Moissanite Engagement Rings: The Complete Buyer's Guide

What is a Moissanite Engagement Ring?

Moissanite is a lab-grown colorless gemstone, known for its unmatched brilliance and fire. Partnered with its hardness only second to a diamond’s, it has become one of the most sought-after centerstone choices for engagement rings. At LUCCE, we handpick the world’s finest moissanite for your forever piece through LUCCE CELESTE™.

Moissanite vs Diamond: What's the Difference?

Composition and Origin

Moissanite was discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893 by the scientist Henri Moissan. It is made of Silicon Carbide, and due to its celestial origin, it can only be recreated through expert laboratories, marking its rarity.

Meanwhile, diamonds, the hardest mineral on Earth, have a centuries-old legacy of adorning engagement rings. Scientifically, they are composed of Carbon and mined in Canada, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, among other locations. In recent years, lab-grown diamonds were developed, creating a responsibly sourced option for this beloved gem.

Brilliance and Sparkle

When it comes to the ability to reflect light beautifully, premium moissanite has better brilliance, fire, and luster versus a diamond. Brilliance is measured through the refractive index—the ability to reflect white light—where moissanite scores a 2.65 compared to a diamond’s 2.42. Light dispersion measures fire, or the ability to break up light into a spectrum of colors, where moissanite achieved a 0.104 score compared to a diamond’s 0.044. Finally, luster is measured by shine, and moissanite’s 20.4% rating is higher than a diamond’s 17.2%.

While the numbers are distinct, it still matters to compare how moissanite vs diamond gemstones sparkle in person. At LUCCE, we have assisted couples who prefer a diamond’s muted sparkle, as well as some who adore the colorful flashes that premium moissanite radiates.

Hardness

Moissanite is a good center stone choice for an engagement ring due to its hardness and durability. It is rated a 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, only second to a diamond’s perfect 10. These ratings only prove that premium moissanite and finest diamonds are worthy of your engagement ring; Your Forever Piece™.

Cost

Since moissanite is created in laboratories, it is available at a lower cost compared to natural and lab-grown diamonds of comparable size and quality. Nonetheless, it still takes time and expert skill to grow high-quality moissanite for engagement rings. These premium gemstones are handpicked for LUCCE CELESTE™ moissanite for your preferred meaningful engagement ring design.

On the other hand, premium-quality natural diamonds mined from the ground fetch a higher price due to their rarity. Another factor is the amount of work involved in mining, processing, and grading these gemstones. Ethical sourcing adds another layer of outlay to ensure that your natural diamond is acquired through kind and honest processes. These responsibly sourced natural diamonds eventually get handpicked as LUCCE LUMIÉRE™ Natural Diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds, however, bypass these processes entirely. Like moissanite, these diamonds are available at a lower cost compared to their natural counterparts. Still, time and expert skill are needed to produce them in premium quality for engagement rings. These gemstones are handpicked for LUCCE LAVISH™ Lab Diamonds.

Measurement

Diamonds are famously measured by carat weight (e.g., 1.00ct, 2.00ct). This means that while two 1.00ct diamonds weigh the same, they may vary in dimensions. In contrast, moissanite is measured by carat size, since it weighs less than a diamond. This creates a more consistent measurement scale as it is based on the average dimensions of a 1.00ct diamond.

Similarities

While moissanite and diamonds differ in several aspects, both gemstones are durable and appropriate for daily wear. Rare, premium-quality moissanite and diamonds boast a colorless look with exceptional sparkle and shine—both good choices for an engagement ring.

Moissanite vs Diamond Comparison Table

Is Moissanite Durable Enough for Everyday Wear?

Yes, moissanite scores a 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it a durable choice for an engagement ring—your forever piece made to be worn daily as an expression of your love.

The Mohs Hardness Scale measures the hardness of gemstones and minerals. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), “[t]he hardness of a stone indicates the stone’s resistance to scratching or how the surface of the gem will respond to contact with a sharp point. This differs from a gem’s toughness, which is defined by how well a gem can survive an impact or resist breaking, chipping, or cracking.”

“The Mohs scale helps to identify how durable a gem is. The more durable a gem is, the more suitable it is for use in frequently worn jewelry,” says GIA.

How Much Does a Moissanite Engagement Ring Cost?

A 1.00-carat LUCCE CELESTE™ Moissanite engagement ring costs ₱61,000 to ₱89,000 with these color, clarity, and cut ratings:

• Color: DEF (Colorless)
• Clarity: VS-VVS
• Cut: Excellent

This price range largely depends on the ring setting, where intricate designs like the LUCCE AZALEA™ Luxe require more skill and expertise compared to simpler designs like the LUCCE LUCIA™. Other factors that affect the cost of a moissanite engagement include ring size and metal choice (e.g., platinum, 18k gold, or 14k gold).

The cost of moissanite vs diamond engagement rings greatly varies in this regard. A 1.00-carat lab diamond engagement ring of equivalent color, clarity, and cut costs ₱89,000 to ₱150,000. On the other hand, an equivalent natural diamond engagement ring costs ₱375,000 to ₱960,000.

Does Moissanite Look Fake?

Moissanite is a unique gemstone that is not intended to replicate a diamond. It possesses its own brilliance, fire, and luster that stays beautiful over the years.

Is Moissanite Ethical and Sustainable?

