It might seem hard to believe, but diamonds are slowly moving over to make space for a relative newcomer on the engagement jewellery scene – moissanite. Chances are you have heard the name before, but not quite known what it was. Practically, on an appearance and performance level, this amazing stone is similar to a diamond, but its origins, production process and price point are a whole other story!
Far from being a cheapie or a knock off, moissanite is a stone that can hold its own in a landscape that has, for years, been dominated by diamonds. But with the rising cost of living, and the astounding amounts of money that goes into purchasing a diamond, it’s no wonder that people are looking for sustainable alternatives.
What is Moissanite?
In its unprocessed state, Moissanite is known as Silicon Carbide (SiC). This compound was discovered in the 1800s by Henri Moissan, a French scientist. Although the fact that the compound was discovered near a meteorite crater, which led to years of speculation that moissanite might have originated in space, this is not the case. Moissanite is easily produced at a low cost in a lab setting, which is largely how the price is kept very manageable.
Things to bear in mind when you are shopping for moissanite.From its amazing, brilliant qualities to its accessible pricing range, there are many things playing in favour of moissanite diamond rings. Another factor is its durability. Rated 9.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, a noticeably short way behind diamonds, which score a 10, it is essentially just as hard and durable as diamond. You can expect to get the same kind of wear from it, and its high resistance to chipping and cracking makes it a solid favourite amongst those who are keen on the idea of a diamond alternative.
What colours are available?
Although moissanite is essentially a “white” stone, it comes in a range of hues or tints, similarly to a diamond. The colour integrity of the stone is what determines its overall desirability and value, and although the untrained eye will struggle to see the difference, tints can vary between yellow, grey, and white. Some stones can even include grey, green, or yellow tints, which is not traditionally desirable. The clearer and more colourless the stone, the greater its value and desirability. Unfortunately, as the value goes up, so does the cost of the stone.
Let’s talk about the colour range and finding your way amongst the different classifications. The clearest and most colourless samples sit in the D-E-F colour range and very closely resembles a diamond. The next grading is known as “near colourless”, which falls under G-H-I.
Moissanite puts the engagement ring of your dreams into reach, without the need to compromise your finances or put yourself into debt. All the sparkle and toughness of a diamond are yours to have and enjoy, at a much lower price tag – what’s not to love?
* collaborative post