The Complete Guide to Moissanite Engagement Rings
Everything You Need to Know About Moissanite
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a laboratory-grown gemstone known for its exceptional brilliance, durability, and value. Originally discovered in a meteor crater by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan in 1893, natural moissanite is extremely rare. Today, nearly all moissanite used in fine jewellery is carefully grown in laboratories, creating a gemstone that is ethical, sustainable, and ideal for everyday wear.
At Bellisa Jewellery, moissanite has become one of the most popular choices among couples seeking a beautiful engagement ring without the premium price associated with natural diamonds. With remarkable sparkle, excellent durability, and endless customization possibilities, moissanite offers a modern alternative for today's couples.
Why Is Moissanite So Popular?
Moissanite has become one of the fastest-growing engagement ring choices among modern couples, particularly in Canada and the United States. Its combination of exceptional sparkle, durability, ethical origins, and outstanding value makes it an attractive alternative to both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
At Bellisa Jewellery, we've seen a significant increase in Canadian couples choosing moissanite engagement rings over the past several years. Many are drawn to the ability to select a larger center stone or invest in a more intricate custom design while staying within their desired budget.
Key benefits include:
- Exceptional brilliance and fire
- Excellent durability for everyday wear
- Ethical and sustainable origins
- Outstanding value compared to diamonds
- Available in virtually any shape and size
Our Experience Working With Moissanite
At Bellisa Jewellery, we have handcrafted thousands of moissanite engagement rings for couples across Canada and the United States.
Over the years, we've seen moissanite become one of the most requested center stone options, particularly among couples looking for exceptional sparkle, lasting durability, and better value compared to traditional diamonds.
Among our clients, oval, round, elongated cushion, and emerald cuts remain some of the most popular moissanite shapes. Many couples choose moissanite because it allows them to invest in a larger center stone or a more intricate ring design while staying within their preferred budget.
While every couple has different priorities, we find that most clients are surprised by how beautiful moissanite looks in person, especially when viewed alongside diamonds in natural lighting.
Is Moissanite a Real Gemstone?
Yes. Moissanite is a genuine gemstone with its own unique chemical and optical properties.
One of the most common misconceptions is that moissanite is a "fake diamond." In reality, moissanite and diamond are two completely different gemstones. While they may appear similar at first glance, they have different chemical compositions, refractive properties, and visual characteristics.
Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while diamonds are made of pure carbon.
How Durable Is Moissanite?
Durability is one of moissanite's strongest advantages.
On the Mohs Hardness Scale, moissanite ranks approximately 9.25, making it one of the hardest gemstones used in jewellery. For comparison:
- Diamond: 10
- Moissanite: 9.25
- Sapphire: 9
- Emerald: 7.5 - 8
This exceptional hardness makes moissanite highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and everyday wear, making it an excellent choice for engagement rings intended to be worn daily.
Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?
No. High-quality moissanite does not become cloudy, dull, or lose its sparkle over time.
Unlike some gemstone simulants such as cubic zirconia, moissanite maintains its optical properties indefinitely. With proper cleaning and care, a moissanite engagement ring can remain as brilliant decades later as the day it was purchased.
If a moissanite ring appears less sparkly, it is usually due to normal build-up of oils, lotions, soap residue, or everyday dirt on the surface rather than any change within the gemstone itself.
Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?
In many cases, yes.
Because moissanite conducts heat similarly to diamond, it can trigger many traditional diamond testers.
However, modern jewellery laboratories use advanced testing equipment that can easily distinguish between moissanite and diamond.
This does not affect the beauty or quality of the gemstone but is simply a result of their different physical compositions.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond
This is one of the most common questions couples ask when shopping for an engagement ring.
| Feature | Moissanite | Lab-Grown Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Silicon Carbide | Carbon |
| Hardness | 9.25 | 10 |
| Brilliance | Higher | Excellent |
| Fire (Rainbow Sparkle) | Higher | Moderate |
| Diamond Identity | No | Yes |
| Price | Low | Higher |
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds.
Moissanite is a completely different gemstone that offers more brilliance and exceptional value.
The best choice depends on your personal priorities. If having a true diamond is important, a lab-grown diamond may be the better option. If you prioritize sparkle, size, and value, moissanite is often the preferred choice. Learn more about Moissanite vs Lab Diamond
Moissanite vs Natural Diamond
While natural diamonds remain a traditional choice, many couples today are comparing them against moissanite.
Natural diamonds typically command significantly higher prices due to their rarity and mining costs.
Moissanite offers:
- Similar visual appearance
- Greater fire and brilliance
- Ethical origins
- Lower environmental impact
- Better value per carat
For many modern couples, moissanite provides an attractive balance between beauty and practicality.
What Are the Advantages of Moissanite?
Exceptional Sparkle
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, producing remarkable brilliance and fire.
Ethical Origins
Laboratory-grown moissanite eliminates the environmental and ethical concerns often associated with traditional mining.
Fully Customizable
Moissanite can be cut into nearly any shape, including: Round, Oval, Pear, Emerald, Cushion, Radiant, Marquise, Asscher, Old European Cut. Learn more about shapes
Excellent Durability
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is highly suitable for daily wear.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Moissanite?
Like any gemstone, moissanite may not be the perfect choice for everyone. Some buyers prefer a diamond specifically because of its traditional symbolism or resale market.
Others may notice that moissanite displays stronger rainbow flashes under certain lighting conditions, which some people love and others may find more noticeable compared to a diamond.
Neither option is objectively better—it simply depends on personal preference.
Who Should Choose Moissanite?
Moissanite may be an excellent choice if you:
✓ Love maximum sparkle
✓ Want the best value for your budget
✓ Prefer ethical and sustainable gemstones
✓ Want a larger center stone
✓ Are looking for a durable everyday engagement ring
✓ Appreciate modern alternatives to traditional diamonds
Our Moissanite Engagement Rings
Proudly Handcrafted in Canada
Why Choose Bellisa Jewellery for Your Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Unlike many online retailers that import finished rings from overseas, every Bellisa engagement ring is handcrafted in Canada and customized to order. Our design team works directly with clients throughout the process, allowing for a more personalized experience and greater flexibility when creating custom moissanite engagement rings.
For couples seeking a Canadian-made engagement ring, moissanite offers an ideal balance of beauty, durability, and value while supporting local craftsmanship.
When choosing Bellisa, you'll enjoy:
✓ Handcrafted in Canada
✓ Fully Customizable Designs
✓ Complimentary CAD Design Preview
✓ Lifetime Limited Warranty
✓ Complimentary Ring Sizing Program
✓ Direct Communication With Our Design Team
Whether you're looking for a timeless solitaire, a vintage-inspired design, or a completely bespoke engagement ring, our team is here to help bring your vision to life. Learn more about our custom design process
Frequently Asked Questions About Moissanite
Absolutely. Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones available and is ideal for daily wear.
Most people cannot distinguish between them without specialized equipment.
No. High-quality moissanite maintains its brilliance permanently.
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and whether having a diamond is important to you.
Moissanite can last a lifetime with proper care.
Yes. Modern moissanite is laboratory-grown and does not require mining.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Moissanite Ring?
Explore our handcrafted moissanite engagement rings or speak directly with our design team for personalized recommendations.
Proudly Canadian
Customizable Design
Free Engagement Ring Resizing