Moissanite: Where does this gemstone come from, and why is it becoming a popular replacement for diamonds

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, there’s a new trend emerging across the country that combines beauty, affordability, and sustainability. It’s called Moissanite, and is quickly becoming the top choice for modern couples seeking an ethical and budget-friendly alternative to traditional diamonds.

But what exactly is Moissanite, and why is it gaining popularity? Today, we’re going to take a good look into this gemstone, the growing trend of its rise in popularity, and analyse some reasons behind why it’s capturing the hearts of so many.

To start: What exactly is Moissanite?

For those of you who haven’t come across this gemstone before, or might’ve seen it mentioned somewhere across the web but never really looked into it: Moissanite is a gemstone first discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater in the late 19th century.

Naturally occurring Moissanite is, however, extremely rare, so nowadays scientists have developed methods to create it in laboratories. In 2024, lab-grown Moissanite is widely available across the UK and beyond, and also celebrated for its brilliant sparkle and exceptional durability. Composed of silicon carbide, it has a higher refractive index than diamonds, giving it more fire and brilliance (yep, that’s right - it can shine BRIGHTER than diamonds).

To help visualise what we’re talking about, take a look at these two engagement ring examples just below:

Oval Cut Moissanite Twist Ring

Round Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring, Twisted Band with Hidden Halo

So why has it become so popular?

There are several pretty clear reasons why Moissanite engagement rings are becoming so popular, the main ones of these being:

1. It’s both ethical, AND eco-friendly: One of the main reasons couples choose Moissanite over diamonds is its ethical and eco-friendly nature. Traditional diamond mining can have significant environmental and social impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and human rights abuses. Moissanite, being lab-grown, doesn’t require mining and has a much smaller environmental footprint. This makes it a sustainable choice for those concerned about the ethical implications of their jewellery.

2. When it comes to affordability, Moissanite is a top pick. Moissanite offers incredible value for money. It is significantly less expensive than diamonds, allowing couples to get a larger or higher-quality stone within their budget. This affordability means that more people can afford a beautiful, sparkling engagement ring without compromising on quality or size.

3. It’s very durable - and is made to last. Moissanite is the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below diamonds which score a perfect 10. This high hardness makes Moissanite highly resistant to scratching, ensuring that your jewellery retains its brilliant surface for years to come. Its toughness and ability to resist chipping make it perfect for everyday wear.

Round Cut Moissanite Shoulder Set Ring with Block Halo

Round Cut Moissanite, Full Set 

What other benefits does Moissanite offer couples looking to get engaged?

1. Its sparkle. Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, displaying a rainbow of colours that can outshine other gems. Its high refractive index means that it reflects light beautifully, creating a dazzling display of colours. This unique sparkle often surpasses that of diamonds, making Moissanite an eye-catching choice for engagement rings.

2. Versatility - not to be overlooked. Whatever the setting of the gemstone, Moissanite remains a resilient and long-lasting option. The choice of setting, while important for overall durability, does not affect the inherent strength of the Moissanite gemstone itself. This versatility allows for a wide range of designs and styles, ensuring that you can find the perfect ring to match your personal taste.

3. Ease of care & keeping clean. Maintaining the brilliance and beauty of Moissanite jewellery is straightforward due to its excellent resistance to dirt and oils. Moissanite gems are less likely to attract grease and grime, meaning they stay cleaner longer and require less maintenance compared to other gemstones. A simple cleaning routine using mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep your Moissanite jewellery sparkling like new.

Moissanite vs Diamond - what are the main differences, and are they obvious?

When it comes to the Moissanite vs Diamonds debate, a common question is whether Moissanite can actually pass for a diamond. The short answer is yes! To the untrained eye, Moissanite and diamonds look remarkably similar. Moissanite even has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it exhibits more “fire” or colourful flashes under light.

However, as we mentioned above, the ethical advantage of Moissanite is a major selling point. Diamonds often come with concerns about ethical sourcing and environmental impact. Moissanite, being lab-created, eliminates these issues. It’s 100% traceable and eco-friendly, ensuring your engagement ring is as sustainable as it is beautiful.

To conclude: Should I pick Moissanite?

With all of this taken into account, it’s clear that Moissanite is more than just a diamond alternative; it is a gemstone with its own unique qualities that make it an excellent choice for engagement rings. Its ethical production, affordability, durability, and stunning brilliance are just a few reasons why it is becoming a popular trend in the jewellery market. If you’re looking for a beautiful, responsible, and cost-effective option for your engagement ring, Moissanite.

Flawless Moissanite seems to be the go-to at the minute for Moissanite engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and much more. Having seen quite a few of their pieces, we’re happy to recommend our readers check out their jewellery range if they’re looking for something new.