Buyers Guide
What is Moissanite?: A Comprehensive Guide
While moissanite may not be as well-known as other gemstones, it is a truly beautiful stone that deserves consideration for fine jewellery, especially in engagement rings.
In this chapter, we'll explore the unique properties and characteristics of moissanite and highlight the advantages of choosing moissanite for your engagement ring. Discover the enchanting world of moissanite and learn why it has become a popular choice for those seeking a brilliant, sustainable, and conflict-free alternative to traditional gemstones.
At a Glance
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made from silicon carbide. Almost as hard as diamond and often more brilliant, it has become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional diamonds for engagement rings. Affordable, sustainable, and ethically sourced, moissanite is the perfect choice for couples who want beauty and durability without compromise.
A Gemstone from the Stars
Moissanite has a story unlike any other gemstone. It was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystals in a meteor crater in Arizona. At first he thought he had uncovered diamonds, but closer study revealed this was something entirely new. The mineral was named moissanite in his honour, and its celestial origin gave it the nickname “the gemstone from the stars.”
Rare in Nature, Perfected in the Lab
Natural moissanite is so rare that it cannot be used in jewellery. Today’s moissanite engagement rings feature lab-grown stones that are chemically identical to the ones Henri Moissan discovered. Created with advanced technology, these gemstones offer consistency, exceptional quality, and the reassurance of ethical sourcing. Choosing a lab-created stone means you can enjoy the sparkle and strength of moissanite without the environmental or social issues linked to mined diamonds
Strength and Durability
Durability is one of the key benefits of moissanite. On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores 9.25 out of 10, just below diamond at 10. This makes it one of the hardest gemstones in the world. A moissanite ring can withstand daily wear with ease, making it perfect for engagement rings that are designed to last a lifetime. Buyers who want a stone that balances beauty and practicality will find moissanite to be an excellent choice.
Sparkle and Brilliance
Moissanite is famous for its brilliance, the way it reflects and refracts light. With a refractive index higher than diamond, moissanite often sparkles even more, producing dazzling flashes of light, sometimes with subtle rainbow colours. This unique fire gives moissanite engagement rings a lively, eye-catching quality that many couples fall in love with instantly.
Advantages of Moissanite
Moissanite has unique properties that set it apart from other gemstones:
Sparkle & Durability
Moissanite has grown in popularity because it offers a combination of qualities that few other gemstones can match. Its exceptional hardness means it is highly resistant to scratches and chips, ensuring it will remain stunning for decades. Its sparkle rivals, and in many cases surpasses, that of a diamond, making it one of the brightest gemstones available.
Price
Price is another major advantage. Moissanite costs only a fraction of the price of a diamond of similar size and appearance. This allows buyers to choose a larger stone or a more elaborate setting without exceeding their budget. For couples, this often means they can design their dream ring while still saving for other milestones in life.
Ethics
Moissanite is also one of the most ethical and sustainable options on the market. As a lab-grown gemstone, it avoids the environmental destruction and human rights concerns that can accompany traditional diamond mining. Buyers who value sustainability often choose moissanite engagement rings as a responsible and modern alternative.
Moissanite FAQs
Moissanite is visually similar to a diamond but often sparkles more due to its higher refractive index. To most people, the difference is indistinguishable and they will simply see a brilliant gemstone.
Yes. With its hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for a lifetime of wear.
Absolutely. Because moissanite is lab-created, it avoids the ethical and environmental issues linked to mined diamonds, making it one of the most responsible choices in modern jewellery.
Yes. Moissanite offers exceptional value, often costing a fraction of a diamond of the same size and clarity. This makes it possible to buy a larger stone or more detailed design without overspending.
No. Moissanite is a stable, durable gemstone that does not fade or cloud with age. With simple cleaning, it will continue to shine as brilliantly as the day it was set.
Moissanite brings together everything couples look for in an engagement ring: breathtaking beauty, lifetime durability, sustainable sourcing, and exceptional value. Harder than almost every other gemstone, more brilliant than a diamond, and responsibly created in modern laboratories, moissanite is more than an alternative. It is a statement of love without compromise. This is why moissanite engagement rings have become one of the most sought-after choices for couples around the world.
If you are searching for an engagement ring that balances elegance, ethics, and affordability, moissanite is the perfect answer. Explore our collection of moissanite engagement rings to find a design that reflects your story.