Moissanites are sometimes described as ‘artificial’ or ‘budget’ diamonds, but really, they are so much more than that. A natural stone, moissanite is a mix of silicon and carbon, whereas diamonds are entirely made up of heavily compressed carbon. They are the second hardest stone and much rarer than even the elusive diamond in their natural form because they were originally found in moissanite meteorites. More importantly, moissanite jewelry is just as beautiful and virtually indistinguishable from diamonds to the naked eye.
Nowadays, because of their rarity, moissanite diamonds are almost exclusively created in a lab, meaning they are readily available in any shape and size, giving you an almost unlimited array of options for creating your perfect ring.
Below we answer a few of your most burning questions regarding moissanites and what makes them such a special choice for the modern bride and groom-to-be:
It’s widely known that diamonds are graded via the elusive three 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight). The same grading applies to moissanites. Therefore, while the final selection of your perfect stone is still up to your and your partner’s tastes, the best stone is one with superior colour and clarity. Grading up to very slightly included (VS), meaning inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye, are preferred, as well as a colour of F-G (meaning near colourless) to D, colourless. The cut and carat weight will depend entirely on the size and style of the stone you are looking for, and the higher the number of carats, the larger the moissanite will be. Interestingly, while moissanite diamonds are almost entirely man-made, they can still come with small inclusions just like their diamond counterparts. Inclusions are usually invisible but can, on occasion, add interest and a degree of uniqueness to a stone.
As you’ll have learned by now, when it comes to moissanite vs diamond, they are not all that different. Moissanites are the second-hardest gemstone around and almost exclusively lab-made due to their extreme rarity in nature. Diamonds, by comparison, are frequently still found and crafted into expensive pieces of jewellery. But there is almost no visual difference between diamond and moissanite, and moissanite stone can even offer the same unique inclusions (whether you want them or not is a different matter.) Look-wise, most people will not be able to tell the difference, and only upon closer inspection (and armed with the knowledge) will you know that diamonds sparkle white, and moissanite sparkle in rainbow colours.
Moissanite diamonds are truly versatile stones, shimmer in beautiful rainbow sparkles in the light, and can be crafted to be just as luxurious and high-quality in terms of colour and clarity as diamonds, thanks to modern technology. Where moissanite reigns supreme is ethics: Being manmade, moissanite rings have no potential for the concern of unethical mining, and you’re likely to find out exactly where and how your unique gem was made. This makes moissanite wedding rings indeed a very good choice.
Just like diamonds, moissanites will not tarnish or lose their durability or colour over time. They will not get cloudy or lose their brilliance, and you’ll never need to worry about them looking any less than spectacular.
You will, however, need to care for your moissanite engagement ring the same way you would for a diamond ring. To do so, simply fill a shallow bowl with soapy water (a mild dish soap
is a great choice) and soak your ring. Remember to never place your ring anywhere near any plugholes or you might risk the terrible fright of your prized possession travelling down the drain.
Once you have let your ring soak for approximately 15 minutes, use a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt. Dish soap will also work fantastically at removing any oil slicks leftover from heavy hand creams or soaps. Finally, dry your moissanite ring with a paper towel and it will sparkle as good as new.
You can clean your moissanite as often as you would any diamond. As mentioned before, it will not tarnish or lose any of its brilliance over time, so how often you choose to shine up your special ring is completely up to you.
At Abelini, we have a wide selection of beautiful moissanite jewellery, particularly engagement rings and moissanite wedding bands, but also moissanite earrings, and more. You’ll find a fabulous selection of cuts including popular round princess cut and more unusual emerald, asscher, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, and radiant cuts. We even offer delightful heart-cut moissanite diamond rings for the bride with a girlish heart. Consider these for a brilliant promise ring option as well.
We also offer a variety of settings, from traditional to unique, and metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and even platinum
No, moissanites sparkle just as much as diamonds do, only in a different colour. While diamonds appear to shimmer white when light is reflected upon them, moissanites shine in all the colours of the rainbow.
Yes, moissanites are slightly less dense than their diamond counterparts, meaning a moissanite of the same carat weight as a diamond will weigh marginally less. However, most retailers will list equivalent diamond carat weights to avoid any confusion. When worn, you will not be able to notice any difference.
Yes, both diamonds and moissanites will test positive on a diamond tester. Interestingly, as moissanites have only been lab-grown since the 1990s, if you own a piece of jewellery that dates further back it will most certainly be a diamond if it tests positive.
On the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds measure a score of 10, while moissanites will measure 9.25. To put this into context, a masonry drill bit used for putting holes into your house walls measures a hardness of 8.5, meaning both moissanites and diamonds are really very hard.