Moissanite has become popular in recent years, making it one of the most popular gems for engagement rings. Though less expensive than diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite is more fragile and can be damaged easily.
So when you buy a moissanite solitaire ring, it is important to consider the qualities that make it desirable. Color and clarity are important factors in deciding between sizes and shapes of moissanite. Below are some things you should consider before buying moissanite.
GIA grading reports
The grading report is an important part of your research. GIA, which stands for Gemological Institute of America, has been grading diamonds since 1916 and has become one of the most trusted diamond labs in the world. Their reports can be purchased at no cost if you buy a high-end engagement ring or wedding ring with a certified gemstone certificate.
Setting style
The setting style will determine the security of your moissanite solitaire ring. The setting can affect the appearance of the stone, making it look bigger or smaller depending on the type of metal used.
Setting can also affect how sparkly moissanite is—you can have your moissanite set in platinum (the most expensive metal) or rose gold (a less expensive option). The most popular types of settings for moissanite are as follows.
- Prong: This type features four prongs that stick out from the center of your finger and hold onto the stone so that it doesn’t fall off during everyday wear-and-tear activities like hand-washing dishes or walking around town.
- Channel Set Crown: This style has two separate bands that wrap around both sides of your finger; this prevents stones from shifting outwards once they’ve been inserted into them!
Color
The color of your ring is the most important factor when choosing moissanite solitaire rings. Moissanite comes in different shades and tints, ranging from near-colorless to near-black. A graded D (colorless) moissanite is pure white without any shade or tint of other colors. It has no hint of yellowish hues or brownish tones that can be found with natural diamonds.
Moissanite size
When shopping for a solitaire ring, look at all of your options and compare them side-by-side so that you can see exactly what’s available. Diamond size is measured in carats, and a solitaire diamond’s size can affect how it looks on your hand. The larger the diamond, the more expensive it is.
Cost
The price of moissanite has been dropping over the years as its popularity grows and consumers become more aware that there are alternatives to “the diamond ring.” the cost of moissanite is still higher than that of diamonds. Still, it’s getting closer to the price of gold. You can get much more bang for your buck with moissanite than with diamonds or platinum.
Cut
The cut of your diamond or moissanite is one of the most important factors in determining its quality. Cut refers to how deeply and smoothly a diamond or moissanite is polished, and an ideal cut for moissanite is similar to that of diamonds.
The ideal cut for moissanite is considered VVS (slightly included) or better—meaning there should be no visible flaws in their surface area. A VS stone will have visible flaws when viewed from below; an SI stone will appear flawless from above but may have noticeable imperfections when viewed from below.
Conclusion
With so many options available, knowing where to start when shopping for a moissanite solitaire ring can take time and effort. Luckily, by following the tips outlined in this article and getting an assessment from a GIA-certified grader, you’ll find the perfect ring!