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Courtesy of Womens / Design by Bailey Mariner
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but does that ring true for you? The search for moissanite gems has increased over the years—and with good reason. This gem is an eco-friendly bride’s best friend.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a precious gemstone that has become an increasingly popular and less expensive alternative to diamond engagement rings.
“Moissanite is a great alternative to diamonds for several reasons,” says Don O’Connell, the CEO and President of Charles & Colvard. “With moissanite, you don’t have to sacrifice color, clarity, or size of the gemstone due to an astronomical price tag. Since it’s lab-grown, the quality is fantastic and you can feel good about wearing a socially responsible gem.”
Ahead, learn more about moissanite engagement rings.
Pros and Cons of Moissanite Engagement Rings
One of the most prominent pros of a moissanite engagement ring is the durability of the ring. "On the Mohs scale, moissanite scores a 9.25, a very good score that makes it one of the hardest substances on earth, and very suitable for everyday wear as an engagement ring," Brilliant Earth reported.
Beyond the exceptional qualities of moissanite, one of the cons is that some jewelers may not work on the ring if it needs repairs. Since moissanite is not an actual diamond, some diamond experts may not be able to fix cracks or damage that the ring withstands.
Brilliance is another appealing quality of moissanite stones. Although these stones are different from diamonds, they are still full of shine and radiance. There are more intricate patterns in the stone that allow them to have more rainbow-like colors.
What to Look for in a Moissanite Engagement Ring
Considering a moissanite engagement ring? Here are a few questions and answers you should know before you look for the perfect stone.
- How can I tell if the ring is high quality? “There are different grades of moissanite on the market and some are better than others,” says O'Connell. “For the best quality, you want to purchase a colorless stone. You should also look for flawless or very slightly included moissanite gems to get the most fire and brilliance.”
- What carats pair best with a moissanite stone? "People should also keep in mind that moissanite weighs less than a diamond,” explains O’Connell, “So carat weight can be confusing to those only familiar with diamond carat weight. Many times, moissanite will be described using “diamond equivalent weight” or DEW, so people understand how it compares.
How to Care for Your Moissanite Ring
Like any other stone, maintenance is key. Take your ring to a professional at least once a year—this will help keep your ring looking its best. The expert will deep clean the ring, remove any buildup for the stone, and underneath the setting. You can also upkeep the ring on your own at home with a gentle cleanser.
To keep the ring looking radiant, try not to play with the stone. It's natural to want to admire your ring, but lessening how much you touch the ring will also assist in keeping the ring buildup free.
Insuring your ring is also another component when caring for your engagement ring. In case anything happened to the ring, it's best to have some protection. Insurance will cover damages and, in the worst-case scenario, theft. It's best to have a plan so that your ring will always be taken care of, no matter the circumstances.
“Moissanite is a great alternative to diamonds for several reasons,” says Don O’Connell, the CEO and President of Charles & Colvard. “With moissanite, you don’t have to sacrifice color, clarity, or size of the gemstone due to an astronomical price tag. Since it’s lab-grown, the quality is fantastic and you can feel good about wearing a socially responsible gem.”
Sold on this beautiful stone? Keeping scrolling to see moissanite engagement rings you'll love.
Gemma & Co. The Princess Solitaire
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Courtesy of Gemma & Co.
A simple design does not diminish the shine of this moissanite ring. The princess solitaire setting holds the stone in place with four prongs, creating a delicate and dainty shape. Although the ring is simple, its durability is unmatched.
Price at time of publish: $500
Olive Ave Nora Ring
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Courtesy of Olive Ave
Thanks to the brilliance in the moissanite stone, the ring has intensely pigmented sparkle. The two accent stones perfectly complement the centerpiece moissanite gem.
Price at time of publish: $1,600
Olive Ave Kensington Ring
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Courtesy of Olive Ave
The intricate detailing in an engagement ring gives it character and elegance. This uniquely crafted ring has a moissanite stone that is highlighted by round marquise diamonds for additional radiance.