Moissanite is responsibly created in laboratories—allowing an ethical alternative to irresponsible mining practices. Since moissanite came from space and doesn’t naturally occur on Earth, this is the only way to produce this one-of-a-kind gemstone. At LUCCE, couples who value ethical sourcing gravitate towards LUCCE CELESTE™ Moissanite engagement rings to express their love story.

How to Choose the Right Moissanite Ring

Finding the right premium moissanite engagement ring starts with your preferred setting. Choose from timeless solitaires, romantic floral designs, and intricate multi-stone settings, all meaningful designs by LUCCE’s Chief Designer, Christine. With countless options, the perfect engagement ring design is the one that resonates best with your love story.

Since the LUCCE CELESTE™ Moissanite line is exclusively handpicked with the finest quality, the next step is to choose your preferred carat size. All 1.00ct to 5.00ct moissanite options possess the following 4C ratings:

• Color: DEF (Colorless)
• Clarity: VS-VVS
• Cut: Excellent

The metal choice comes next, with 95% platinum and 14k and 18k gold options. After choosing your ring size, you may proceed with crafting Your Forever Piece™.

How to Care for Your Moissanite Engagement Ring

As a general rule, your moissanite engagement ring should be the first thing you take off when you get home. Place it in its original box and store it in a cool, dry place. Likewise, put it on last before you leave. This prevents your ring from coming in contact with harmful alcohols, oils, and chemicals that may affect its materials. Additionally, physical activities like working out, cleaning, and sleeping may also damage your moissanite ring.

Using a mix of warm water and mild soap, gently clean your moissanite engagement ring with a soft toothbrush. Weekly cleaning is recommended to keep your forever piece free of dust and dirt from daily wear.

At LUCCE, your forever piece comes with a Lifetime of Service guarantee that includes complimentary cleaning services. You may also bring your moissanite engagement ring to any LUCCE Showroom for polishing, replating, resizing, and repairs for a minimal fee.

Keep in mind that while a moissanite engagement ring is made of precious metal and a durable gemstone, it still requires proper care and regular maintenance to last a lifetime. While moissanite is resistant to scratches, it may still chip or crack when struck. Platinum is dense, but still prone to scratches and shifting. Meanwhile, gold is naturally soft and prone to bending and scratches.

Frequently Asked Questions on Moissanite Engagement Rings

1. Is moissanite as durable as a diamond?

Technically, no. Diamonds are rated a perfect 10 in the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them the hardest gemstone in the world. Moissanite scored a 9.25 on the same scale as the second-hardest gemstone. While it is not as hard as a diamond, a high rating makes it almost as durable as a diamond when used in an engagement ring.

2. Does moissanite look fake next to a diamond?

Moissanite reflects more color and sparkles brighter versus a diamond’s white flashes and muted sparkle. It doesn’t look fake because it does not replicate a diamond. They are two distinct materials with different light-reflecting properties, and choosing between the two gemstones is a matter of personal preference.

3. How much does a moissanite engagement ring cost compared to a diamond engagement ring?

A 1.00-carat LUCCE CELESTE™ Moissanite engagement ring costs ₱61,000 to ₱89,000. Meanwhile, an equivalent LUCCE LAVISH™ Lab Diamond engagement ring costs ₱89,000 to ₱150,000, while a LUCCE LUMIÉRE™ Responsibly Sourced Natural Diamond engagement ring costs ₱375,000 to ₱960,000. All these showcase the same 1.00 carat, DEF color, VS-VVS clarity, and Excellent cut.

4. Can a moissanite ring be resized like a diamond ring?

Yes, expert jewelers can resize moissanite engagement rings just as diamond engagement rings. Whether set in platinum or gold, LUCCE’s Lifetime of Service guarantees resizing for your forever piece within expertly set resizing limits through your years of use.

Keep in mind that some intricate designs cannot be resized regardless of the center stone. Consult your Client Advisor about LUCCE’s resizing limits for better guidance. 

5. Is moissanite a good choice for an engagement ring?

Moissanite is a good center stone choice for an engagement ring for couples who value cost, ethical sourcing, and maximum color and brilliance.

6. How do I clean and maintain a moissanite ring?

Take off your moissanite engagement ring during physical activities or potential exposure to chemicals such as alcohols, chlorine, and cleaners. When not in use, properly place your jewelry piece in its original packaging and store it in a cool, dry place. To keep its brilliance and luster, clean your ring with warm water, mild soap, and gentle brushing.

While your piece is masterfully crafted, precious materials such as diamonds, gemstones, platinum, and gold still require proper care and maintenance. All LUCCE forever pieces come with complimentary cleaning services and a Lifetime of Service guarantee.

Conclusion

Moissanite is a good center stone choice for an engagement ring for couples who value cost, ethical sourcing, and maximum color and brilliance. The way it reflects light is perfect for the one who brings color into your life. It is responsibly sourced with the Earth in mind, and is a durable choice that will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

Discover LUCCE CELESTE™ Moissanite engagement rings for Your Forever Piece™.

About the Author

Dani is a lover of beautiful and intentional design, ranging from spaces and experiences to writing instruments and fine jewelry. She has spent most of her time at LUCCE learning from its Chief Designer and narrating the intricacies of diamonds, metals, and their fusion—the world’s most beautiful jewelry pieces, designed to be an expression of love as Your Forever Piece™.