Choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring is one of the key decisions you have to make when planning a marriage. While diamonds have traditionally been the choice for long, moisssanite has caught up as oneof the prominent choices. Both stones provide brilliant elegance, beauty, and robustness, though they differ on major facets that can impact your pick. In this blog, we will contrast moissanite and diamonds to aid you in determining the preferred stone for your engagement ring.
What is Moissanite?
A moissanite is a stone first found by Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893 from a meteorite. Natural moissanite is precious because it is so scarce, which is why in contemporary times, moissanite is made artificially in the lab to aid in ethical diamond alternatives. Its attributes include unparalleled sparkle, durability, and affordability.
Moissanite Vs. Diamond: Key Differences
1. Brilliance and Sparkle
Both moissanite and diamonds are equally famous for their brilliance, but the methods each gem reflects light is strikingly different:
Diamonds shine with a fusion of white brilliance that is intertwined with colored light reflection (fire). Their sparkle is symbolic, elegant, and encompasses all times in a customary manner.
Under certain lighting conditions, moissanite displays a greater level of fire and rainbow-like flashes, giving it a more stunning look.
2. Hardness and Durability
Engagement rings are expensive investments because their durability is crucial.
Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth scoring the highest 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Because of this, they are highly scratch resilient.
Moissanite ranks at 9.25 on the scale which makes it one of the gemstones. Though not as hard as diamonds, it is still durable for everyday use.
3. Price and Affordability
Price is a determinant factor for most:
Diamonds are the most expensive out of the four options and is the only stone depending on the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). Natural diamonds have the highest value as compared to lab grown which are more affordable.
Moissanite is far more affordable than a diamond makes it easy for couples to get a bigger stone without going on a budget.
4. Ethical Considerations
The impact of jewelry pieces are not only financial, many buyers consider other ethical matters:
Natural diamonds require a lot of ethical sourcing, especially the ones that are used in jewelry. Conflict free sourced diamonds do exist, however they cost considerably more.
Because moissanites are lab grown, they require no mining which makes them 100% ethical and eco friendly.
5. Appearance Over Time
Both stones look beautiful over time, but:
Unlike the diamond, moissanite is prone to cloudiness and scratching hence remain gorgeous for a lot of decades.
While moissanite does not yellow, and remains clear, it's extreme fire may be an off-putting feature for those seeking a traditional diamond look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Select between moissanite and diamond according to your priorities.
If you are looking for something with everlasting beauty, tradition, and value as an investment, purchasing an engagement ring in diamond is the most ideal choice.
For a more affordable option that does not compromise on ethics or sparkle, moissanite is an excellent substitute.
At Shiv Shambu, we have both diamonds and moissanite engagement rings for every style, occasion, and budget. Visit us at 580 5th Avenue, Suite 1136 New York, NY 10036, or browse our collection online at www.shivshambu.net to order your ring.