Moissanite Engagement Rings

We’re long-standing proponents of moissanite here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. Not only is it eco-friendly (it’s not mined liked natural diamonds but created in a laboratory), but its brilliance and luster remain the same.

From our side of the counter, we’ve also seen countless customers who were able to pick out their favorite piece of jewelry because of moissanite’s affordability. But people remain skeptical, thinking moissanite is just a poor man’s diamond simulant. Think again: it is a diamond. It’s simply a lab-produced diamond.

Difference between Moissanite and Diamond

• The properties of Moissanite can be compared with diamond, and it has been found that this wonder material outperforms diamond on nearly all counts.

• If refractive index of diamond is 2.42, Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69.

• Dispersion, also called fire by jewelers, is higher for Moissanite (0.104) than diamond (0.044). Even in luster index, Moissanite (20.4%) is much ahead of diamond (17.2%).

• It is only in hardness that diamond is ahead of Moissanite, but that too is just a little bit.

• Diamond has been given a perfect 10 on Mohs scale, whereas Moissanite’s hardness is rated 9.25.

• When it comes to toughness, Moissanite is labeled as excellent, whereas diamond is given a good on this count.

• Moissanite is also comparable to diamond in specific gravity.

Save 30% Now!! Round Moissanite Oval Cluster Design Necklace – Click on image for more information.

Moissanite Flow Wedding Band – Click on image for more information.

Classic Prong Set Moissanite Tennis Bracelet – Click on image for more information.

Moissanite is our number one diamond alternative here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. And for good reason: We’re seasoned jewelers who understand the difference between a viable and remarkable diamond alternative and one that is simply beneath our standards.

We also understand the global community in which we live: moissanite provides a diamond alternative that is ecologically wise, all the while maintaining its strength and brilliance.

Moissanite stories

Recently we were approached by DiamondRing.com, who asked us for our best moissanite stories. Where to begin? There are hundreds to tell: couples who saved money on their wedding costs while never compromising taste or a dream piece of jewelry created by our custom jewelery designers that just wouldn’t have been possible with naturally mined diamonds.

So what’s your story? We figure it this way: the more positive moissanite stories that are shared, the more people can realize their jewelry dream affordably, without sacrificing quality and contributing to a healthier environment.

Drop by DiamondRing.com if you have a story to tell.

I’m going to go out on a limb here. And I’m sure you’ll send me comments if you disagree. But when it comes to engagement and wedding rings, men don’t care to the same extent that women do. Yes, yes…they care. But they’re a little more flexible. Women often have a very fixed idea of what they want whereas men need a bit more guidance.

It got me thinking of an engaged couple I encountered a few months ago.  They were on a tight budget. She wanted a very specific pear-shaped diamond engagement ring. He wanted…whatever she thought was best. Though he did want a little sparkle. I suggested moissanite for him, diamond for her.

If you’re unfamiliar with moissanite, here’s a good definition:

Moissanite was first identified as a rare natural substance in meteorites. In the late 1800’s, Dr. Henri Moissan discovered the substance associated with a fallen meteor in Arizona. But it is only recently that moissanite was on the market for purchase. Today, moissanite gemstones are synthetically produced for jewelry. Moissanite’s durability and resistance to heat create it straightforward to figure with for jewelers. Many individuals are drawn to the stone’s original “otherworldly” origins, and diamond-like appearance.

Charles & Colvard is the sole manufacturer of moissanite. JC Penney now sells the line, calling it “one among the fastest growing decisions for jewels today.”

Moissanite also come with a lifetime warranty.

In short, it’s an ideal choice for a couple preparing for marriage who are on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality. The durability factor of moissanite is a real plus for the hard-working guy as well.

Source: DatingRomanceRelationships.com

Moissanite is often unfairly compared with cubic zironia. While cubic zirconia still remains the most popular diamond simulant, moissanite, a relative “newbie” to the market, is gaining ground quickly.

Cubic zirconia is a colorless, lab grown diamond simulan while moissanite is more durable and provides more brilliance.

According to The Moissanite Buyers Guide:

Unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite jewels are doubly refractive. This means that light is bent twice as it passes through the moissanite jewel. This double refraction is directly responsible for moissanite’s superior brilliance. You can see this with a 10x loupe. Viewing through the crown or pavilion facets is recommended. Do not look directly through the table of a moissanite stone; the double refraction is less apparent as seen from this angle.

Comparison Chart: Beauty, Durability, Specific Gravity

So if you’re searching for that perfect engagement ring that’s both eco-friendly and still maintains the qualities of a natural diamond, it might be time to give moissanite a try. Because its priced so much better than a mined diamond, you just opened up the possiblities to all sorts of amazing rings, like the one below:

Style 9501M

Tension Set Engagement Ring With Side Diamonds

Tension set ring with .70ct t.w. natural side diamonds (setting only, does not include center stone)

A client came to us with a question:

“My girlfriend works for an ecological organization. During our last few years together, I’ve learned about the hazards of diamond mining. I want to propose to her on the holiday but I need some suggestions as to a diamond alternative.” – Freddie G., Phoenix

Freddie, you asked the right company. Joseph Schubach Jewelers prides itself in it’s eco-friendly options. Top of the list would be moissanite. According to Charles & Colvard:

Moissanite, also known by its chemical name, silicon carbide (SiC), is a naturally occurring mineral found in very limited quantities or as minute particles in the earth. The rarity of natural moissanite crystals large enough for jewelry prohibits their use.

