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Moissanite Rings: Read Before You Buy!

Thinking about buying a Moissanite ring and want to know what you should look for? You’re in good company. Many couples today choose Moissanite engagement rings or moissanite wedding bands due to their beauty, affordability, and sustainability. But, there are a few catches to getting it right. Read on to learn what to make sure you ask for in your Moissanite engagement ring!

 

Is a Moissanite a real diamond?

No, Moissanite is its own gemstone. This means that Moissanite sparkles differently, has a different hardness, and a different chemical makeup than Diamond. Practically, Moissanite has much more colored sparkle (“fire”) than a Diamond, it is a 9.25 on the hardness scale (Diamond is a 10), and Moissanite is carbon silicate (whereas Diamond is pure carbon). This means your Moissanite will repel dirt and oil better than a diamond!

In addition, Moissanite is a man-made gemstone, meaning it can be cut in any size or shape you want! Natural diamonds are limited to the size and shape the Earth grows them. So, choosing a Moissanite for your engagement ring center stone gives you a ton of flexibility. It is also super sustainable – no mining is needed when you choose Moissanite!

 

Are there different grades of Moissanite rings?

Yes. There are three basic grades of Moissanite. When Moissanite first came out, technology had only advanced so far as to make yellowish-green stones. We call this “classic” Moissanite, and it is still on the market (look out!). Because what people really wanted was a good diamond alternative, gem scientists continued to experiment. Today, Charles and Colvard offers colorless and near-colorless Moissanite. Colorless Moissanite looks like an E color diamond, whereas near-colorless Moissanite looks more like an H colored diamond. These newer stones are gorgeous Moissanite engagement ring options.

three round moissanite stones

Left: Classic Moissanite | Middle: Forever One Near Colorless Moissanite | Right: Forever One Colorless Moissanite

What should I know when buying a Moissanite ring?

Does Moissanite have resale value?

Yes! High end Forever One Moissanite rings have a healthy resale market. “We have seen a significant increase in both the amount of listings of moissanite rings as well as the amount of sales.” says Mara Opperman of IDoNowIDont.com, the engagement ring resale marketplace. So, while there is a persistent rumor circulating the web, the results speak for themselves. People who love moissanite love it brand new, and on the secondary market! So, you don’t need to worry.

 

Will you regret Moissanite?

Not if you love Moissanite for what it is, instead of what it isn’t. We have thousands of happy Moissanite customers! Couples who choose Moissanite because they like the super-firey look of it, or who love that it is super sustainable, will love their Moissanite forever. On the other hand, those who purchase Moissanite for the sole intent of trying to “pass it off” as a Diamond may wish they had that Diamond in the long run.

 

Will Moissanite last forever?

Yes it will. Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that is very hard – a 9.25 on the hardness scale! So, just like a Diamond is forever, so too, is Moissanite. “Moissanite has become a popular choice for engagement rings. Moissanite, like diamond, is a very durable stone.” notes Opperman, citing IDoNowIDont’s increasing amount of estate and recycled Moissanite.

Moissanite engagement ring and wedding band in rose gold

Is Moissanite ethical?

Yes! Moissanite is among the most ethical, sustainable engagement ring choices out there. This is because Moissanite is a man made stone. So, no mining is needed to give you a perfectly brilliant Moissanite.

Is your whole Moissanite ring sustainable?

One thing I think many people do not consider when purchasing their Moissanite engagement ring is, what about the side stones? If you choose a Moissanite center stone for sustainability purposes – did you also make sure your ring’s side stones were lab made or Moissanite too? What about the metal – is it recycled? And what about your moissanite wedding band? If you want to make sure your ring is super sustainable – make sure that the whole ring, and not just the Moissanite, is sustainably sourced.

Bonus! Choosing Lab Diamond side stones is the best way to get max sparkle!

 

Can I pass off my Moissanite ring as a diamond?

We personally don’t suggest trying to pass it off as a diamond because although they look very similar, there are visual differences that can be seen with the naked eye. Plus, we think Moissanite has its own bragging rights! There’s no shame in letting someone know you chose a super-sustainable gem that’s more brilliant than Diamond!

That said, colorless and near-colorless Moissanite do look similar to Diamond. And, Moissanite is also the only gemstone (other than Diamond) that “passes” as a Diamond on a standard handheld diamond point tester. But remember: Moissanite’s extreme fire (its dispersion is twice that of Diamond!) gives it away in most brilliant-cut stones.

Pro tip: Emerald and Asscher cut Moissanite “pass” much more easily, as these shapes glimmer instead of sparkle. So, that telltale fire isn’t as noticeable.

comparison of moissanite emerald and diamond emerald engagement rings in yellow gold

Left: 8x6mm Emerald Moissanite | Right: 9.5x7mm Emerald Diamond

How can you tell a diamond from a Moissanite ring?

