Approximately 2 million couples get married each year. And you’re ready to join the ranks.
Congratulations. It’s a big step!
You may already be overwhelmed with all of the options out there when it comes to the ring that will signify your devotion to your future wife.
In addition to the options, there are the etiquette rules out there, such as the ones that suggest that you must spend six months worth of salary on an engagement ring and other financial rules.
While decades of advertising have you convinced you that you have to purchase your wife-to-be a pure diamond, what about a moissanite diamond? Is that good enough to give to the love of your life?
In this article, we’ll go over what a moissanite diamond is and whether or not it’s something you should consider.
What is a Moissanite Diamond?
You’re probably already up to your ears in different ring options. Should you choose a solitaire or a halo cut? Should you opt for white gold or rose gold? Should you go for lab-grown or naturally occurring diamonds?
And now, a moissanite? What is it?
Well, moissanite diamonds were discovered by Henri Moissan, a French geologist, in the 1890s. He found it while examining the rock samples a meteor had left behind in the middle of Arizona. At first, Moissan thought he had discovered diamonds, and of course, was pretty excited by the possibility.
It turns out that Moissan’s discovery wasn’t diamonds after all, but a substance that looked very similar. Instead, what he had found were crystals known as silicon carbide.
Up until the 1950s, it was thought that silicon carbide only came from meteors. And while that is the most common natural occurrence of the crystal, it might also occur in some rocks on Earth.
So, in essence, if you give your loved one a moissanite diamond, you’re giving her the stuff of the stars. Pretty romantic, huh?
Are All Moissanite Diamonds Made From Meteors?
While it is a romantic notion to give your wife-to-be a piece of the galaxy, most moissanite diamonds on the market today are not naturally occurring. This is because natural moissanite diamonds are incredibly rare. Instead, scientists have been able to create a gemstone that is incredibly similar to a moissanite right in a laboratory.
This gives your wife-to-be a shiny and gorgeous gemstone that is similar to the stars, but isn’t quite from them.
The Difference Between Moissanite Diamonds and Diamonds
While the two gemstones appear very similar, there are some differences between them. Most of the differences are only spotted through microscopes or can only be done so by actual jewelers. However, some individuals who are especially discerning may be able to tell the difference by a few key differences.
A moissanite diamond is more “brilliant” than an actual diamond, meaning it emits more colors of light. In the sunlight, you may be able to see a dazzling rainbow effect.
Some individuals find this off-putting, while others love it. A diamond’s sparkle is subtly different. Instead, they reflect light in three different ways: brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation.
The bigger the moissanite is, the more likely you can see the difference between the two. But, they are almost equally durable, with the moissanite being a little bit weaker than a diamond.
A moissanite is a great eco-friendly choice, as it does not require mining and, therefore, your dollars do not contribute to the controversial mining trade. You can also purchase a diamond, however, that sidesteps this issue by buying a lab-grown diamond.
These reasons are also why some people prefer moissanites.
The Price Point
Let’s be real: one of the things on everyone’s minds when it comes to an engagement ring is value for money. So, are you actually going to save money with a moissanite?
The answer is, undoubtedly, yes. Moissanites are significantly less expensive than a diamond. If you compare a moissanite next to a naturally occurring diamond, the moissanite comes in at a little less than one-fifth of the cost. This makes it much more budget friendly.
You should also be aware that lab-grown diamonds are much less expensive than naturally-occurring diamonds as well. But, moissanites definitely take the cake when it comes to being both brilliant and inexpensive.
Moissanites are not all created equally, which can affect their price point. Premium or super premium gemstones will set you back a little bit more. Naturally, a super premium stone is more expensive than a premium version.
The two gemstones are measured a little bit differently, so you’ll need to be aware of this when purchasing one. A diamond is measured in the famous karat. Of course, the bigger the karat, the more expensive the diamond.
Moissanites are measured in millimeters instead of karats. Like their diamond cousins, the bigger the moissanite, the more expensive.
Which One Should You Purchase?
Where you purchase a moissanite diamond or a naturally occurring diamond depends greatly on your budget, your tastes, and your fiancee-to-be’s tastes. It will also depend on what the pair of you value and where your priorities are. Some people may prefer to splash out on a big diamond and have a modest wedding. Others may wish to purchase a moissanite and save for the big day.
Whatever the pair of you choose to do, you have many different options to ensure you don’t break the bank on the way to the altar.
If one of your dating anniversaries is approaching, you can click here to browse some of the best anniversary gift ideas. Or, get ahead of the game and purchase an epic first anniversary gift!