How To Choose A Moissanite Stone (The 2025 Moissanite Buying Guide)
Choosing an engagement ring stone is a big choice to make. For some people, it’s among the biggest and most exciting choices they will ever make! It is, after all, the perfect way to let your personality shine through and make a lasting statement about your love. But for some, this process can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Between the sheer number of options you have and the endless terminology that gets thrown around, you may be wondering how to choose a moissanite stone for your engagement ring that is right for you.
We are happy to say that the process doesn’t have to be complicated or painful, and with a bit of knowledge and consideration, you can take home a “forever” stone that you will cherish for many years to come.
In this brief guide, we will explain everything you need to know about choosing a moissanite stone and the factors you should consider.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is an incredible gemstone that increasingly rivals other stones, such as diamonds, among modern environmentally and socially conscious individuals. In fact, when Moissanite was initially discovered in a meteorite crater by French scientist Henri Moissan over 120 years ago, it was initially mistaken for a diamond.
But aside from a handful of physical similarities, moissanite and diamonds couldn’t be more different from one another.
Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and boasts extraordinary brilliance and fire, which refers to its ability to reflect light and disperse colors- even more so than diamonds. This is one of the reasons it has become such a popular choice for engagement rings in recent years.
Additionally, moissanite is renowned for its exceptional hardness, ranking just below diamonds on the Mohs scale, which measures a gemstone's resistance to scratching. This durability ensures that moissanite can withstand everyday wear and tear without losing its luster. That also means that with some occasional basic cleaning and care, your stone will look just as stunning as the day you took it home for many years to come.
One of the key advantages of moissanite is its affordability compared to diamonds, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking a dazzling gemstone on a budget. Whether as an engagement ring, pendant, or any other jewelry piece, moissanite offers a captivating and unusually affordable option for those who desire the brilliance of a diamond-like gemstone.
Where Does Moissanite Come From?
Though moissanite was initially discovered in a crater and does occur naturally, it is somewhat rare, and most moissanite sold today is grown in a lab. In recent years, the technology for producing moissanite has improved exponentially, meaning that extremely high-quality stones can be produced relatively quickly.
This is one of the reasons that moissanite stones can be had for a fraction of the cost of a comparable natural or lab-grown diamond. It also allows moissanite to be produced in a range of gorgeous colors that showcase the stone’s finest qualities while allowing you more flexibility to find something unique to your tastes.
When it comes to lab-grown moissanite stones, there is a common misconception that they are an “imitation” of naturally occurring moissanite. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Lab-grown moissanite is compositionally identical to its naturally occurring counterpart, meaning lab-grown moissanite stones gems are always the real deal!
How To Choose A Moissanite Stone
When considering how to choose a moissanite stone, there are a few factors that are worth keeping in mind, which we will take a closer look at below. But before we get those finer details, we want to leave you with some advice that we hope will alleviate some of the pressure you may be feeling.
One of the great things about moissanite is that you can choose a stone that suits your style and needs without sacrificing a stone with lower color or clarity. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, people often feel like they have to compromise in quality, clarity, or carat size to choose a ring that fits within their style & budget.
Here at TOVAA, our moissanite stones are VVS+ Clarity and Colorless (DEF), regardless of carat size (unless, of course, you opt for a colored moissanite stone or desire a stone with more warmth).
That means we can help you create the ring you’ve been dreaming about without getting bogged down in price and compromise.
- RELATED: How To Choose Men's Wedding Bands
The Four C’s Of Shopping For Moissanite
When choosing a moissanite stone, there are a few factors you will need to consider. These traits, known as “the Four C’s,” include cut, clarity, color, & carat.
1) Cut
The cut of a moissanite stone refers to how the stone has been shaped and faceted. The quality of the cut directly affects how the stone reflects light, giving it that beautiful fiery sparkle. A well-cut moissanite will have precise angles and facets that allow maximum light to enter and reflect back, creating impressive brilliance and fire.
When you shop with us, you will find that we offer multiple cuts or “facet” options. With Oval stones, for example, we offer both a diamond cut & crushed ice cut. The difference is mainly how they refract light to create their distinct sparkle. This final decision is completely personal preference and there’s no right or wrong answer, which can sometimes make it the hardest decision of all!
2) Clarity
Clarity in moissanite refers to the presence or absence of any internal or external flaws, known as inclusions or blemishes, respectively. Moissanite stones are well regarded for their exceptional clarity, with very few imperfections compared to natural & lab-grown diamonds.
When selecting a moissanite, opt for one labeled as "eye-clean," meaning any inclusions or blemishes are not visible to the naked eye. This way, you can enjoy a flawless appearance and maximum brilliance in your moissanite engagement ring.
3) Color
In the world of moissanite, color refers to the presence of any tint or hue within the stone. One of the great things about moissanite is that it is available in various colors that allow you to personalize your piece. Green, blue, and yellow are colors often associated with moissanite stones.
If you desire a diamond-like appearance, opt for colorless or near-colorless moissanite. But if you're looking for something more unique, you can explore the captivating array of colored moissanite we offer!
4) Carat
Carat is a measure of a moissanite's weight, not its size or dimensions (though it does directly impact the perceived size of the stone). While large-carat moissanite may be visually impressive, it's essential to find the right balance between size, style preference, and, of course, budget.
One of the reasons that moissanite continues to grow in popularity is that it offers excellent value, meaning you can opt for a larger-carat stone for a fraction of the price of a comparable diamond.
Choosing A Moissanite Shape & Setting
When it comes down to choosing a moissanite stone, we believe the most important thing to focus on is the stone’s shape. Once you decide on a shape you love, all the other details will naturally fall into place!
Once you have decided on a shape, you must consider your carat size based on your finger size and the overall look you hope to achieve. A 3ct stone on a size four finger will look much different than it would on a size eight finger. Along with carat size, you will also need to consider size ratio, which is the length to width of a stone or how “skinny” or “chubby” shape is.
Your stone shape and size will also help to determine what kind of setting you will want to, as different shapes lend themselves beautifully to different settings. This is where your own taste will really be able to shine through!
By starting with deciding on a stone shape, you allow yourself the room and flexibility to factor in the other aspects of your stone so that you end up with a ring that you love and will be showing off for years to come!
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing a moissanite ring is a highly personal and exciting choice. Helping our customers find the perfect stone for their piece is one of the most important and fulfilling services we offer and one in which we take great pride.
If you are reading this guide, you’ve already made a fantastic choice by choosing to learn about the details that factor into how to choose a moissanite stone. All that’s left now is to get out there and start exploring the possibilities!
While the stone you decide on is a matter of personal taste, we are here to help you figure out what best suits your needs and answer any questions you may have along the way! Whether you choose to visit us in person for a one-on-one showing or work with us remotely, we do our best to keep the process as fun, accessible, and tailored to your needs as possible!
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