For years, scientists tried to re-create this extraordinarily brilliant material. Only recently, through the power of advanced technology, Charles & Colvard developed a way to produce in a laboratory, large gem-quality crystals which can be faceted into near-colorless jewels with incomparable fire and brilliance.

So these lab-produced gems have the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as their natural counterparts. Often trained gemologists can’t tell the difference. These “synthetics” are distinguished from “simulants,” like glass or cubic zirconium.

As you can see, an option like moissanite is a smart choice for ecologically minded people. It is in fact a diamond, it’s simply produced in a lab.

Tension Set Engagement Ring With A Round Moissanite And Side Diamond

WOW!!!!  Theres not much else to say!

Misty

Moissanite is not the same as a naturally-mined diamond. It is a synthetic, lab-created diamond and not considered a fake. This differentiation is important to remember.

Listen, most of us would love nothing more than to give a big rock to our girl for that on-one-knee proposal. But most of us realize that’s financially difficult if not downright impossible.

So how do you broach the topic of buying a moissanite engagement ring with your wife-to-be?

1. Be honest. Don’t tell her its a natural diamond when it’s not. Trust us on this one – it could get you into some serious hot water later on, if she bothers to do some research.

2. Discuss your finances openly. Many feel that talking about the financial aspects of engagement is somehow…not romantic. Well, it may not be wine and roses, but it’s real. The way you handle finances together helps you understand very important lessons about one another. Your partner will respect that you honor her opinion and that you can discuss matters of import.

3. Visit a jeweler. Remember, a qualified jeweler can do a lot of the hard work for you!  He or she will detail the pros and cons of purchasing quality moissanite. The pros include a gem that is as durable and brilliant as a naturally mined diamond, the reminder that moissanite is in fact a diamond and that moissanite is an ecologically-sound and long-lasting alternative.

4. The rock size just grew! That’s right – all of a sudden a bigger stone is a possibility, which for many women is an exciting proposition. By choosing moissanite, shopping for  engagement ring can include a range of beautiful rings with a real “wow” factor.

5. Offer the option of an upgrade in the future. If you’re planning a surprise engagement, go for it! You can explain to her later that you’ve chosen moissanite for the reasons mentioned and if she’s unhappy with it, you can plan an upgrade when finances allow. Chances are, she’ll grow attached to her ring just the way it is…because it came from you. Really, isn’t that the most important part?

The idea here is to embrace the idea of buying moissanite. There’s no need to hide it, like a secret. In a day when naturally-mined diamonds are becoming a questionable prospect ecologically (mining is continuing to damage the earth and cause political disruption), moissanite is a smart, informed choice you can be proud of.

Style 9937-6.5mm

Contemporary Solitaire Engagement Ring

Contemporary solitaire engagement ring. Fits a 6.5mm round stone. (setting only, does not included center stone)

(Another great testimonial for moissanite)

Hi Beth,
I just wanted to let you know that I got my ring yesterday and i LOVE
it. I was a little bit wary of the green/grey cast that folks say Moissanite
has, but I haven’t seen it in this stone. Even in a dark room it looks so
brilliant! Your service was great and I really could not be happier. If
people understood how beautiful Moissanite was, I think the diamond industry
would be quaking, unfortunately people are too sucked into the marketing of
a diamond. Also, wanted to let you know I’ve sent my best friend CeCe
Hernandez your way so be super nice to her! Again, thank you SO much. Your
customer service was superior to the other sites I visited and I am truly a
satisfied customer.

Thanks,
A

(regarding a custom moissanite engagement ring)

Hi Beth,

I wanted to give you an update.  I got engaged recently and my fiancee
absolutely loves the ring.  There’s just one problem — her co-workers
are a little jealous!  The moissanite is so sparkly and the ring looks
a little too good.

We decided to go to the mall to see what kind of wedding band would
look nice with it.  In the first store we went to, the woman asked if
she could clean the ring.  We said sure and we were both nervous that
somehow the woman would know it wasn’t diamond and would say something
but she didn’t say anything or seem suspicious.  At the next store,
which even used to sell moissanite, the employee was taken aback when
he saw the ring and said “oh, wow!”  He put a normal diamond wedding
band next to it, but it looked dull in comparison so he steered us
toward their most expensive wedding bands.  We took the ring to
Tiffany’s and they asked us if it was a Tiffany Novo ring.  The only
diamond ring we saw that could compare to the moissanite was an actual
Hearts on Fire.  I guess it’s just the way they cut it.  Nobody had
any idea that her ring was anything other than a very high quality
diamond ring.

We’re in the process of choosing a wedding band to go with it and
we’re planning on having either pink moissanite or pink sapphire in
it. . . .

A

We just received an email from our goldsmith of a piece that’s going out today. This ring was made in 14kt rose gold, and our goldsmith thought it was so pretty she sent over a quick picture for us to see.  We have to agree, it’s absolutely gorgeous in rose gold! It’s our style number 10137, which you can see here.

Rose gold versin of style #10137