Are you familiar with moissanite? Discovered by French chemist and Nobel Prize winner Henri Moissan in 1893, moissanite is a mineral called silicon carbide, which, in its natural form, is extremely rare. So rare, in fact, that there aren’t sufficient quantities available to mine and use in jewellery or industrial applications.
This unique gemstone looks similar to a diamond, rivalling it in aesthetics, durability and brilliance. Not only are moissanites as durable as diamonds and almost as hard (moissanites measure 9.5 on Moh’s hardness scale, while diamonds measure 10), but many argue that they’re even more beautiful. The refractive index of a moissanite is 2.65 – 2.69, whereas diamonds’ is 2.417, meaning moissanites shine with fiery, rainbow flashes that diamonds cannot achieve, thus offering greater brilliance than even the finest cut diamond.
Modern moissanites are grown in laboratories to successfully imitate their natural state. Thanks to these production methods, moissanite gemstones are significantly more affordable than diamonds, making it possible to own your dream ring without putting yourself in debt.
Enter Stella Moissanite, a South African jeweller working exclusively with this precious gem.
Stella Moissanite was founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Ika van Wyk, who saw a gap in the fine jewellery market: Each year, more and more people in South Africa get married. With tough economic times and tight budgets, couples find themselves compromising on the engagement rings they buy. They either wait longer to purchase so that they can save for longer, they purchase cheaper alternatives that are of lower quality or they purchase smaller rings, compromising on the size they really want.
“I just hated that young people still felt the pressure to spend enormous amounts of money on engagement rings, often putting themselves in debt or eating up their savings. There had to be a better way to get that Pinterest-worthy ring without getting into financial ruin,” says Ika.
Ika dreamed of offering a credible alternative to fine diamond jewellery without compromising on aesthetics, quality and durability. After intensive research she discovered moissanite, a unique gemstone with breath-taking brilliance, that’s ethical, not harmful to the environment and that costs between 50% and 90% less than a diamond of equivalent size, cut, colour and clarity. She teamed up with some of the best local artisan goldsmiths to create a new and inspiring fine jewellery range that will last a lifetime.
Stella offers a beautiful range of ready-to-ship rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets in 9ct and 18ct gold and platinum settings. Each item is thoughtfully designed and exquisitely crafted to show off the beauty of your moissanite gem. Ika and her team also work with clients to custom-create personal designs, offering expert guidance all the way to ensure your jewellery creation is even more beautiful than you imagined it.
All Stella Moissanite jewellery creations are crafted in South Africa by local experts. When you buy Stella fine jewellery you are supporting the local artisans and craftspeople who had a hand in making your beautiful piece of art.
Moissanites are incredibly special gems that offer something unique to the world of fine jewellery. Anyone who isn’t so sure that diamonds are for them, or who wants the ring of their dreams at a more affordable price, now has an alternative that is just as beautiful, durable and special.
Learn more at www.stellamoissanite.com