There are times in life when you settle for the second best and still have nothing to repent for the decision. In fact, such ‘second bests’ may impress you to the point that you might end up accepting that it was the best choice you ever made, of course, other than choosing your life partner. This can be a precise situation when you opt for moissanite engagement ring instead of diamond engagement ring to make your love a lifetime commitment. Moissanite is the look-alike of diamond and hence this ring is a very popular option with those planning an engagement. Though it is considered a look-alike of diamond, some of its features outshine diamond and you may not want it to be called the second best.
What Is Moissanite?
Silicone carbide – this is the chemical name of the unique gemstone. A rare gem with its sources almost depleted, moissanite is a feast to your eyes. Sharing various qualities of diamond, the gem, which was discovered first in the year 1893, has since been one of the most sought after gemstones. The gem was discovered by Henri Moissan after whom it was named. The scientist was researching the meteor samples in Arizona when he chanced upon this rare gemstone and he thought that he had unearthed a diamond. It was only after testing the stone in the lab it was found to be a new gemstone and not diamond.
A few more of these stones were spotted in Russian mines. Moissanites, which were discovered so far, have been found in extreme conditions such as meteorites and upper mantle rocks. Since the sources were very scarce, efforts to create the stones in the lab were started in 1990s. The year 1995 saw moissanite beginning to play a major role in making of jewelry. As it shares similarity with a diamond, jewelers considered the gemstone to be an amazing substitution for diamonds.
How Does Moissanite Fare When Compared to a Diamond?
Much contrary to public opinion, the properties of moissanite are superior when compared to diamond. The 4 C’s, which are essential in evaluating the quality of gemstone, are of higher grade in moissanite than in diamonds. While a diamond is harder, moissanite is more heat resistant. Hence, it allows jewelers to create stunning designs. Here are some quick statistics.
| Diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | 2.42 | 2.65 |
| Fire | .044 | .104 |
| Hardness | 10 | 9.25 |
| Weight | 3.53 g/cm3 | 3.21 g/cm3 |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 800 °C | Up to 1800 °C |
| Double Refraction | No | Yes |
Can Moissanite Be Termed ‘Fake Diamonds’?
Moissanite is a mineral that occurs naturally and looks like diamond. It would be most improper to call it a fake diamond. The source of the mineral being scarce, scientists started lab creating it and they were not trying to create fake diamonds. Just as topaz is not a fake of yellow sapphire and a pink tourmaline a fake pink sapphire, moissanite is not a fake diamond. Hence, rest assured that you are not buying a fake diamond for your engagement but you are buying moissanite engagement ring that is unique and more brilliant than diamond.
Why Moissanite Engagement Rings Are The Right Choice?
- Moissanite engagement rings cost much less than diamond engagement rings.
- They are more radiant and their sparkling brilliance is beyond comparison. Brighter and lustrous than diamond, they never fail to captivate your attention.
- Being more resistant to heat, you can find intricate and stunning designs in moissanite stones.
- Moissanites are lab-created and hence they are nearly flawless.
- Moissanites are hard and they are highly resistant to abrasion and scratching.
- Since you spend lesser amount on the stone by choosing moissanite, you can make your settings richer. The beauty of the engagement ring lies in its setting. You can play with the designs, choose quality side stones and accentuate the beauty of the center stone.
Have a Great Start with Moissanite
The values of life cannot be judged by money’s worth. True happiness does not lie in money and neither can it be acquired by money. Moissanites may be much cheaper than diamonds cost wise but the value it offers is more. If you are the type that judges happiness by sentiments rather than money, moissanite engagement ring is the right choice for you.
