When purchasing a moissanite engagement ring, you should have a general image of what to look for or what you aspire to have from your ring, such as the style, cut, carat weight, etc.
Lily Arkwright has helped us compose a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect lab grown moissanite for your proposal, as well as a full rundown of what you need to know and understand about moissanite and why you should purchase one before popping that all important question!
Image Credit – Lily Arkwright
What is moissanite and how is it made?
Moissanite is a gemstone that is extremely rare in nature and much rarer than mined diamonds. In fact, moissanite is so rare that virtually all moissanite featured in jewellery is exclusively lab grown and produced in labs. Moissanite, often referred to as the gemstone of the stars because of its cosmological origins and is quite literally born in the stars, so what a more romantic way to showcase your love?
Moissanite is made up of the mineral silicon carbide and it was originally discovered in a meteorite crater in Arizona, United States by famous French Nobel prize winner doctor Henri Moissan in 1893. The scientist Henri Moissan, discovered an innovative thermal growing process that takes place under controlled laboratory conditions. He originally thought he had discovered diamonds during the discovery of the meteorite crater but later determined that the crystal formations consisted of these silicon carbide atoms. However, it wasn’t until 1998 when the world leading original creators of lab created moissanite; Charles & Colvard introduced this unique colourless gem into the jewellery market, specifically the engagement ring market. Charles & Colvard became the first firm to commercially manufacture the gemstone. Today, it takes on average 3 months to grow a moissanite gemstone, making the process of jewellery production quick and convenient.
Through these years of research scientists have enabled moissanite formation for use for engagement rings and other fine jewellery. Now, nearly all moissanite stones are lab grown under these strict lab conditions.
Image Credit – Lily Arkwright
What are the key features of moissanite?
Moissanite is an excellent alternative to mined diamonds but should always be viewed as a gemstone in itself, beholding its own unique optical and physical properties. Bright and reflective, moissanite is an amazing diamond alternative with a stunning visual appearance, perfect for newlyweds who desire an eco-friendly option and unprecedented shimmer and sparkle at an amazing price point.
Ethical and Sustainable
As moissanite is exclusively produced in a laboratory, thus eliminating the need for mining and overall impact on the earth and communities. Due to the elimination of mining, it means that moissanite has a carbon footprint the fraction of the size of naturally mined diamonds.
Affordable
When it comes to value for money and cost, moissanite is an excellent option for those savvy conscious couples or those who simply desire a bigger rock for their money. The comparative price of a moissanite centre stone to that of a naturally mined diamond is far less, costing up to 90% less! Allowing you to choose a larger carat weight or better clarity. However, if you are certain about wanting a diamond, there is always a lab grown diamond option that costs much less than mined diamonds. Giving you many possibilities and the opportunity to have your perfect engagement ring.
Durability
The Mohs scale of hardness is a measurement that tests the scratch resistance of a mineral, with a diamond scoring a 10 as the hardest material on the planet whereas moissanite scores a 9.25. Making moissanite a perfect choice for an engagement ring designed to be worn on a daily basis.
Traceable and certified
The transparency of production of lab grown moissanite is far more open than that of mined diamonds, as you know where exactly the moissanite has originated from. It is also a common practice for old diamond jewellery to be reset, making the tracing of diamonds again more difficult. This is eliminated when opting for a moissanite engagement ring as all moissanite produced by Lily Arkwright comes fully certified, so you know exactly where your precious gemstone has come from.
Final Thoughts
We hope the above guide was helpful in preparation of searching for a perfect engagement ring for your partner. If the idea of lab diamond or moissanite rings has piqued your interest or you would simply like to discover more information about Lily Arkwright and their lab grown collections simply call them on: 0161 537 6773, or alternatively you can email their jewellery consultancy team at: hello@lilyarkwright.com or book an in-person consultation.