Every woman loves to rock a piece of diamond jewelry. For this reason, many people tag it as a girl’s best friend. However, it is worth noting that other gemstones sit on the top list of ladies’ must-haves, and that includes moissanite. Whether you are planning an engagement, wedding, or shopping for accessories, you can always rock a moissanite gemstone in style. Best still, you don’t have to break a bank to own one.
For the past two decades or more, moissanite has been a worthy contender to the diamond brand, even providing shoppers with more value for money. However, some consider this gemstone to be a diamond knock-off or replica, somewhat similar to a Ring Pop. But here is the thing; moissanite crystals are pieces of jewelry in their rights. They are not related to diamonds.
Shopping for the Ideal Engagement Ring
Thanks to lab technology, jewel companies can produce gemstones without having to subject people to unethical working conditions. Also, this has helped reduce operational costs, indirectly lowering the prices of the crystals without hampering their quality. So, you can either go for a traditionally mined diamond, grown diamonds, diamond replicas, and moissanite, depending on your preference.
Moissanite’s discovery stems from an encounter Henri Moissan, a one-time French chemist and pharmacist, had with a Silicon Carbide (SiC), a naturally occurring compound, in a meteor crash site. This event happened in the late 1800s. However, in the 1980s, a North Carolina-based company was able to convert the compound to moissanite crystals. Another company, Cree, Inc., uses the same material in producing LED light bulbs, among other products.
Moissanite Production Process and Qualities
When producing moissanite jewels in the lab, scientists grow them into large crystals, before cutting them into smaller gemstones. Interestingly, just one company has the exclusive right to manufacture jewelry from the Silicon Carbide compound – Charles & Colvard. They are responsible for distributing the crystals to other retailers in the U.S. Notwithstanding, some foreign entities illegally sell moissanite “knock-offs” through various shady websites.
When evaluating moissanite properties, you will discover that they provide the same value for money that a diamond would, if not better. The gemstone is the second toughest material on earth, having a Mohs hardness scale record of 9.5, as their counterpart, diamonds, sit at 10. As such, your moissanite engagement ring can last you a lifetime. You don’t have to worry about scratches, chips, or cracks. Even your jeweler won’t be able to leave damage on the rock using a jeweler’s torch, unlike the likes of emeralds, rubies, and CZ’s.
You can’t take your eyes off a moissanite gemstone as it radiates more fire than diamonds, thanks to its double-refraction properties. For this reason, they look more sparkling under a light.
Taking Your First Step to Own a Moissanite Gemstone
With moissanite, you can always find a gemstone that meets your budget. You don’t have to wait to save up several paychecks before proposing to your lover. With $300 to $400, you can a moissanite jewel, and more if you have the money. To top it up, it is free from ethical or environmental-related challenges.
