When I first started dating my fiancé, I knew right away that he was the one. As we celebrated our two-year anniversary, I began to imagine the engagement ring that would symbolize our commitment to each other. Like many women, I dreamt of the perfect ring — a sparkling symbol of our love and future.
I spent hours browsing websites, designing custom rings, and imagining what kind of stone would best represent us. I even liked a few jewelers' Facebook pages, hoping to win one of their contests for an expensive diamond ring (Facebook made it awkward by displaying my likes to my friends — thanks, Facebook!). Despite the excitement of picking out an engagement ring, there was something I couldn’t ignore: the high price tag of diamonds.
While I was determined to find a beautiful ring that fit within our budget？ I was also becoming increasingly disillusioned with the diamond industry. This led me to explore alternatives — and that’s when I discovered moissanite.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide, discovered more than a century ago by Nobel prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan. He found tiny particles of the stone at the site of a meteorite impact in Arizona. Later, scientists perfected the process of creating moissanite gemstones, and now they’re one of the most brilliant alternatives to diamonds.
While diamonds have become synonymous with engagement rings, moissanite offers a stunning option that is equally, if not more, brilliant. It’s a beautiful and ethical choice, but it also comes with a significantly lower price tag.
How Does Moissanite Compare to Diamonds?
- Price Difference: A major reason why I chose moissanite was the price. A 1-carat moissanite stone can cost as little as $300, whereas a 1-carat diamond could range from $4,000 to $25,000, depending on its cut, color, and clarity.
- Sparkle Factor: Moissanite is incredibly brilliant. In fact, it refracts light more than twice as much as a diamond, giving it more "fire" and sparkle. I love how my moissanite engagement ring sparkles — it catches the eye from across the room!
- Durability: Moissanite is almost as hard as diamond. It scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale (compared to a diamond's perfect 10). Though diamonds are known for their hardness, moissanite is still extremely durable and able to withstand daily wear.
- Ethical Considerations: Moissanite, on the other hand, is a conflict-free, lab-grown stone, making it a more ethical choice for those who care about the sourcing of their jewelry.
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia: Not All Diamond Alternatives Are the Same
When I tell people I chose moissanite, I often get the question, "Isn't that just another version of cubic zirconia?" The answer is a firm no. While cubic zirconia (CZ) is a common diamond alternative, it has a much lower refractive index, making it less brilliant and more prone to scratching and discoloration over time. Moissanite, on the other hand, is a legitimate gemstone, with remarkable fire and brilliance, making it a superior option.
Choosing moissanite doesn’t mean "settling" for something less than a diamond. In fact, I think choosing a diamond is settling for an overpriced, overhyped product. Moissanite represents a more thoughtful and conscious decision about how we spend our money, and what kind of values we want our purchases to reflect.
The Decision: Do I Regret Choosing Moissanite?
Absolutely not! My engagement ring is stunning and I get compliments on it all the time. People often comment on how sparkly it is — which, of course, is thanks to moissanite's incredible brilliance. Many don't even realize it's not a diamond. The truth is, I love the story behind my ring and the fact that my fiancé chose it with me in mind. We prioritized what mattered most: our future together, not a flashy stone.
Do I Tell People It’s Not a Diamond?
I don’t actively tell people that my engagement ring is moissanite. There are a few reasons for this:
- Rudeness of Comparison: I think it’s impolite to compare engagement rings. Whether it’s a diamond or moissanite, the ring symbolizes a personal commitment, and that’s what matters most. I don’t feel the need to discuss the details of my ring with others.
- No One Has Asked: No one has questioned the stone in my ring, because it’s simply gorgeous. It sparkles beautifully and looks just as stunning as any diamond ring I’ve seen. When my fiancé and I did visit a jeweler to check out diamonds for fun, my moissanite ring actually outshone the diamonds they showed us!
- Respect for Others’ Choices: I understand that some people are passionate about diamonds and may feel hurt or defensive if I criticize their decision. I don’t want to engage in a divisive discussion about the ethics of the diamond industry. Everyone should make the best choice for themselves, and I respect that.
Tips for Couples Considering Moissanite：
If you’re thinking about choosing moissanite for your engagement ring, here are a few tips:
- Step 1: Shop Online for the Best Deals
Moissanite is often much cheaper online than at traditional jewelers. Websites like Charles & Colvard offer competitive prices, allowing you to explore a wide range of options that fit your budget and style.
-
Step 2: Avoid Going Too Big
While larger stones might seem appealing, they can sometimes show slight color. If you want a subtle look, go for a smaller size. A 1-carat moissanite is a stunning choice that provides plenty of sparkle without being overwhelming.
- Step 3: Consider the Unenhanced Stone
- Step 4: Do Your Research
Take advantage of online forums like WeddingBee, where real couples share their experiences and show off their moissanite rings. This can help you visualize how the stone looks in different settings and on various hands before making your final decision.
Conclusion: Choose Your Future Over a Ring
Choosing moissanite over a diamond for my engagement ring was a decision that reflected my values and my priorities. We didn’t want to waste money on a stone just because of tradition or societal expectations. Instead, we chose something that was beautiful, ethical, and within our budget. The money we saved on the ring will go toward things that will matter more in the long run — like building a life together.
If you’re considering an engagement ring, Choose your future, not a ring that’s been marketed to you for decades.
