“Jewelry is a way to express your personality, your style, and your creativity.”
Diamonds are a classic choice, but we’ve seen growing interest in moissanite from customers shopping for engagement rings and special-occasion pieces. Here’s what makes it shine.
A brief history of moissanite
Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, who later won the 1906 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Initially mistaken for diamond, the stones were later identified as silicon carbide (SiC). For decades moissanite remained rare and obscure, until advances in technology made it possible to create in a lab.
The benefits of moissanite
- Affordability. Moissanite costs significantly less than diamond, so you can enjoy a larger, high-quality stone within your budget.
- Sustainability. Lab-created moissanite avoids the environmental impact of mining.
- Durability. At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, it resists scratches and everyday wear.
- Brilliance. A high refractive index gives it sparkle that rivals diamond.
- Fire. It throws beautiful rainbow flashes of color.
Characteristics of moissanite
Color
Moissanite comes colorless (D–F), with an icy-white look similar to high-end diamonds, or near-colorless (G–H), with a slightly warmer tone that still appears bright and white.
Clarity
Most moissanite is eye-clean: inclusions are rare and invisible to the naked eye, which adds to its brilliance and fire.
Cut
Moissanite is cut to maximize sparkle. The round brilliant (58 facets) and the softer, romantic cushion cut are the most popular, and shapes like emerald and Asscher are also available.
Carat weight
- Small (0.25–0.50 ct) — accent stones and delicate jewelry.
- Medium (0.50–1.00 ct) — solitaire pendants and rings.
- Large (1.00–2.00 ct) — bold cocktail rings and earrings.
- Extra large (2.00 ct+) — truly show-stopping pieces.
Moissanite is about 10% lighter than diamond, so a 1-carat moissanite may look slightly larger than a 1-carat diamond.
Popular moissanite styles
- Engagement rings. Solitaires, halo settings, and three-stone designs representing past, present, and future.
- Earrings. Classic studs, delicate drops, and dangles with extra detail and movement.
- Pendants. A simple solitaire for everyday wear, or an ornate pendant with filigree and accent stones.
- Rings. Accent rings, anniversary bands set with multiple stones, and bold statement rings.
Want to see moissanite and diamond side by side? Stop by either showroom — no appointment needed — and our team will walk you through the differences.
