Although they’re classic, sometimes diamond rings can wear a bit thin and there’s little intrigue with a diamond beyond its beauty. This is just one of the reasons why the Moissanite stone is becoming the equally stunning underdog; this relatively unheard of stone is taking the engagement ring market by storm.
Moissanite is a gemstone very similar in appearance to diamond. It is composed of both silicone and carbon, making it remarkably hard, resistant to chipping, clouding and scratches. It’s an obvious choice for anyone looking for something that isn’t the traditional diamond, yet isn’t prone to wear and tear and is just as (if not more) beautiful. It was first discovered in rocks left in a meteor crater in 1890s Arizona. The man who discovered the gemstone was named Henri Moissan (the same Moissan who isolated fluorine and won a Nobel Prize for it) and this is where it gained the name Moissanite. It is now usually found in mantle rock and also used in testing mineral hardness, nanotechnology and, of course, jewellery.
Just as its more famous counterpart has gained the title ‘a girl’s best friend’, Moissanite is known as ‘the other diamond’ and is often used for jewellery which would benefit from the looks of a diamond, but even more from one with different properties.
There are several stores, especially online, which sell Moissanite engagement rings and it has to be said that this stone is perfect for the occasion. Its classic appearance which doubles up as wonderfully extravagant and eye catching is just unbeatable. What’s more, they’re actually very affordable, with a rather overstated multi stone ring set on a silver band usually costing between $800 and $1500. Ok so they’re not on the lowest end of the budget scale but they take a step down from real diamonds without detracting from the beauty.
This stone captures blue light immediately and it has a cool, striking look. This stone is not for the faint hearted as it will never lose its clarity and it actually has 2.5 times more ‘fire’ (light and color refracting ability) than diamond. It’s a stone which will dazzle whatever kind of light you are in and it also matches any color clothing or other piece of jewellery.
For someone who is inexplicably drawn to diamonds, yet is trying to avoid the cliche ‘diamond engagement ring’ Moissanite is the perfect choice. It still holds the same attraction, yet has the advantage of a cheaper price, more fire and also being tougher.