In shopping for engagement and bridal pieces, the modern options are endless. You can find stunning, non-traditional options in all kinds of gemstones, as well as many options for a more traditional, 'diamond-like' look.
Our pick for that diamond-like look? Moissanite.
Moissanite is comprised of a naturally occuring mineral, called silicone carbide, but is rarely found in significant size in nature. The process to grow Moissanite in the lab is a long one, taking some 2-3 months in precise conditions to create a stone. The result is a nearly-perfect stone that can stand next to any natural diamond effortlessly.
At an average of one-tenth the cost of a comparable natural diamond, Moissanite is the perfect choice for those not looking to sink their life savings into their engagement rings. For the modern bride, Moissanite is the go-to option for all the sparkle and durability without the high price points.
Diamonds are renowned for their durability and ability to withstand almost any kind of wear and tear due to their status as the hardest naturally occurring mineral. Happily, Moissanite is not far behind in terms of hardness. Ranking at a 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (ranking stones for durability on a scale of 1-10), Moissanite ranks just below natural diamonds at a perfect 10.
When it comes to comparing Moissanite and diamonds, their brilliance is the most noticeable difference. Moissanite typically has more sparkle and fire than diamonds due to its double refractive property, which allows it to reflect more light. As a result, Moissanite is cut differently than diamonds to enhance its sparkle. Conversely, diamonds reflect whiter light and lack the rainbow-like effect of Moissanite.
Both Moissanite and diamonds can come in colorless or colored variations. While Moissanite used to have a yellowish or greenish tint, advancements in the creation process now allow for high-quality colorless Moissanite. Diamond color, however, can vary widely and is graded on a scale from D-Z. When shopping for Moissanite, it's important to remember that high-quality stones are available at reasonable prices. Look for a stone that is eye clean and doesn't have visible imperfections in clarity or color.
At Prairie Sky, we have our Moissanite grown & custom cut by a small, US company directly for our pieces. It's important to us that we are conscious of our market impact with our sourcing, so we have taken significant time and care in building a close relationship with one of the highest quality Moissanite labs in the country. Each of our solitaire Moissanite stones come with GRA certifications to guarantee you're receiving the highest quality stones available.
In sum, Moissanite is an excellent option for an engagement ring stone due to its durability, sparkle, brilliance, and quality. It's a stone that is comparable to diamonds in each of these regards, at a fraction of the price.
