Lately we have been custom creating a dizzying amount of moissanite rings for our clients in all sizes, shapes and ring styles. These fiery gems make the perfect substitute for a diamond engagement ring at a fraction of the cost! The combination of our finely crafted custom rings and these trending center-stones has proven to be a winner with our clients across the world.
What Makes Moissanites so Special?
- It is not a diamond simulant or substitute, it is its own gem and occurs very rarely but naturally within the earth. However, true moissanites used today are lab created to mimic the look of a moissanite.
- They have a white face up appearance. With the three different grades of moissanite gems you are sure to find a color that best suits you for a colorless to near colorless appearance that mimics a diamond.
- They are very high up on Mohs scale for hardness. Moissanites have a score of 9.25 and are almost as hard as a diamond which comes in at 10. This makes them extremely durable and suitable for every day wear. Conversely, other naturally occurring gems like emeralds and sapphires score much lower on the scale wear.
- They are more brilliant and fiery than an actual diamond. If you take a look side by side, moissanite will emit more colorful flashes of light than an excellent cut diamond because it has a great dispersion.
The most important benefit of a moissanite is that it is extremely cost effective. For example, a nice quality 2 or 3 carat diamond can cost you tens of thousands. A moissanite 2-3 carat equivalent will be in the $1000-$2000 range depending on the quality of the stone. For those that don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a ring, moissanite makes a great choice because you can set the stone in one our custom Lauren B settings which will really bring it to life. Check out this link to see custom moissanite engagement rings we have created, and here for some moissanite engagement rings we have in stock.
Moissanite FAQ:
Q: Do moissanites look different from a diamond?
A: Each person will answer this differently. Some people can detect a strong difference between the two when held side by side whereas others really like that the moissanite has that extra fiery look. We recommend looking at the videos we post on our Exclusive Video Gallery showing moissanite and diamond video comparisons. These videos will compare the two side by side so you can decide for yourself
Q: What clarity are moissanites?
A: They are close to flawless with no visible inclusions or any that would cause a hazy, milky appearance.
Q: Are moissanites man made?
A: True moissanites are naturally occurring in the earth and not lab created. However because they are so rare, they are now being produced in labs using the same silicon-carbide composition
Q: Can you use moissanite for the actual pave stones in the ring?
A: We can only use small diamonds in our custom settings, they don’t cut moissanites that small to use for settings.
Q: How do you weigh and measure moissanites?
A: Moissanites have to be told apart based on their millimeter measurements, not by their carat weight. For example, a 2 carat equivalent round moissanite does not actually weigh 2 carats. Instead, it measure 8mm x 8mm which is equal to the measurements of an average 2 carat diamond.
Q: What are the most popular shapes?
A: We tend to work a lot with round cut, cushion cut, and oval cut moissanites. Rounds are definitely the most popular. We feel the round and cushion shapes in particular mimic the look of a diamond more than others.
Q: What setting works best with moissanites?
A: ANY! If you want to keep all the focus on the stone, check out this round cut option showcasing the center-stone model# VNR-14309. The settings feature subtle details that balance the classic look of a solitaire ring and some delicate pave diamond accents. There are many variations on this and some include two-tone colors as well
If you want the moissanite to really look most like a diamond, then a halo setting is the way to go such as this cushion cut SOR-14716 style (shown to the right). The diamonds surrounding the moissanite stone really add some extra pop! For a full dose of moissanite rings we have custom created before check out our ring design gallery. Keep in mind any ring design on our website (even if it is shown with a diamond center) can be made for a moissanite as well.
MOISSANITE QUALITIES
Forever Classic– This would be consider the least expensive of all the moissanite options. The Forever Classic color is likened to a GIA certified K color which is at the top of the “faint” range, and below the “Near Colorless” range. The Forever classic moissanite gives off a very slight hint of color that can be noticeable to some people so we recommend coming into the store or asking us to send you a video before committing to a Forever Classic. The most positive factor about Forever Classic is that they have a huge selection of stone shapes and sizes, more so than the other Moissanite classifications so if you are after something more particular, Forever Classic will be your best bet if it exists.
Forever Brilliant– This is the considered the middle option for moissanites and one that we love to work with at Lauren B. The Forever Brilliant Moissanite is likened to a GIA certified H color. In terms of color, the Brilliant will not have a yellow undertone like the Classic. It is much whiter looking and in our opinion the most realistic looking of the Moissanite classifications. The Forever Brilliant have less size/shape options than the Classic, however stock for this kind of moissanite is steadier. We find the Forever Brilliant to have a more realistic appearance because it is a normal diamond color that many people select if they were to purchase a diamond.
Forever One- This is the highest classification of moissanite and the most expensive as well. Forever One moissanite are compared to a GIA certified Colorless diamond at D-E color and have a “super white” look to them. The Forever One moissanite is much more rare and they only produce a small amount at a time in very limited millimeter sizes and shapes. Stock for these is limited because they are a newer addition to the C&C line. If you like diamonds that appear completely colorless this is going to be your best bet!