When it comes to engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry, diamonds have long been the standard. However, there is a new contender on the market that is quickly gaining popularity: moissanite. This beautiful gemstone is a great alternative to diamonds for many reasons, including its affordability, brilliance, and durability. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of moissanite and why it's a better choice than diamonds.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone that was discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan. It was originally found in a meteorite crater in Arizona, but today moissanite is made in a lab. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone that is suitable for everyday wear. It also has a high refractive index, which means that it has a lot of brilliance and fire.
Affordability
One of the biggest benefits of moissanite is its affordability. Compared to diamonds, moissanite is a fraction of the cost. This is because diamonds are rare and difficult to mine, while moissanite is made in a lab. However, this doesn't mean that moissanite is of lower quality. In fact, moissanite is just as beautiful as a diamond, but at a much more affordable price point.
Brilliance
Another advantage of moissanite is its brilliance. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means that it reflects more light and has more sparkle. In fact, moissanite is often referred to as the "most brilliant gemstone in the world." This makes moissanite a great choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces that you want to shine and stand out.
Durability
Moissanite is also a very durable gemstone. It has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which is very close to diamond's rating of 10. This means that moissanite is suitable for everyday wear and is less likely to chip or scratch than other gemstones. It's also resistant to heat and chemicals, making it a great choice for people who work with their hands or are active.
Ethical and Environmentally Friendly
In addition to its affordability, brilliance, and durability, moissanite is also an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. Because moissanite is made in a lab, it doesn't have the same ethical concerns as diamonds, which are often mined in conflict zones and can be associated with human rights abuses. Moissanite also has a much smaller environmental footprint than diamonds, which require extensive mining and can have negative environmental impacts.
Conclusion
Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that offers many advantages over diamonds. It's more affordable, more brilliant, and more durable than diamonds, making it a great choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry. In addition, moissanite is an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. So if you're looking for a beautiful, high-quality gemstone that won't break the bank, consider moissanite.