Bottom Line Up Front: Yes, moissanite engagement rings are good choices offering exceptional beauty, durability, and value. With 9.25 hardness, superior brilliance, and guaranteed ethical sourcing, they provide everything most couples want in an engagement ring. However, they're not perfect for everyone, particularly those prioritising traditional prestige, classic diamond sparkle, or investment potential.
Rather than dismissing concerns or overselling benefits, this honest assessment examines what makes moissanite engagement rings genuinely good choices for many couples, while acknowledging the scenarios where alternatives might better suit your needs.
The Compelling Advantages of Moissanite Engagement Rings
Exceptional Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite's refractive index of 2.65-2.69 creates more fire and sparkle than diamonds (2.42 refractive index). Moissanite has a rainbow refraction that gives it a ranking making it the most brilliant gemstone in the world, a pretty cool title to have.
Real users report always getting compliments on their rings, even when in groups with other engaged women wearing large diamonds. This attention-grabbing sparkle becomes a genuine advantage for those who love maximum brilliance and rainbow fire.
Outstanding Durability for Daily Wear
At 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite ranks as the second-hardest gemstone after diamond. This exceptional durability means moissanite engagement rings are perfect for everyday wear, resisting scratches and maintaining their beauty through decades of daily activities.
Significant Cost Savings
Moissanite offers dramatic cost advantages over natural diamonds. The 70-90% cost savings allows couples to choose larger stones, premium settings, or allocate funds toward their wedding and future together.
The value proposition becomes even more pronounced with larger stones, where diamond prices increase exponentially while moissanite costs remain reasonable.
Guaranteed Ethical Sourcing
Lab-created moissanite stones are safe for the environment and don't require extra labour, making them an ethical choice. There are no concerns about mining practices, labour conditions, or conflict sourcing because moissanite is 100% conflict-free with complete supply chain transparency.
For couples prioritising ethical consumption and environmental responsibility, this advantage provides peace of mind that their engagement ring reflects their values.
The Honest Limitations to Consider
Different Sparkle Character
Moissanite exhibits higher levels of fire and brilliance, causing it to give off a somewhat disco-ball effect in certain lighting conditions. While many people love this rainbow sparkle, others prefer the classic white brilliance of diamonds.
Moissanite's fire and brilliance are more intense than that of a diamond, which some love, while others prefer the classic, balanced sparkle of a diamond. This isn't necessarily a negative, but understanding your preference for sparkle style helps determine compatibility.
Social Perceptions and Prestige
Whether we like it or not, there is some stigma behind not choosing a diamond for engagement rings. Some still view diamonds as the ultimate symbol of luxury and commitment, and moissanite may not carry the same traditional prestige or social recognition.
However, this concern varies significantly based on personal values and social circles. Many couples find the unconventionality appealing rather than limiting.
Lower Resale Value
Moissanite has a lower resale value compared to diamonds, making it less ideal for those who see an engagement ring as a long-term investment. Technology improvements continue reducing moissanite production costs, which affects resale pricing.
However, most engagement rings aren't purchased as investments, and the significantly lower initial cost often offsets this consideration for practical-minded couples.
Visual Differences at Larger Sizes
The larger the stone, the more apparent the underlying tone is going to be, and some moissanite may display subtle colour differences, especially in larger stones. While most appear near colourless, some may show faint yellow or green tints under certain lighting conditions.
Quality varies significantly between manufacturers, so choosing reputable sources and high-grade stones helps minimise these issues.
Quality Factors That Matter
Grade and Cut Quality
Not all moissanite is created equal. Classic moissanite (the yellowish-green one) is much less expensive than colourless and near-colourless moissanite, simply because it's not as pretty. High-quality moissanite should be colourless with excellent cut proportions for optimal light performance.
Poor-quality moissanite isn't cut very well, with some low-end stones even cut in the wrong direction, causing doubled facets and poor optical performance. Investing in quality stones from reputable sources ensures the best appearance and longevity.
Setting Considerations
The quality of your ring setting significantly impacts overall satisfaction. Some cuts like princess and marquise shapes are slightly more susceptible to impact damage due to their pointed corners, though this applies to any gemstone in these cuts.
Choose well-made settings with proper stone security and metalwork that complements moissanite's optical properties for the best long-term results.
Who Should Choose Moissanite Engagement Rings
Ideal Candidates
Moissanite engagement rings work exceptionally well for couples who value maximum sparkle and fire, ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, significant cost savings without quality compromise, and low-maintenance beauty for active lifestyles.
Those who love moissanite because they like the super-firey look of it, or who love that it is super sustainable, will love their moissanite forever. The key is choosing moissanite for its unique properties rather than viewing it as a diamond substitute.
Consider Alternatives If You Prefer
Traditional diamond prestige and social recognition, classic white brilliance over rainbow fire, investment potential and resale value, or family heirloom significance with generational value.
Final Assessment: Are They Good?
Yes. That's it. Yes. They. Are.
Ready to explore high-quality moissanite engagement rings that deliver exceptional beauty and value? We'd love to help you discover how moissanite's unique advantages might perfectly suit your vision for the ideal engagement ring. Book a consultation to see these stunning stones in person and make an informed decision.
Thanks for reading! Jared & Brie
