Moissanite Engagement Rings - Brilliant Diamond Alternative Saves Money

Would you like to have a brilliant gem that is one of the rarest jewels in the world? Nearly indistinguishable from diamonds to the casual observer, Moissanite is a rare mineral that has the same or more brilliance and fire as a diamond.

What is it?

This lab-created mineral is almost as hard as a diamond, looks like diamond, but costs just a fraction of the price.

Relatively new on the jewelry scene, Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize winning scientist Dr. Henri Moissan while he was studying meteorite fragments. The naturally occurring meteorite crystals are too miniscule for use in jewelry, but a lab process was created to grow large, single crystals and the crystals became a practical choice for engagement rings.

Pros and Cons

Some people call Moissanite a fake diamond, but it's a genuine gemstone that should be valued for its unique properties. In fact, its hexagonal crystal structure is nearly twice as refractive as a diamond's isometric one. This gives it up to twice the brilliance and fire of a diamond, depending on the shape and cut of the stone.

It is nearly as hard as diamond and can be fashioned into a wide variety of shapes and settings. Unlike diamonds, it is rarely colorless, and may show faint green, gray, or yellow tints, especially in larger stones. Check it under different types of light to see how the color changes.

An affordable alternative

This gem can be less expensive than diamonds, but this depends on the quality of each type of stone. A poor-quality diamond may be less expensive than an exceptional Moissanite stone. As with any gemstone, examine the carat weight, color, purity, clarity and cut to insure you select a quality piece.

Moissanite is a rare and beautiful gem that has the distinction of originating in the stars. Not all jewelers carry it, but it is gradually becoming more popular, and may be a more affordable alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring. You can find it in many jewelry stores, and online. Its stunning beauty makes it an intriguing choice for an engagement ring or wedding ring.

There are many different aspects to buying an engagement ring, and it's important to research all the options before you spend your money. Take the time to find out how to choose the gem and the setting, before you spend your hard-earned money on that special engagement ring.

Find out everything you need to know about buying an engagement ring at Engagement Ring Today, a popular website that specializes in offering free information on buying diamond, pearl, Moissanite and conflict free diamonds: http://engagementringtoday.com

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