that sparkles just as beautifully and costs significantly less. In fact, moissanite is often considered to be the best lab grown diamond simulant on the market today. But is it right for you?
Discovered by meteorites that crashed to Earth in Arizona carrying microscopic bits of silicon carbide, moissanite is a natural gemstone that can only be found in small quantities. However, the moissanite you’ll find in most jewelry is created in a laboratory (or “lab grown”) and is known as a diamond substitute or diamond simulant because of its similarity in look to a diamond.
Top Reasons to Consider Moissanite Engagement Rings for Your Big Day
In a laboratory, moissanite is grown by using high pressure and heat to create crystals of silicone carbide identical to those found in nature. The crystals are then cut, polished, and sealed to form beautiful jewels, including rings and earrings. “When shopping for a moissanite engagement ring, look for one that has excellent fire and scintillation with no visible inclusions,” says Kanary. Moissanite also has over double the dispersion of a diamond, which means that when you rotate the stone, it will display spectral colors.
Moissanite is a tough gem that resists scratching and can be worn daily. It’s also a durable option that can be paired with diamond accents in an engagement ring setting. But it’s important to keep in mind that most ring settings and wedding bands are designed with diamond side stones and may not fit a moissanite center stone as well. If you do decide to go with a moissanite engagement ring, make sure the ring is listed with both the carat weight of the moissanite and the diamond equivalent carat weight. This will give you a good reference point.