Naturally-occurring moissanite was first discovered by French geologist Henri Moissan while examining rock samples at a meteor crater. Many moissanite aficionados later claimed that this mineral came from the stars, although this is not accurate.

Moissanite in its natural state can be found at several sites across the world, although it is lab-manufactured when it is to be used in jewellery.

Gaining in popularity

There are very few reasons not to use moissanite in engagement rings.  The leading reason for choosing moissanite over diamonds or sapphire rings, is that it has many similar characteristics and features to diamonds when comparing the two, and many features that some might describe as “better”.

So what’s the difference?

Although diamonds and moissanites are similar in appearance, they are very different. There is a school of thought that believes moissanite to be “fake”, and if your other half belongs to this group, the consequences could be disastrous!

Diamonds are associated with the keeping of tradition, while moissanite is considered somewhat of a breakaway gem.

But it’s way more than a ‘cheap’ moissanite engagement ring so you might be able to convince your other half! Here’s why:

The benefits of moissanite

One of the greatest benefits of moissanite is its pricing.

It is nowhere near the pricing range of a diamond, and the size and quality you can afford in moissanite is far greater than if you were to spend the same amount on a diamond.

A moissanite can be around 10% of the price of a diamond!

This means you can choose a much larger stone for a much lower price than if you were choosing a diamond.

Moissanite can result in huge overall savings in the process of buying an engagement ring, and lends itself to a vast array of design options and styles.

Radiant beauty

Moissanite colour is graded on a different system to that of diamonds, and the colour fluctuation is the greatest telling element that sets the levels apart, however Colourless and Near Colourless moissanite are by miles the most popular options, and mimic the appearance of similarly coloured diamonds.

Most people won’t be able to tell it isn’t a diamond!

High clarity

Moissanites are produced artificially which means only the best are chosen to go on sale.  Therefore, all moissanites used in engagement rings are of the highest clarity.

Durability

Moissanites aren’t as hard as diamonds, but they’re not far off.  On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness they are only second to a diamond with diamonds scoring 10/10 for hardness and moissanites scoring 9.5/10.

They rate higher than sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, making moissanites a perfect choice for an engagement ring as you're going to be wearing it every day.

This means they stand up to scratches and abrasions, resisting breaking and chipping.

Ethical

As moissanites are made in labs for use in jewellery, there is no risk of buying a conflict diamond.  These are diamonds that are mined in war zones and the money raised is used to fund the war and often the warlord who uses questionable methods.  Make sure you buy lab grown diamonds or lab jewels to avoid this.

By choosing a moissanites instead of a diamond you can rest assured your moissanite has been ethically sourced as it will have been grown artificially.