*Left = moissanite, right = diamond
When choosing an engagement ring there can be so many factors to consider; metal colour, metal type, what size, what style, what type of gem, what colour gem, how many gems?!?! It’s easy to end up feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed.
Just when you thought you had it all figured out, you hear of a new budding trend: moissanite. From what you’ve heard on the grapevine it’s a beautiful (and affordable) diamond alternative. The sparkle of a diamond at the fraction of a cost? Sound too good to be true? We’re here to give you all the facts and dispel the fictions to help you decide which stone is right for you!
Clarity
Clarity refers to the imperfections within the gem. The clarity on moissanite is near flawless, while most diamonds in the world will have some sort of imperfections in them – a naturally flawless diamond is rare and very very expensive! While some people like these natural flaws (a reminder perhaps that life isn’t perfect!), the crisp and clean look of a moissanite can be just as alluring.
Brilliance
Moissanite has a greater refractive index than diamonds which means is has more fire and brilliance. This fire refers to the natural play of light within the gem – the display of light in moissanite will therefore be bigger and more colourful than that of diamonds.
Durability
Obviously diamond is known as the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth, coming in at 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although no stone is stronger, moissanite isn’t so far behind, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This makes them extremely durable and great for everyday wear – see chart below for comparison.
Colour
Moissanite is considered a colourless gem, although can still project yellow or grayish hues in certain lights. This is more noticeable if the moissanite stone is larger, or if it is a cheaper type moissanite stone (Forever Classic).
Diamonds naturally vary in colour, and are graded on a scale from D-Z. Truly colourless diamonds (D) are treasured for their rarity. Many of these colour distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.
Price
Good news for those looking to save a bit more – moissanite is a fraction of the cost of a diamond!
While a diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity, colour, and carat, moissanite stones vary only with size and type of moissanite (Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, or Forever One). To read more about the different types of moissanite stone please click here.
Decisions, decisions…
Not that we don’t love diamonds, but there’s no denying that moissanite makes a great and affordable alternative. Although it’s not as revered (yet!), its durability, beauty, and brilliance equals (and even surpasses) that of a diamond. At Alden Ross you can find an extensive range of moissanite jewellery to suit each and every taste – see below to discover more.