A bridal set consists of an engagement ring with a matching wedding ring. The two rings are often meant to fit together perfectly like a lock and key. The engagement ring is typically smaller, while the wedding ring is significantly larger to draw the focus of the viewer.
If you’ve been searching for a set for your bride or bride-to-be, then the chances are that you’ve come across moissanite bridal sets at least a few times during your search. Although jewelers have known about the gem since 1890, they’ve suppressed it in favor of promoting the more expensive diamond gemstones.
Today, we’re going to break down why you should consider purchasing a moissanite bridal set over a traditional diamond bridal set.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite was named after the French scientist who first discovered the gem in 1892- Henry Moissan. He found the stone in the wreckage of a crashed meteorite, thinking it was diamond. Although the two gems looked almost exactly alike, he later discovered that they have a slight difference in regards to their molecular structure.
Moissanite is regarded as one of the rarest gems on the planet and is only found in areas of extreme geothermal activity or in meteorites’ remains. It’s typically clear but may contain different shades of color, depending on the presence of “contaminates” – other elements that change the way that light refracts through the stone.
Moissanite Bridal Sets vs. Diamond Bridal Sets
The gem literally came from space to get here! Today, scientists have been able to replicate the gem in laboratories, making them an eco-friendly alternative to diamonds which are often mined in third-world countries.
Diamond is regarded as the hardest gem on the planet and is often used to cut through other stones. It registers at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale (the highest number). However, it’s only 7.5% harder than moissanite, which registers at a 9.25 on the Mohs scale.
Both diamonds and moissanite stones share similar degrees of clarity. They are known for their ability to refract light, causing a shine and sparkle, unlike the more colorful stones used in jewelry.
Why Buy Moissanite Bridal Sets?
There will always be a market for diamonds, but if you want a ring set that’s near-similar to diamonds, even rarer, and you want to save a bit of money while you’re at it, then moissanite engagement rings and bridal sets are an excellent alternative.
Let’s be honest- most brides value the shine and clarity of a diamond, not the molecular structure. While we’re on that topic, it’s also worth mentioning that since the gem is made from silicon (which has a neutral charge), it doesn’t attract dirt and will retain its beautiful shine for far longer than diamond rings.
A moissanite bridal set can give her that same WOW-factor at half the cost when combined with a beautifully-crafted gold, silver, or platinum wedding band. What’s not to like?
Sources:
- https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1906/moissan/biographical/
- https://www.gemsociety.org/article/moissanite-vs-diamond/#:~:text=At%20a%2010%20on%20the,unlikely%20that%20it%20will%20scratch.