Learning some aspects of the stone for the engagement ring you are planning to invest in is paramount. You want to make sure that you are getting what you are paying for or if you’re giving some thoughts on how to save some cash on your jewelry purchase, read on to get some knowledge and understanding what gemstone characteristics are at play in determining its price and what you can consider lowering the cost of your purchase for up to 30%.
The price-determining factors of any gemstone are its size, color, clarity, and the quality of its cut. The cut is important because this attribute affects the brilliance and overall visual performance of a stone. But with diamond and Moissanite, the color (or the absence thereof) and its clarity dramatically affect its price more than its size.
How is the color grading done in Moissanite?
Just like with diamond, the color evaluation of Moissanite is based on the absence of color. The highest grade of Moissanite has no color hue much like a drop of clear, purified water. The D-to-Z gem color grading system developed by GIA is the same method that is used in grading the color of Moissanite gemstones. These letters measure the degree of the absence of color in Moissanite with D as the purest and colorless stone. You must realize though that the color distinctions between the grade D and the color grade I are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye. However, these color distinctions make a very big difference in the Moissanite’s price.
What does IF, VVS1 and VVS2 Clarity mean?
Even though Moissanite is a lab-made gemstone, inclusions grow within much like with diamonds. IF stands for internally flawless. VVS stands for Very, very slightly included. The numbers 1 and 2 represents the quantity of inclusions found in the stone 1 being less than 2. When the stone on the ring you are buying is graded within the DEF color and within IF/VVS1 clarity, it means you are buying the very best quality Moissanite and you must prepare to pay a premium price. Fortunately, even the most perfect Moissanite is still far less expensive than diamond at $690/ct. A price that is even less than a lab-made diamond.
If you would like to save some money but not compromise on the quality of the stone on your ring, GHI/VVS2 grade stones will save you up to 30% off without any flaws that are visible to the naked eye. Yes, the GHI stones are gradually more yellow in color compared to DEF and VVS2 has more inclusions than IF or VVS1, but these imperfections are only noticeable to a professional gemologist or a jeweler using professional jewelry inspection tools. GHI color stones give off a more warm hue compared to the very striking sparkle that a DEF stone would display under an illuminated and magnified loop. These qualities are not very visible nor apparent to the untrained eye.
Though these days most unneeded expenses are deferred, the number of marriage proposals remains unchanged. The trend we are seeing is that most couples are opting for a diamond alternative that displays the same caliber of brilliance and heirloom quality as a diamond and Moissanite fits these conditions perfectly!
If you would like to consider giving Moissanite a try, please contact us at customerservice@themoissaniteshop.com