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9.12.2007
A popular alternative these days to a natural mined diamond for your engagement ring is the Charles and Colvard Moissanite. In this short article, I’ll give you some ideas to help you decide if a Moissanite engagement ring is right for you.
Only one company, Charles and Colvard, makes Moissanite gems. They employ a patented process to create a material that has the characteristics of a natural mined diamond.
Consumers might think that there is a “better” quality of Moissanites. They are not graded like diamonds along the “3 C’s”. The gems are manufactured to even quality control. Like cars, furniture or any other product one is made just like the other.
The Charles and Colvard company had a specific market in mind for Moissanite. The marketing efforts since the gem was introduced have been focused on women as self-purchasers. Earrings, bracelets and right hand rings were advertised to women who wanted to buy a beautiful piece for themselves. But many other jewelry uses soon presented themselves.
The most common reason women choose a Moissanite engagement ring over a mined diamond one is price. Many of our clients are young, new brides getting engaged. The idea of spending thousands of dollars is a huge decision for young couples on a budget. At about the tenth of the price of a mined diamond, price sensitive couples can put together a ring that looks great and fits the budget. With many couples paying for the wedding themselves today, a Moissanite engagement ring will leave money left over for other expenses.
Another factor in choosing a Moissanite engagement ring is the very fact that it is man made here in the USA. Recent political and social concerns surrounding “blood diamonds” has inspired consumers to look for an alternative. I’ve had clients tell me, “I’m not interested in a diamond because of the controversy surrounding diamonds”. This is a real concern for many, as recent press reports have exposed unsavory labor and environmental practices of the diamond trade. Consumers feel more confident spending their money supporting a US, publicly traded company.
Safety, high insurance and peace of mind are all reason women have turned to Moissanite. Clients have ordered a ‘decoy’ or replica Moissanite engagement ring to match their diamond one. One woman said she felt safer traveling abroad with the replica and left her diamond ring at home. Others have replaced a lost center diamond, because they didn’t want the responsibility of wearing an expensive diamond. If you’ve ever dealt with the heartache of loosing a diamond, or the headache of dealing with an insurance company, then Moissanite can be easily justified.
One of the major concerns clients express about putting a Moissanite in engagement ring, is “Will anybody be able to tell that it’s not a real diamond?” The answer is yes and no. If the gem is too big, say a 2.5-carat, the “believability factor” that a young bride would be able to afford such a gem is questionable. If you stay with the round or square shape, in a 1.5-carat size or less, the Moissanite will fly past any skeptical observers.
Moissanite rings come in all varieties. Moissanites can fit into existing ring mountings, because they are made in calibrated (standardized) sizes. Solitaires, wedding sets, and side gems can all be Moissanites. Some clients will pick a diamond mounting and have the center set with a Moissanite. Since the center diamond is the largest part of the price of an engagement ring, choosing a Moissanite is a great way to go for the budget minded buyer.
When considering a Moissanite engagement ring, here are a few pointers-
- All Moissanites are the same quality- the difference between dealers is price, service and ring designs.
- Find an Official Moissanite Dealer, they are the most knowledgeable about the gem.
- Round and square cuts are typically the most brilliant.
- Stick to 1.5-carat sizes or smaller- larger sizes tend to have more teal color and to be much less “believable”.
Buying a Moissanite engagement ring because of cost, conscience, or convenience are all great reasons. A Moissanite will last a lifetime of wear and provide a peace of mind while still looking like a natural diamond.
- Jonathan Mauer
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