When it comes to choosing a gemstone for jewellerry, particularly engagement rings, two of the most popular options are moissanite and diamonds. While both stones have their unique qualities, understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision.
1. Composition
Diamonds:
Diamonds can be natural or man made. Composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. In 2023 man made diamonds overtook the sales of earth mined diamonds due it's ethical and cost benefit. Man made gemstones are chemically identical and can not be told apart.
Moissanite:
Originally discovered in meteorites, nearly all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created, making it a more sustainable option. Moissanite is incredibly rare to find in nature, too rare to find in gemstone size.
2. Appearance
Brilliance and Sparkle:
Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, often exhibiting more sparkle than diamonds due to its higher refractive index. While diamonds have a more subdued sparkle, they are prized for their clarity and timeless elegance.
Color:
Diamonds can range in color from completely colorless to various shades, while moissanite generally appears colorless or can be coloured depending on the stone you decide to choose. Grading in both forms of gemstone exist.
3. Hardness and Durability
Mohs Scale:
Both moissanite and diamonds rank high on the Mohs scale of hardness, with diamonds scoring a 10 and moissanite a 9.25. This means both are highly durable, suitable for everyday wear.
4. Cost
Price Point:
Diamonds are significantly more expensive, often due to their cost of mining. Moissanite, being lab-created, typically costs 70-90% less than earth mined diamonds, making it an attractive option for conscious consumers.
5. Ethical Considerations
Origin:
Diamonds, especially natural ones, can be associated with unethical mining practices, including conflict diamonds. In contrast, lab-created moissanite offers a conflict-free alternative, appealing to those concerned about ethical sourcing.
6. Resale Value
Investment Potential:
Rare diamonds can hold resale value, but market trends are shifting. Most diamonds these days are bought lab grown. The costs to create lab grown gemstones are dropping as competition increases. Although, do you ever really want to re-sell an engagement ring?
Conclusion
Choosing between moissanite and diamonds ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and values. Moissanite offers a stunning, cost-effective, and ethical alternative to traditional diamonds, while diamonds were the norm for engagemment rings in the 1900s. Whether you prioritize brilliance, budget, or ethical sourcing, both stones have much to offer.
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