Moissanite is a very popular ring stone, often cited as the "alternative to diamond." But this gem-like diamond has a few special features that set it apart.

Moissanite is known for its brilliant, bright, and sparkly appearance. It also has very high fire resistance, which allows them to be used in contexts in which diamonds would not be suitable.

Whether you're looking for an engagement ring with a lot of sparkles or you're picking out a suitable stone for an anniversary gift, Moissanite offers you a brilliant alternative to diamonds at a price that fits within your schedule and budget.

This article will cover all you need to know about Moissanites, including whether or not you should consider purchasing one of these stones instead of a diamond and how much you should expect to pay for one.

 6mm moissanite tennis chain 14K White Gold

Can Moissanite Be Considered A Diamond?

Moissanite is a gem that looks like a diamond but costs one-tenth of that of a real diamond. In fact, Moissanites are so similar to diamonds (it takes a microscope to really tell the difference between the two) that many jewelers will use them as an identical substitute for diamonds.

Being a precious gem is not the only thing that makes Moissanite different from other lab-grown stones; what sets it apart from diamonds is its clarity and purity, as well as its extremely high refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamonds (2.42-2.47) and hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale). 

Moissanite is also more affordable than diamonds, with an engagement ring made of Moissanite costing a fraction of what a diamond ring would cost. Lastly, Moissanite is available in various colors, whereas diamonds are generally colorless.

If you're looking for your perfect diamond, Moissanite is worth the search. Moissanite's superior transparency enables a view of its natural beauty that has no comparison with any other gemstone.

Moissanite As An Investment

Moissanite is a high-quality lab-grown gem of the mineral Olivine. When cut, polished, and set in a ring or pendant for jewelry, it can last for tens of thousands of years.

Now is it worth buying Moissanite? That depends. It will depend on what you value and what you're looking for in your ring.

Moissanite is a gemstone that has real value as an investment. It is valuable because people want it and will pay good money for it. Moissanite has also been known to bring in a higher price per carat than emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.

It is considered a stone of stability, love, and loyalty. Its high luster and clarity make it that much more desirable, making it ideal for engagement rings, tennis bracelets, or any other jewelry purchase.

Moissanite has long been known as a much more affordable alternative to diamonds, and this is especially true when it comes to investments. It looks very similar to diamonds. It's also more scratch resistant than most other gemstones, including diamond, which makes it an excellent investment for many reasons.

10mm moissanite cuban link bracelet 14K white gold

Moissanite Value and Worth

When you first hear about Moissanite, the first thought might be that it’s a fake diamond substitute. While this is true at the extreme ends of the spectrum, there’s no denying the gemstone can be more beautiful than an average diamond.

Their worth is dependent on the following factors: 

Carat

The weight of gemstones is measured historically in carats (CT), with 1.00 carat equaling 200 milligrams. The rule here is: a heavier stone will cost more. However, Moissanite is only about 15-20% of the weight of a diamond.

Shapes and Sizes

There is a wide variety of shapes and sizes available for this stunning gemstone. Round, princess cut, emerald cut, oval, pear, and heart cut are just a few of the more frequent shapes.

Cut

Nearly any type of diamond cut is possible on Moissanite. They are attractive in every size and form. All of this is feasible and possible because they are produced in the laboratory.

Color 

Colors like blue, emerald green, purple, and even black can be seen in Moissanite. Ion induction is used to carefully impart vibrant hues.

Pricing

At the lower end of the price range, you can get a ring or stud earrings for up to $500. This could be a great way to gift your loved one on your anniversary. You can also buy Moissanite that isn't set like loose diamonds. This way, your loved one can customize it according to her choice or just admire it as is.

On the pricier side, for $1,000, you can get engagement rings or even gorgeous bracelets. Invest in a more expensive ring that adds elegance to every space if you truly want to shower your significant other with affection. Three-stone engagement rings, necklaces, and anniversary rings are just a few of the many wonderful choices. 

Resale Value of Moissanite

Some people buy diamonds because of the tradition of doing so- they want an expensive ring in order to impress everyone they know. However, a lot of people buy diamonds because they're viewed as an investment that can be sold for a profit later if needed. However, that's not the case seen in real life. 

