If you’re thinking about choosing moissanite—whether for an engagement ring, a promise ring or a meaningful addition to your jewellery collection—it’s worth taking a moment to reflect. Moissanite offers many advantages, but like any gemstone, it comes with considerations that can help you make an informed decision.
Below are the key questions to ask yourself (and your jeweller) to determine if moissanite suits your preferences, lifestyle and long-term expectations.
1. What Matters Most to You?
For many, the biggest attraction of moissanite is value. You can typically enjoy a noticeably larger stone for the same budget compared with a diamond, or invest more of your budget into a premium setting.
If brilliance is important, moissanite delivers exceptional sparkle—its fire and dispersion often exceed that of diamonds. If you love high-impact shine, this can be a major advantage.
However, if symbolism, rarity or the traditional prestige associated with diamonds is important to you, moissanite may not deliver the same emotional resonance. This is where self-awareness about your priorities truly matters.
2. How Does Moissanite Perform for Everyday Wear?
Moissanite is extremely durable, scoring around 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale—just below diamond. This makes it suitable for daily wear, but the ring’s setting is just as important. A protective bezel or low-profile setting may be ideal for more active lifestyles.
Moissanite is also easy to maintain; regular cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush will help keep its brilliance intact.
3. What Colour and Clarity Do You Prefer?
Because moissanite is lab-grown, its clarity is typically excellent, and most stones are “eye-clean.” Inclusions are minor and rarely visible without magnification.
Colour varies more noticeably. Moissanite is available in colourless, near-colourless and faintly warm tones. Consider pairing:
- Warmer stones with yellow or rose gold for a cohesive look.
- Colourless stones with white gold or platinum to maintain an icy, bright appearance.
4. What Size Fits Your Style and Finger Shape?
Because moissanite is less dense than diamond, a stone with the same millimetre dimensions often has a lower carat weight—yet appears visually larger. This means you get more presence for your budget.
But bigger isn’t always better. A very large stone in a high setting can catch on clothing or feel impractical for everyday wear. Also, moissanite’s intense sparkle means large stones can look very bold—ideal for some wearers but overwhelming for others.
Where possible, view stones in daylight, indoor lighting and artificial lighting to see how the sparkle suits your preferences.
5. What Certification or Documentation Comes With the Stone?
Moissanite is not graded by the same institutions that certify diamonds, so your jeweller’s transparency matters. Ask for:
- A specification sheet listing cut, colour grade, clarity, carat equivalent and origin.
- Any included laboratory reports.
- Details about warranties, resizing options and return policies.
A reputable seller protects you from misrepresentation, such as stones being incorrectly sold as moissanite when they may be cubic zirconia or another simulant.
6. Will the Ring’s Design Suit Your Everyday Activities?
Think about how you use your hands. If you have a hands-on job or an active lifestyle, a lower or bezel-style setting can reduce the risk of knocking or catching the stone.
Also consider how the engagement ring will pair with a wedding band—will they sit flush? Will the shape or setting style create a comfortable stack?
If design flexibility matters, many moissanite specialists offer full customisation to help you create a piece that suits both style and practicality.
7. Is Resale Value Important to You?
Moissanite is ethical, affordable and visually striking, but its resale value is significantly lower than that of diamonds. If long-term investment or resale is a key priority, this is worth noting.
If your focus is on beauty, sustainability, value and durability, moissanite stands out as a wonderful choice.
Summary
Moissanite is an excellent diamond alternative for many people—offering exceptional sparkle, durability and affordability. If your priorities lean toward ethics, value and visual impact, it may be the perfect fit.
At Vinny & Charles, we offer a wide selection of moissanite rings, and we can work closely with you to design a custom piece if you have something special in mind. Explore our range or get in touch to start your journey.