Moissanite has telltale fire as well as facet doubling from a side view. So, when trying to tell if someone has a Moissanite ring or a diamond ring, move the ring around and watch its sparkle carefully. Does it have an equal amount of white and colored light? Or, does it have a ton of sparkly colored light? Stones with extreme fire may be a Moissanite. Another way to tell is by looking through the stone’s side facets down to the culet (the bottom point). If the culet appears doubled, you do not have a diamond.

 

Why is some Moissanite less expensive than other Moissanite?

Searching around for the right Moissanite ring center stone can be a bit confusing because of the extreme difference in price. However, this difference is easily explainable. Classic Moissanite (the yellowish-green one) is much less expensive than colorless and near-colorless Moissanite. Simply, it’s just not as pretty! Also, lesser quality Moissanite isn’t cut very well. I’ve even seen low-end Moissanite be cut the wrong direction, so all its facets look doubled head on! Yikes! So, when looking for your Moissanite engagement ring’s center stone, make sure you select a high quality, colorless gem like Forever One.

comparison of doubling in moissanite stone

Left: Example of doubling on table of Moissanite | Right: Example of doubling on side of Moissanite

How much is a Moissanite engagement ring?

The cost of your Moissanite ring is the cost of the Moissanite center stone plus your ring setting. Do Amore recommends man made diamonds (also called lab created) for accent stones. However, we can custom create your moissanite engagement ring or moissanite wedding band with accent moissanite, too! So, if you want a fully sustainable Moissanite ring, simply write us a note that you want Moissanite accent stones when you place your order!

Carat SizeGIA Certified Diamond (Round, I-color, VS2)Classic MoissaniteForever One Moissanite
.5$1,300+$89$269
1.0$5,000+$269$599
1.5$13,000+$449$1,049

 

How can I buy a Moissanite ring?

Right here! Start by choosing a setting, or, start by choosing your gorgeous Moissanite center stone.

Once you’ve selected your ring or Moissanite, simply select “pair with” and then select what’s missing. Do Amore offers a selection of truly beautiful rings made with conflict-free diamonds (or Moissanite!) side stones, along with recycled metals. If you’re looking for a moissanite wedding band, we can make you one! And, every ring purchased from Do Amore helps build a well for an international community in need.

vintage halo engagement ring in rose gold with moissanite

Victoria with a 7.5mm Hearts & Arrows Moissanite

Can you help me design my Moissanite ring?

We’d love to! Send us a note here, or email us at care@doamore.com. We have been working with Moissanite for a long time and love it. We’ll help you select a beautiful center stone for your perfect Moissanite engagement ring!

The Best Diamond Alternatives in 2020

Looking for a sustainable diamond alternative for your engagement ring? You’re in good company. Many couples today are looking for something other than diamond to signify their bond. As a result, there’s a bunch of diamond alternatives to consider! Whether you want to ensure your gem is conflict-free, you want to spend less, or you just want to buck the norms, we’re here for ya. Read on to see what the newest and best diamond alternatives are in 2020!

 

What is a “Diamond Alternative”?

Well, it can mean different things to different people. In this post, we’re going to review white-colored gemstones that couples are using instead of natural mined diamonds. We think this will help couples that want a colorless look, without the mined diamond price. We have lots of couples that love this option! However, if you’re looking for something more colorful in your diamond alternative, there are also plenty of gemstone engagement ring options we love, too!

moissanite diamond alternative engagement rings

Left: Victoria with 7mm Cushion Moissanite | Middle: Mae with 8x6mm Oval Moissanite | Right: Elle with 9x6mm Pear Moissanite

The Best Colorless Diamond Alternatives of 2020:

All-Over Best: Lab Diamonds

Lab Created Diamonds are the newest (and best) alternative to a natural, mined diamond. And they’re gorgeous. This is because Lab Diamonds are actually the same mineral as natural mined diamonds. The only difference is that they were born in a lab instead of the ground.

So why is it the best “diamond alternative”? Looks, hardness, and price. Lab Created Diamonds have the exact same chemical makeup as mined diamonds (not true for any other diamond alternative). Both lab diamonds and mined diamonds are pure carbon, they sparkle exactly the same, and they have the same 10/10 hardness. The only way you can tell a Lab Grown Diamond from a mined Diamond is to have it gemologically tested! I mean, I’m not sure it gets any better than this, guys. You get a real diamond for 30-50% of the price of a natural, mined stone of the same quality.

Scientific Breakthrough: Lab Diamonds

Gone are the days that “synthetic diamonds” were off-color or highly included. New scientific breakthroughs have been made and Lab Diamonds are now white, eye clean, and indistinguishable from mined stones! Check out Do Amore’s extensive selection of ethical Lab Diamonds here.