The resale value of diamonds can decrease over time. It largely depends on the clarity and color. Gold rings with diamonds in them will almost always retain their value longer than diamond-only rings. 

Neither Moissanite nor a regular diamond is expected to increase in price if sold. A large loss is to be expected when selling either of them, especially so soon after the initial purchase. 

It may not be as widely recognized or accepted as diamonds resulting in a lower resale value, but the total risk of loss is less with Moissanite than with a more expensive diamond.

Size, quality, and rarity of the stone, as well as the condition of the market, all have a role in determining the resale value of a piece of moissanite jewelry. Moissanite is a relatively new stone. Thus its resale value may shift as it gains popularity.

If you’re looking for the best possible value for your money, go for Moissanite.

4 Row 20MM Moissanite Cuban Link Chain 14K White Gold

Make The Most Out of Your Investment in Moissanite

In order to keep your Moissanite sparkling for as long as possible, proper maintenance is essential. 

To clean your Moissanite, use a drop or two of a light liquid detergent in a bowl of water. After soaking your jewelry for a few minutes, you can gently brush away debris and deposits with a toothbrush immersed in the same cleaning solution.

Household ammonia and professional jewelry cleaners are two other options. It is imperative that you dilute any cleaning solutions you create for your moissanite jewelry. A film may form over the stone's surface when highly concentrated solutions are used, giving the stone a cloudy, waxy, and unattractive appearance. 

Clean your Moissanite roughly once a month or after each use to keep it looking like new.

Final Thoughts

Diamonds are often associated with luxury and status. While this represents high value, it also creates a barrier for many people interested in obtaining the beautiful gemstone. On the other hand, Moissanite is a lab-grown and affordable alternative to diamonds that maintains the same beauty and quality as its more expensive counterpart.

With the cultural traditions around purchasing a diamond for your engagement ring stone and the expectation to buy a certain style of ring, it can be intimidating to go against the flow. 

However, once this precious gemstone is introduced to you, you'll find it to be incredibly durable and beautiful - even better than any other stones in existence. The beautiful sparkle and long-lasting beauty which comes with it is not met with any other stone in existence. 

A moissanite engagement ring is a beautiful option if you want to save money without compromising beauty. When buying it, you’re not just investing in a stone; you’re also investing in your love for eternity!

Frequently Asked Questions

YES! When using a diamond tester that detects thermal conductivity, moissanite will pass as a diamond. This is because moissanite conducts heat and electricity in a similar manner as to natural diamonds, which is why moissanite is always going to pass the diamond tester.

2. Does Moissanite jewelry Tarnish Over Time?

Unlike cubic zirconia, which can degrade in appearance over time, moissanite does not become cloudy with age. 

Over time, dirt, oils, and other substances can build up on the surface of moissanite, making it appear cloudy. However, this can be cleaned away without affecting the true appearance of the stone.

3. Does Moissanite look fake?

The word "Fake" does not accurately describe this. Moissanite may look different from real diamonds, because it has a wider hue spectrum and a more colorful sparkle. Moissanite also has the higest refractive index out of all gemstones, meaning it actually sparkles and reflects light more than natural diamonds.

4. Is it Tacky to wear a Moissanite ring?

Moissanite rings appear shinier than diamonds, which some people consider tacky. But with moissanite stones, you can find rings in almost any price range and make as many creative choices as you want to fit your personal style at a fraction of the cost. Buying a moissanite ring is not tacky, but passing judgment on someone else's ring is.

10MM Baguette Moissanite Stud Earrings Screw Back 14K White Gold

References

• Diamondrensu. (n.d.-a). Compare Moissanite and Diamond Size Chart. https://diamondrensu.com/pages/moissanite-and-diamond-size-chart

• Brilliance, B. (2021, May 4). Durability & Hardness of Moissanite. Best Brilliance. https://bestbrilliance.com/blogs/news/durability-hardness-of-moissanite

• Moissanite Size Chart. (n.d.). EcoMoissanite. https://ecomoissanite.com/pages/moissanite-size-chart

• Refractive Index and Dispersion Explained. (2018, June 17). Harro Gem - Custom Cut Moissanite. https://www.harrogem.com/2018/06/17/1177-2/