Moissanite Engagement Rings
Can you tell the difference?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring (but rare) element that can also be created in the lab (silicon carbide). Because it is quite similar to diamonds, moissanite has often been used in engagement rings.
The place where mineral moissanite has most frequently been found is in meteorites, and since meteorites do not frequently impact the earth and provide opportunity for us to mine them (ha!) the industrial and commercial use of moissanite has to come from the lab. (It would be pretty sweet, however, if you were able to tell your girlfriend that her moissanite engagement ring came from a meteorite!)
Moissanite or Diamond?
Which one of the photos above is moissanite?
See the answer to this question below...
Moissanite vs. Diamonds- Similarities and Differences
Moissanite
| Diamond
| |
---|---|---|
Hardness
| Extremely hard (almost as hard as diamond)
| Extremely hard
|
Cost
| Not as expensive as diamond when lab-grown
| Quite expensive
|
Appearance
| Looks much like diamonds and can vary in color anywhere from green, yellow and blue to nearly colorless
| Can vary widely in color but also can be found in colorless state
|
Moissanite Engagement Ring- Why Buy One?
There are two big reasons why people choose to buy moissanite engagement rings over other types of rings:
- Cost
- Appearance
Moissanite engagement rings cost less than diamond engagement rings. Moissanite can be created in the lab and can be made to look, for all intents and purposes, just like a diamond but for much less money.
A Moissanite stone looks just like a diamond. So unless you think your significant other will whip out a magnifying glass and inspect her engagement ring you should be OK.
Alternatives to Moissanite Rings
If you have a larger budget you could always consider looking at expensive engagement rings. Otherwise, here are some fine alternatives for the budget-conscious:
Final Thoughts
If your main reason for buying a moissanite engagement ring is cost, then consider the following: the metals used in the engagement ring might make or break your budget. Keep costs down by getting a moissanite stone set in sterling silver or gold rather than titanium or another expensive metal.
Want more Engagement and Wedding Tips?
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Oh and the answer to the poll above: the first picture (of the stone without a ring) is the moissanite. Did you get it right?
- Tips for After Your Engagement
After you pop that all-important question, here are some tips to keep your engagement running smoothly and to give you a jump start on the wedding plans. - Moissanite: A New Synthetic Gemstone Material
A 14 page article stuffed with more information on moissanite than you will ever want to know. Give it an extra second or two to load- it's hefty (but well worth it if you want to do more research)!