When choosing an engagement ring, the traditional choice has always been a ring with natural diamonds – I mean who doesn’t love diamond rings? But in recent years, an alternative gemstone has been getting popular in the jewellery market: moissanite. This brilliant, budget-friendly gemstone is giving natural diamonds a run for their money. So let’s look into the details of these two gemstones, comparing and contrasting them to help you make the best decision for your engagement ring.
What is a Natural Diamond?
Natural diamonds, the birthstone for April, are the hardest known substance on the planet. These precious stones are formed over billions of years under the earth’s surface under intense heat and pressure, making them the ultimate symbol of everlasting love. This is why diamond engagement rings are such a popular choice. Each natural diamond is unique, with varying degrees of colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
Despite their beauty and symbolism, natural diamonds have been linked to numerous ethical and environmental issues, leading many socially conscious consumers to seek out alternatives.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite stones, on the other hand, are lab-created gemstones made from silicon carbide. Originally discovered by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater, natural moissanite is extremely rare, prompting scientists to develop a way to create this gemstone in a lab.
Moissanite stones share many properties with natural diamonds. They’re nearly as hard as diamonds, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness (compared to a diamond’s 10), and they exhibit a high refractive index, meaning they’re exceptionally brilliant. But there are some key differences between these two gemstones that can significantly impact your decision when shopping for an engagement ring.
Comparing Moissanite and Natural Diamonds
Let’s take a look at moissanite vs. diamond.
Price
One of the most noticeable differences between moissanite and natural diamonds is the price. Moissanite stones are significantly cheaper than natural diamonds. For instance, a one-carat moissanite stone might cost around £400 to £600, while a natural diamond of the same size could cost anywhere from £2,000 to £20,000, depending on its quality. The diamond price is likely to be a dealbreaker for many.
Colour
Natural diamonds come in a wide range of colours, from colourless to yellow tint or grey hues. While colourless diamonds are the most valuable, many people appreciate the unique warmth of a slightly coloured diamond.
Moissanite stones, in contrast, usually appear colourless or near-colourless. However, under certain lighting conditions, some moissanite stones may exhibit a slight yellow or green tint, especially in larger carat weights.
Clarity
When it comes to clarity, both natural diamonds and moissanite stones can contain inclusions or blemishes. However, because moissanite is lab-created, it is often possible to produce stones that are virtually flawless. In contrast, natural diamonds often contain inclusions and blemishes due to the intense pressure and heat they undergo during their formation.
Cut
Both natural diamonds and moissanite stones can be cut into a variety of shapes, including round, oval, princess, cushion, and more. The cut of the stone can significantly affect its brilliance and fire. While both stones can be cut to maximise these characteristics, the double refractive nature of moissanite requires it to be cut differently than a diamond to enhance its sparkle.
Brilliance
Brilliance, or the ability to reflect white light, is a defining characteristic of both natural diamonds and moissanite stones. However, due to its higher refractive index, moissanite tends to exhibit more brilliance than a diamond. This greater dispersion of light often results in a “rainbow effect”, which can be particularly noticeable in larger stones.
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a stone for an engagement ring, as this piece of jewellery is typically worn daily. While natural diamonds are the hardest known substance, moissanite stones are close competitors. Ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear, making it a suitable choice for an engagement ring.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Another significant difference between natural diamonds and moissanite involves ethical and environmental factors. The mining of natural diamonds has been linked to numerous human rights abuses and environmental degradation, leading many consumers to seek out conflict-free alternatives.
Moissanite, being lab-created, offers an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds. The production of moissanite doesn’t involve dangerous mining operations or contribute to conflict, making it a guilt-free choice for those conscious of these issues.
The Verdict: Moissanite or Natural Diamonds?
The choice between moissanite and natural diamonds depends largely on personal preference, budget, and ethical considerations. If you value the tradition and prestige associated with natural diamonds and have the budget for it, a natural diamond engagement ring may be the right choice for you.
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, ethically sourced, and equally brilliant alternative, a moissanite engagement ring might be the perfect fit. With their exceptional brilliance, durability, and affordability, moissanite stones offer a compelling alternative to natural diamonds.
No matter which stone you choose, the most important thing is that your engagement ring reflects your personal style and symbolises the love and commitment between you and your partner. Remember, the best gemstone is the one that makes you feel good every time you look at it.
Where to buy Moissanite rings
She said yes has a stunning collection of Moissanite wedding sets. They also have other moissanite jewellery, such as earrings made with a moissanite gemstone. So whether you’re looking for a rose gold moissanite ring or heart shaped engagement ring, you’ll find something for you. This means you can buy a unique engagement ring at only a fraction of the cost of a traditional diamond engagement ring. It really is a great alternative to a mined diamond and to the naked eye, you could not be able to tell the difference.
The collection doesn’t stop there, you can buy other types of jewellery such as necklaces and even men’s jewellery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Moissanite a Real Diamond?
While moissanite stones share many properties with natural diamonds, they are not diamonds. Moissanite is a distinct lab-created gemstone made from silicon carbide, while diamonds are made from carbon.
Q: Can You Tell the Difference Between Moissanite and Natural Diamonds?
To the untrained eye, moissanite stones and natural diamonds can appear remarkably similar. However, there are subtle differences between the two. Moissanite stones tend to exhibit more brilliance and a “rainbow effect” or a rainbow sparkle compared to natural diamonds. Also, under certain lighting conditions, moissanite stones may reveal a slight yellow or green tint.
Q: Are Lab-Grown Diamonds the Same as Moissanite?
No. While both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite stones are created in a lab, they are made from different materials and possess different physical properties. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, while moissanite is made from silicon carbide.
Q: Is Moissanite More Brilliant Than Natural Diamonds?
Yes. Due to its higher refractive index, moissanite tends to exhibit more brilliance than a diamond. This results in a “rainbow effect”, which can be particularly noticeable in larger stones.
Q: Is Moissanite Durable Enough for Everyday Wear?
Yes. Ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear, making it a suitable choice for an engagement ring or other piece of everyday jewelry.
Which gemstone is for you?
In the comparison between moissanite and natural diamonds, there is no clear winner. Both gemstones have their own unique sets of advantages and disadvantages. What matters most is what you value in an engagement ring. If you value tradition and have a higher budget, a natural diamond might be your best choice. If you prefer a more affordable, ethically sourced, and brilliant gemstone, then moissanite might be the perfect fit. Moissanite is one of the best ethical alternatives. Try not to think of it as a fake diamond but as an affordable alternative to precious gemstones. They are still high quality and have the look of a diamond.
The most important factor is that your engagement ring is a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner. Whether you choose a natural diamond or a moissanite stone, your ring will be a beautiful reminder of the bond you share and will stand the test of time.
For me, the ethical factor is a big factor. For those concerned about ethical sourcing, lab-grown moissanite and lab-created diamonds are the best bet. These gems are created in a controlled environment, eliminating the risk of supporting the trade in blood diamonds.
While moissanite’s brilliance may endear it to some, traditionalists often favour the unrivalled brilliance and prestige of real diamonds. But, at the end of the day, whether it’s set in yellow gold or white gold, a space diamond or a vintage ring, the choice between cubic zirconia, lab diamonds, or colourless moissanite ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and ethical considerations, as each of these diamond alternatives offers its own unique appeal.
Related posts:
- How To Choose The Perfect Ring For Your Partner
- What Do I Need To Know Before Engagement Ring Shopping
- What Is A Pre-Engagement Ring?
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