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The Rising Popularity of Moissanite Engagement Rings
The affordability of moissanite significantly contributes to its growing popularity as an engagement ring choice. While moissanite rings cost less, they still deliver the dazzling impact every newly engaged fiancée desires. After all, showing off that stunning ring is a key part of the celebration!
In some cases, moissanite may even outshine real diamonds when it comes to captivating brilliance. Known for their durability, moissanite stones are built to last. These gems also reflect light wonderfully and can exhibit an effervescence that is sure to impress. The sparkle of moissanite rarely diminishes, thanks to traces of silicone within the gem that repel grime and grease, keeping it shiny even between cleanings.
Additionally, moissanite’s appeal is boosted by its eco-friendly nature. Most moissanite available today is lab-created, eliminating the need for mining from deposits.
The Discovery of Moissanite
Moissanite has an extraordinary origin story. The mineral was discovered in a meteor crater in 1893. During an exploration of a meteorite strike in Arizona, Henry Moissan initially thought he had found diamond particles. However, further examination revealed these were not carbon but silicon carbide specks.
Moissan had discovered natural moissanite, a rare mineral. Given its scarcity, most moissanite on the market today is created in laboratories.
How Much Do Moissanite Diamonds Cost?
So, how much is a moissanite ring? As we’ve already mentioned, moissanite diamonds are quite affordable. Nevertheless, the cost varies depending on several factors, much like other gemstones.
How is Moissanite Graded?
Color Grading
Moissanite can range in color, showing tones of yellow or green, but colorless gems are exceptionally clear. Here’s how moissanite is classified:
Grade D, E, and F – Colorless
Grade G, H, and I – Near Colorless
Grade J and K – Possess Tones of Color
Similar to the diamond color grading system, higher grades indicate more colorlessness, making moissanite from grades D to F more costly.
Cut Grading
This is determined by factors like polish and symmetry, which affect light performance. Each moissanite shape has an ideal cut proportion it must meet. Cut grades range from Fair & Poor to Excellent, with higher grades indicating more brilliance.
Carat Weight
Carat weight is another cost factor; the higher the carat weight, the pricier the gemstone. Carat weight refers to mass, although the actual size can differ depending on the cut.
Opt for a moissanite cut as “Very Good.” Such stones have less depth but more spread, making them appear larger than their carat weight suggests.
Clarity Grading
Clarity relates to how free a gem is from inclusions. Better clarity means more sparkle and optimal light performance. Gemologists identify imperfections, known as blemishes and inclusions, which are generally microscopic and don’t affect the gem’s beauty noticeably.
Grades for clarity include AAAA, AAA, AA, A, and B. At Artful Bracelets, we offer AAA quality gemstones, which, while not as rare as AAAA, offer exceptional flawlessness and color.
Moissanite Engagement Ring Cost
If you’re contemplating a moissanite ring, you’re probably wondering about the cost. Here’s a brief overview:
1 Carat Moissanite Cost
Consider the cost of a 1-carat moissanite compared to a 1-carat diamond. A nearly colorless 1-carat diamond typically costs about $5000, whereas a colorless 1-carat moissanite is around $600.
2 Carat Moissanite Cost
A 2-carat moissanite engagement ring usually costs about $1200, while a 3-carat moissanite can be around $3000. The price rises with heavier carat weights.
Moissanite vs Natural Diamond Pricing
Below is a comparison based on solitaire 14kt white gold settings, the most popular shape (round), color grading (I-G), and clarity grades (VS2 and VS1) at Artful Bracelets.
| Carat Weight | 0.5 | 0.75 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moissanite Average Price | $1,080 | $1,155 | $1,405 | $1,730 | $1,905 | $2,480 | $2,960 |
| Diamond Average Price | $2,080 | $2,180 | $5,180 | $6,980 | $11,080 | $12,180 | $25,980 |
Choosing a moissanite ring over a diamond ring can save you 20%-50%, depending on carat size and ring settings.
Buy Your Moissanite Ring Artful Bracelets
Are you in the market for a striking moissanite engagement ring? At Artful Bracelets, we offer Forever One Moissanite, known for its exceptional colorless quality. Our Forever One moissanite rings are available in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum, up to 3 carats.
Prices for our Forever One Moissanite engagement rings range from $600 to $3000. We partner with Charles & Colvard due to their sustainable practices and rigorous grading standards for color, clarity, and cut. For more information, please contact us.
Lab Diamonds vs Moissanite
Natural moissanite is often found in small sizes, not always large enough to cut into one-carat gemstones. Thus, lab-created moissanites are frequently used in fine jewelry. A more cost-effective alternative to diamonds or lab-grown diamonds, moissanite ranks around a 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.
On the Mohs hardness scale, a natural diamond ranks at 10, the same as a lab-grown diamond.
When discussing diamonds, it’s critical to also consider lab-grown diamonds. There are substantial differences between a Moissanite and a lab-grown diamond, particularly in their composition. However, some people might confuse them at a glance. If you seek a stone with the same chemical composition as a natural diamond (carbon), a lab-grown diamond is the ideal choice. Moissanite, on the other hand, consists of silica and carbon.
The most apparent distinction between them is the sparkle. Moissanite tends to sparkle more than a diamond and offers a more vibrant, rainbow-like reflection, which many find very attractive. Although lab-grown diamonds do sparkle, their brilliance is somewhat less than Moissanite. Furthermore, lab-grown diamonds can be colorless or come in various other colors. In contrast, Moissanite is predominantly colorless or found in yellowish-green tones. However, specially created colored Moissanite, featuring a layer of blue and green, is also available for jewelry purposes. It’s also worth noting that diamonds are singly refractive, whereas Moissanites exhibit double refraction. When you observe a stone from an angle and notice the multiple facets, that’s refraction explained simply.
For couples desiring a non-diamond center stone with significant sparkle, Moissanites are both an affordable and durable choice for engagement rings. Conversely, for those who prefer a traditional approach, a lab-grown diamond provides a gem with an IGI certificate.
FAQs
Is Moissanite growing in popularity?
Yes, Moissanite is becoming increasingly popular due to its competitive pricing, exceptional shine, durability, and eco-friendly attributes. It is extensively used in jewelry, particularly engagement rings and wedding bands.
Why is Moissanite so popular?
Moissanite is a favored diamond alternative, well-loved for its brilliant sparkle. Its durability and competitive pricing also make it a top choice for various types of jewelry, including engagement rings.
Where was Moissanite discovered?
Moissanite was first discovered within a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893 by Henry Moissan.
How much does 1-carat Moissanite cost?
The cost of a 1-carat Moissanite ranges from $200 to $600, depending on the quality grade and the brand.
Are Moissanite and Lab Diamonds the same?
No, they are different stones. Moissanites score 9.5 on the Mohs scale, are composed of silicon carbide, and display a more colorful rainbow-like reflection. Lab-grown diamonds, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale, are made from carbon and have a colorless sparkle.
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