Bottom line: Lab Diamonds

Man-Made Diamonds get you the exact look you want, and the price you would prefer to pay. They are the ultimate mined diamond alternative.

two tone engagement ring with lab diamond

Two-tone Luna Engagement Ring with 2.2ct Lab-Created Diamond

Most Sparkly Diamond Alternative: Moissanite

For those looking for an even more blingy diamond alternative, Moissanite is a great pick. Because of its extreme “dispersion,” Moissanite sparkles even more than a diamond. And, it’s also incredibly hard at 9.25/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that it will stand up to daily wear very well (only surpassed by diamond)! Finally, Moissanite is only a fraction of the price of Lab Diamonds, making it very affordable.

Scientific Breakthrough: Moissanite

For those who may have had yellow-tint complaints about Moissanite in previous years, listen up! New advancements have been made, and gem scientists have created completely colorless Moissanite! I know! I was as shocked as you. Forever One Moissanite is as colorless as an E color diamond – and quite stunning – check out Do Amore’s wide range of it here.

Bottom line: Moissanite

Moissanite is a great diamond alternative. Those choosing Moissanite should expect sparkle that looks like fireworks (way more than diamond).

engagement ring set with diamond alternative oval moissanite

Diana Engagement Ring Set with an 8x6mm Oval Moissanite

Best Natural Alternative: White Sapphire

For those of you looking for a natural diamond alternative, White Sapphire is a great pick. This is because White Sapphire is natural, durable, beautiful, and super affordable! Sapphire is a 9/10 on the hardness scale. In other words, a White Sapphire will stand the test of time (and your daily life). It also comes in a range of shapes and sizes – and some can be pretty huge!

Bragging Rights: White Sapphire

One unique thing about White Sapphire is that, in addition to being natural, it is often not treated at all. What I mean by “treated” is that most Sapphire out there is heated before being cut, in order to improve its color and clarity. So, for those out there who are natural gem snobs (I can appreciate that), White Sapphire’s lack of heat treatment offers some serious bragging rights. And, who doesn’t want bragging rights in their engagement ring?!

Bottom line: White Sapphire

White Sapphire is the clear winner in terms of a natural diamond alternative. Those choosing White Sapphire should expect white sparkle only as compared with the white and colored sparkle diamond offers. Check out Do Amore’s White Sapphire collection here.

engagement ring with claw prongs and oval white sapphire center stone

Custom Engagement Ring with 8x6mm Oval White Sapphire

Inexpensive Alternative: White Topaz

I would be remiss if I left out White Topaz! For those looking for serious value, White Topaz is the way to go. That is because Topaz is natural, durable, and incredibly inexpensive. With its cool grey-white sparkle, White Topaz offers a refined, elegant look. It also comes in some seriously big sizes, for those looking for a huge impact. White Topaz’s 8/10 hardness on the Mohs Hardness Scale additionally means that it avoids scratching pretty well. Couples choosing White Topaz should make sure to pick a protective setting, like a bezel, 6-prong, or halo to ensure it stays beautiful forever.

WHOA Value!: White Topaz

Adding a top AAA-quality one carat White Topaz to any of Do Amore’s ethical engagement ring settings will set you back less than $200! While White Topaz is not listed on Do Amore’s website, we have access to some of the most beautifully faceted top AAA-quality White Topaz in the world. If you want one, email us here. We’ll look through at least ten White Topaz of your chosen shape and size and choose the most beautiful for your ethical engagement ring.

Bottom line: White Topaz

Want a huge look for little money? White Topaz is the diamond alternative for you. However, make sure to set it in a protective setting. Those choosing White Topaz should expect grey-white sparkle, as compared with diamond’s white and colored sparkle.

halo engagement ring with cushion white topaz

Diamond Alternative Comparison Chart

Here’s a handy comparison chart. Don’t know which one to choose? That’s alright. Email us here and we’ll help!

LookHardnessPrice (1 carat Round)
Lab Diamond100% Diamond!10/10$2,400 – $3,500
MoissaniteMore Sparkly Than Diamond9.25/10$599
White SapphireAll White Sparkle9/10$980
White TopazWhite & Gray Sparkle8/10<$200

Can You Help Me Design the Best Diamond Alternative Engagement Ring?

Sure! The best way for me to help you get exactly what you want is for you to tell me what your priorities are. Why do you want a diamond alternative? Is it for sustainability reasons? Cost? Look? Send us a note here, or email me here (my name is Corinne) and tell me the story of your love! I will help you pick the perfect diamond alternative for your ring!