Price at time of publish: $2,010
Kobelli 3-Stone Round Moissanite in Gold
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Courtesy of Kobelli
What's better than one stone? Three! This engagement ring has three moissanite stones as the focal point of the design, paired with a thick and simple band.
Price at time of publish: $2,100
Allurez Moissanite Engagement Ring with Side Stone Accents
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Courtesy of Allurez
Shared prong moissanite stones work up the band of this ring to showcase the moissanite center stone. The surrounding rows of stones add detailing to the minimalistic ring.
Price at time of publish: $2,163
Charles and Colvard Forever One Marquise Moissanite Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Charles & Colvard
This art deco-inspired ring is perfect for the vintage-loving bride. Moissanite holds incredible shine, and with this distinguished vintage setting, the radiance is elevated. The stone sits between two flank baguette stones.
Price at time of publish: $1,829
Bario Neal Custom Moissanite Linear Cluster Ring
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Courtesy of Bario Neal
This custom ring has a cluster of moissanite stones that add dimension and uniqueness simultaneously. Mixed with princess and baguette-cut moissanite stones, the ring is a statement maker without too many distracting elements.
Price at time of publish: $5,000
Fire and Brilliance Vega Asscher Moissanite Full Bezel Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Fire & Brilliance
This particular style won't be for everybody, but its brilliance will win over anyone admiring it. The ring has a bold stone in the center of the simple band. The ring is customizable and made-to-order so that you can add personal touches.
Price at time of publish: $1,275
Brilliant Earth 18K White Gold Moissanite Reverie Ring
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Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
The Reverie Ring is a perfectly classic ring for the timeless bride. The stone sits on top of two ribbon-like bands, while the claw prongs hold the moissanite in place.
Price at time of publish: $2,480
Moissanite Rings Pear Moissanite Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Moissanite Rings
This engagement ring combines a classic pear shape with moissanite with a chevron band. The best feature of the ring? You can wear it two ways. The first way is to have the stone on top of the chevron setting. The second is reversing the ring, to have the chevron band as a halo on top of the pear-shaped stone.
Price at time of publish: $1,750
Gemma & Co. The Emerald Hidden Halo Pavé
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Courtesy of Gemma & Co.
An emerald-cut moissanite stone is chic and modern. This ring encompasses the stone in a halo setting, and is held in place by four hidden prongs. Pavé moissanites wrap around the band and add a scallop detail.
Price at time of publish: $1,250
Flawless Moissanite Oval Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Flawless Moissanite
If you like a simplistic look for an engagement ring, then opt for this oval shape, yellow gold option. The band is simple so that the stone can take all of the attention. The moissanite shines from every angle on the ring.
Price at time of publish: $1,700
Brilliant Earth Moissanite Secret Halo Lab Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
Halo diamonds wrap around the center stone of this ring to add extra flair. The halo of diamonds sits underneath the stone and elevated it on top of the band. Other than the simple positioning of the stones, this ring is primarily minimalist, but don't underestimate its shine potential—it's full of sparkle.
Price at time of publish: $1,875
Brilliant Earth Moissanite Valentina Lab Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
The moissanite stone is stunning on this ring, but the hand crafted engraving is what will captivate you. The band has a vintage-inspired engraving that decorates the ring and plays nicely with modern stones.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Diamondere Jessica Ring
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Courtesy of Diamondere
Held by a split-shank band, this princess-cut moissanite ring holds many surprise elements. The stone sits regally on the band, while smaller stones line the underneath of the band. There is one stone the sits at the center underneath the shaft for a final touch.
Price at time of publish: $1,494
Kobelli Yellow Gold Antique Moissanite Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Kobelli
This antique-inspired ring has a moissanite stone cushioned by other smaller moissanites. The gold metal looks radiant next to the rays of sparkle that the moissanite reflects.
Price at time of publish: $830
Icing On The Ring Grey Moissanite Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Icing On The Ring
Moissanite stones don't have to be clear. Choose a colored stone to add uniqueness to the engagement ring. This grey moissanite ring stands out against the traditional rose gold band. Diamonds line the band for extra shine.
Price at time of publish: $1,850
Meet the Expert
Don O’Connell is the CEO and President of Charles & Colvard, the original creator of moissanite.