Moissanite Engagement Rings: A Guide to Brilliance and Sustainability
Learn more about the beauty and brilliance of moissanite engagement rings, including the best cuts, settings, and where to find gorgeous moissanite.
The Fascinating History of Moissanite​
​
Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral often referred to as the “gemstone of the stars.” In 1893, French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan discovered moissanite within a meteorite crater in Arizona. Initially, Dr. Moissan believed these hard, brilliant stones were diamonds. However, nine years later, he realized they were not composed of carbon, like diamonds, but rather of silicon carbide.
Natural moissanites are incredibly rare, with only a handful of deposits found throughout history. Most of the brilliant moissanites you see are grown in a lab. Moissanite, along with lab-grown diamonds, has a minimal carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact.
Modern moissanite gemstones are adored for their durability and radiant appearance. Not to mention, moissanite is often less expensive per carat than many other gemstones. This article will cover the unique properties of moissanite engagement rings and offer expert guidance on moissanite’s most beautiful cuts and settings.
The Science of Sparkle
Moissanite has unique optical properties that contribute to its exceptional shine and shimmer.
Refractive Index
​
Refractive Index
(RI) is the amount of light that shines off a stone. It’s the most significant optical property affecting a gemstone’s brilliance or sparkle. The RI of moissanite is 2.69, meaning it displays slightly more brilliance than diamond (with an RI of 2.42) or any other popular gemstone.
​
Fire Dispersion
Also known as gemstone dispersion, fire refers to the prism effect of pure white light entering a gem, breaking into spectral colors, and reflecting back to the viewer. Moissanite’s dispersion is 0.104, which exceeds that of many gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Moissanite creates flashes of rainbow lights that add a captivating sparkle to your engagement ring. The reason behind the radiance is fascinating and showcases the special benefits of moissanite stones.
​Moissanite Cuts and Settings
​
A solitaire round cut is the most popular cut and setting for moissanite engagement rings, though many cuts complement the brilliance and fire of moissanite.
​
Below are some of the most popular options available at Olive Ave Jewelry.
​
-
Round cut
-
Oval cut
-
Radiant cut
-
Emerald cut
-
Marquise cut
-
Pear cut
-
Cushion cut
-
Baguette cut
-
Asscher cut
-
Princess cut
​
Our made-to-order rings come in a range of stunning settings, including the vintage-inspired bezel, the glamorous hidden halo, the modern three-stone, and more. You may also choose from bands made of 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, and 14k rose gold.
​
If you’re looking for a more customized piece, custom cuts and settings are an exciting possibility at Olive Ave Jewelry. Our expert jewelry team offers a tailored experience through email or virtual appointments, guiding you in selecting the perfect custom engagement and wedding rings that allow your moissanite gemstone to shine. If your diamond alternative dream ring isn’t in our online store, we can create it for you.
​
The possibilities are endless at Olive Ave Jewelry. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Hardness and Toughness
Moissanite is durable, tough, and extremely resistant to scratching and abrasion. With a hardness of 9.25-9.50, moissanite is harder than all other gemstones except diamond.Moissanite exhibits more heat resistance than many other gemstones, including diamond. Tests prove that at 2,000ºF–higher than the equivalent intensity of a house fire–moissanite gems remain intact and as brilliant as the day they were created. This heat tolerance makes moissanite unlikely to suffer damage during jewelry repair.