Cheap Engagement Rings | How to Buy Cheap & Affordable Engagement Rings

Cheap Engagement Rings Tip #1: Stay away from Platinum

Platinum has some benefits, but a platinum ring will cost substantially more than a 14k gold ring. Although both metals are priced similarly per gram, a gram of platinum takes up less volume than a gram of gold, so more of it is needed. I also recommend staying away from 18k gold because not only is it more expensive than 14k gold, it is also softer and can be scratched more easily. 14k white gold or palladium are the better options when looking for affordable engagement rings! Read more about Gold vs Platinum.

PICK YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING>

Cheap Engagement Rings Tip #2: Consider Moissanite or Sapphire

Although I go over tips on selecting an affordable diamond below, they are still one of the most expensive options for a center stone. If you are on a budget, other options  can make a ring more affordable, yet just as beautiful. Two of these options are moissanite and sapphire.

Moissanite

Moissanite was originally discovered in a meteor, and is an extremely rare mineral. That’s why moissanite, as we know it in jewelry, is exclusively lab created. The main advantage of moissanite is that it is very similar in look to a diamond (some actually prefer the look over diamonds), but costs a lot less. The below table compares the stones in pricing:

Diamond Carat WeightGIA Certified Round Diamond (I-color, VS2)MoissaniteForever-Brilliant Moissanite
0.5$1,000+$90$180
1.0$4,000+$270$400
1.5$10,000+$450$700

Our post on Diamonds vs Moissanite compares the two stones in more depth, and also discusses Forever Brilliant Moissanite. All of these engagement rings are available with moissanite center stones.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a natural, precious stone and is one of the most sought after centerstones. Typically thought of as blue, sapphires are actually available in all the colors of the rainbow. Even excellent quality sapphires (AAA rating) can offer substantial savings over a diamond.

Diamond Carat WeightGIA Certified Round Diamond (I-color, VS2)Round Blue Sapphire (Natural, AAA)Round Pink Sapphire (Natural, AAA)
0.5$1,000+$840$780
1.0$4,000+$2,000$1,800
1.5$10,000+$3,300$2,700

As you can see, natural sapphires can offer significant savings over a diamond. Other gemstones, such aquamarine and rubies, are even less costly than sapphires. All of these engagement rings are available with any gemstone, including sapphire, aquamarine, and topaz.

Cheap Engagement Rings Tip #3: Don’t Pick the Best Color and Clarity

When looking for affordable engagement rings, a large part of the savings will come when choosing the center stone. If you elect for a diamond, then there are several criteria you should consider when using our diamond search tool:

Diamond Color

A GIA-certified diamond will have a color rating that typically ranges from D (colorless) to K (faint yellow). If you are on a budget, it would be wise to stay out of the colorless range (D-F). The price difference between a colorless diamond and a near colorless diamond can be substantial. If you want a diamond that appears colorless, then I would recommend a G color diamond, but if you are okay with a diamond that has a very slight tinge of yellow, then I recommend an I color diamond.

Diamond Color Scale for Cheap Engagement Rings
Diamonds tend to decrease in price as you go from the left to the right (colorless to faint). When looking for affordable engagement rings, stay out of the colorless range.

Diamond Clarity

A GIA-certified diamond will have a clarity rating that ranges from F (flawless) to I (included). Clarity refers to how many imperfections a diamond has, and a flawless diamond means there are no imperfections. A diamond with a VS2 clarity rating has very few imperfections, but they can’t be seen with the naked eye. SI1 rated diamonds’ imperfections can technically be seen with the naked eye, but most everyday people wouldn’t be able to find them. For people on a budget, I recommend purchasing a diamond starting in the SI1 or SI2 range. If you are okay with some minor imperfections that can be seen with the naked eye upon close examination, then an I1 could be a great possibility as well.

Diamond Clarity Scale when considering budget for engagement rings
People on a budget should consider a slightly included diamond (SI1 or SI2), or even a higher-rated included diamond (I1).

Diamond Cut

GIA-certified round diamonds have cut ratings that range from poor to excellent. A diamond’s cut is what gives a diamond its brilliance, or sparkle. Because most yearn for a diamond with sparkle, this is one of the most important criteria when considering a diamond. A poorly cut diamond does not optimally reflect light, and will therefore appear more dull and less brilliant than a well cut diamond. It is wise to pick the best cut diamond you can find within your budget, and when looking for affordable engagement rings, it is usually worth sacrificing a color or clarity rating if it gets you a better cut. Because cut is slightly complicated, please feel free to contact us when picking a diamond and we would be more than happy to advise you.

Summary

An engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be affordable. We love to help customers who are looking for affordable engagement rings because many times the options are even more beautiful and unique than a pricier ring. If you have questions when looking for affordable engagement rings, please contact us and we will give you the best advice we can on making one of your most special purchases ever, an economical one! Feel free to ask for me (Krish) personally, because customers’ on a budget are one of my favorite customers to work with!

CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE WITH FINDING SOMETHING IN YOUR BUDGET>