Moissanite Engagement Ring – What is it?
Moissanite Engagement Ring, where does Moissanite they come from?
It almost sounds like a tall tale. Henri Moissan a French chemist named first discovered Moissanite. Henry discovered it in a meteor crater located in Devil’s Canyon in Arizona in 1893. Moissanite is extremely rare. Moissanite has been given the nickname of Stardust. Henri Moissan on finding the first Moissanite in a crater thought he had discovered diamonds. It wasn’t until 1904 that he correctly identified his crystals as silicon carbide. The mineral was named Moissanite in Henrys honor. Henry was still alive at the time.
What is a Moissanite engagement ring?
A moissanite engagement ring is an engagement ring utilising moissanite instead of diamond. The Moissanite replaces the precious stone or stones in the ring. It is often referred to as Man Made diamond rings or synthetic diamond rings.
Does this mean my Moissanite came from a Meteor?
Unfortunately not. Moissanite is so rare that deposits are exceptionally rare. Moissanite has been successfully created in a laboratory. The process is both expensive and complicated. It often takes two to three months to produce one Gemstone. Over the past few years the technology in producing these gemstones has increased exponentially. The resulting Gems are truly astounding.
Does it look like a Diamond?
Image from the producers of Moissanite that may or may not show a bias.
Moissanite looks almost identical to a diamond. Only the experienced eye can see the difference. Their cut is perfect. They also claim an even higher refractive index than a diamond. This means that they claim they are even more brilliant than a diamond. With an even higher refractive index than a diamond (2.65 compared to 2.45 of a diamond). Higher refractive index = more sparkle/bling.
Acknowledgment
Although we do acknowledge they do indeed look and sparkle like a real diamond.
Furthermore a lot of the scintillation and fire is lost in a Moissanite. Only a perfectly cut diamond has this quality.
It is best to view both together in order to make your own judgement.
Will a Moissanite Scratch?
Moissanite is an extremely hard material. The the Mohs scale measures the level of hardness of any Gemstone. Mohs scale ranges from 1 to 10.
A diamond measures 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamond is the hardest known naturally occurring material on the planet. A Moissanite measures between 9.25 – 9.5 on the Mohs scale.
In comparison a sapphire measure 9 and Emerald measures 7.
This means that the Moissanite is exceptionally tough and should not scratch over time. Most Moissanites come with a limited lifetime guarantee and will not loose their brilliance over time.
Socially Responsibly, Ethically Produced, Conflict free.
- Laboratorys produce Moissanite. Because of this it is not extracted from miles beneath the ground. The effect on the environment compared to a naturally formed diamond is allegedly much less.
- There is minimum wastage of resources and workings conditions are excellent.
- Wholesalers sell Moissanite. These wholesalers adhere to the Kimberly process. Diamonds are tracked from mines. From there to auctions. Bought up by cutting houses i.e cutters/polishers. From the polishers onto grading laboratories. Then onto wholesaler and finally onto the retailer. Through the cutting and distribution channels.
- Moissinite is manufactured in non-conflict countries. The purchaser mind can be at ease.
Price of Moissanite engagement rings versus Diamond engagement rings
Everyone knows that diamonds are expensive. With couples starting out their lives together a diamond engagement ring will be among one of the largest expenses as their relationship begins.
Moissanite is a fraction the cost of a Diamond engagement ring. Mossinate are not cheap only less expensive.
A one carat certified diamond colourless/near colourless and of excellent cut will cost between €7000 to €14000. A similar size Moissanite ring will cost approximately €2500 – €3500.
Loyes Diamonds and Moissanite Engagement Rings.
Replace diamonds with Moissinate.
Are you are looking for size and the budget just doesn’t allow for a larger diamond stoned ring? Come in and take a look at Moissanite. It won’t hurt to take a look. Depending on the style of the ring a perhaps place a Moissanite Stone in the center stone in the ring. As a result the center moissanite with real diamond for the smaller or melee diamonds looks amazing. This can be an excellent choice and will offer all the sparkle and style of a much larger stone ring.
All of our Moissanite rings come with certification and a limited lifetime warrantee for the stone.
Final Thoughts on Moissanite Engagement Ring
A Moissanite engagement ring will never achieve the social status, beauty and price of a Diamond. As techniques for its production have improved over the past five years making it an exceptional substitute for a diamond.
As the costs of living and everyday expenses increase the price of a natural diamond may just be out of some couples reach and the Moissanite may ease the financial burden of this purchase.
Many couples we meet love the appearance of a natural diamond feel uncomfortable purchasing a diamond. They have normally read unfair press or rumours or misinformation. Rumours and misinformation abound regarding the international mining, manufacturing and trade of the diamond industry. Some feel on a social and environmental level that the Moissanite is the Gem more in line with their ethos.
The world is an ever-changing place and in keeping with the times at Loyes Diamonds we offer Natural diamonds, natural Gemstones and Moissanite Gems.
Contact Loyes Diamonds.
If you would like to find a Moissanite engagement ring in Dublin Ireland why not call or email and set up an appointment. We can take you through our collection of beautiful engagement rings. Furthermore we will be happy to show you both diamonds and Moissanite while you are with us.
Phone/text/whatsApp – 087 9700295
Email info@loyesdiamonds.ie
Or by using our contact form HERE