An Essential Guide To Moissanite Engagement Ring Shopping
The moissanite engagement ring has become popular in the jewelry industry for a good reason. It’s a lab-grown stone that’s an alternative to diamonds and is known for its fantastic quality and durability. It has a clear color and sparkling effect similar to diamonds but is cheaper, making it a great choice for an engagement or wedding ring.
If you’re considering buying a moissanite engagement ring, or a simple moissanite wedding band, there are a few things you need to know about this unique stone. First, you should know what moissanite is and the advantages and disadvantages of getting a moissanite ring.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-manufactured gemstone that’s less expensive than diamond engagement rings. Natural moissanite is rare because it’s mostly found in meteorite craters and impact sites. Hence, most moissanite stones sold in the market are manufactured in the lab.
Due to their clarity and great durability, they’re considered an alternative to diamonds and can be obtained at an affordable price. Moissanite also has a rainbow-like brilliance when exposed to light, making it a beautiful choice for your engagement ring. Furthermore, the stone is durable, with a hardness scale of 9.25 Mohs, higher than sapphires and rubies.
The Four C’s Of A Moissanite Stone
If you’re considering buying a moissanite engagement ring, there are a few things you need to look for to get a genuine one. The factors that determine the price and quality of a moissanite engagement ring are called the four C’s. According to expert gemologists, they include the following:
– Carats: It’s important to note that moissanite weighs less than a diamond. Therefore, moissanite is sold according to its carat size and not its weight. An example is a 4 ct moissanite engagement ring with a six-prong round solitaire.
– Cut: The cut is the most important characteristic of a moissanite stone. They’re cut to determine the light’s direction and display brilliance and spark on the stone. Choose a moissanite ring with an ideal cut and polish to illuminate the stone’s sparkle.
– Color: A moissanite gem is nearly colorless by nature. Others have an undertone of green, blue, or gray. The less color on the gemstone, the higher its value. A quality moissanite gem is four grades whiter, thus more brilliant and whiter than the other.
– Clarity: A moissanite gem is naturally clear and clean. Only gems that pass the set quality standards are sold in the market. Therefore, choose one that has high clarity for a gorgeous shine.
When the moissanite engagement ring has passed all four C’s grade checks, you can evaluate the ring according to your budget, style, size, and design. You can also shop for a customized or vintage engagement ring that meets your preference or that of your loved one.
Advantages Of Moissanite Rings
Moissanite rings offer several advantages compared to traditional diamond rings. Here are some of them:
1 – Budget-Friendly
The main advantage of moissanite is that they’re cheaper than diamonds. It also has the upper hand over other precious gemstones because it has aesthetic features similar to diamonds. It’s a great choice for couples who love a diamond ring but can’t afford it.
2 – Durability
One of the most prioritized advantages of moissanite rings is their durability. This is because they’re considered one of the hardest substances on earth. Therefore, moissanite engagement rings are hard to scratch or damage and can be worn daily as an engagement ring.
3 – Brilliance
Moissanite jewelry has a brilliant quality to it. Despite them being different from diamonds, they still shine in full radiance. There’s a moissanite grade with intricate patterns in the stone that display rainbow-like colors. If you’re looking for a ring with a sparkling effect, moissanite is a great option.
Disadvantages Of Moissanite Engagement Rings
Before you decide on a moissanite engagement ring, they have a few disadvantages you should also know about. They include:
1 – Not Workable With Most Jewelers
Sometimes, jewelers may find it difficult to repair a moissanite ring when it breaks or is scratched. This is because it’s not a real diamond, and diamond experts may fail to fix any damage or crack the stone may get. That’s why it’s important to consult your local jeweler on whether they can help with the moissanite ring, should the need arise.
2 – Moissanite Isn’t As Clear As A Diamond
Some moissanite brands have a yellow or green color when exposed to light. Thus, they may not offer as much clarity as a diamond stone. To achieve a diamond-like appearance, select a moissanite with a high level of whiteness to enhance its authenticity.
Care And Maintenance Of Moissanite Engagement Rings
Like any other jewelry and gemstone, moissanite engagement rings require care and maintenance to last long. Even though they don’t lose color or durability with time, it’s still important that you care for them regardless. The following are measures you can take to maintain them:
1 – Regular Cleaning
One way to approach this is by taking it for a professional checkup at least once a year. The gemologist will deep clean the ring from build-ups and dirt in the stone and its band. Alternatively, you can clean the ring yourself at home using a homemade DIY jewelry cleaner.
2 – Insure The Ring
Insuring your moissanite engagement ring is a smart way to protect it from damage or theft. By taking this precaution, you can ensure that your ring is always safeguarded and that you are prepared for any unexpected situations.
Conclusion
A moissanite is a beautiful and ethical gemstone to get on an engagement ring for your loved one. They’re also a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and sparkling gem similar to a diamond.
If you’re thinking of buying a moissanite engagement ring, keep the above tips in mind and ensure you maintain it regularly to keep it scratch and dirt-free. That way, you’ll get a high-quality and durable engagement ring.
