Traditionally, diamonds have always been the "go-to" option when it comes to engagement rings. However, with the rise of alternative gemstones and the increased awareness about ethical sourcing, lab grown diamonds and moissanite are increasingly becoming popular. Both these options look like natural diamonds but are inherently different.
Let us look at these differences to help you choose your engagement ring.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Also known as lab grown, man-made, or synthetic diamonds, these are grown in controlled laboratory environments using high pressure and temperature or chemical vapor deposition processes. They possess the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as earth-mined ones and boast similar toughness and brilliance.
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Quality and Performance: Lab diamonds are as good as natural diamonds in appearance. They sparkle like the original ones and can last long since they are ranked 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
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Variety and Design Possibilities: Like natural diamonds,
lab grown diamond engagement rings come in different colors, shapes, and carat weights, providing numerous options for designing an engagement ring.
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Price: Lab grown diamonds cost less than natural ones. So, you can select a bigger or better-quality stone for the price of a smaller, natural one in poorer quality.
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Ethics and Environment: Lab diamonds pose fewer ethical and environmental concerns than mined diamonds. They provide guilt-free alternatives without compromising the appeal of a traditional diamond.
Moissanite
This gemstone was originally discovered in a meteor crater, so it is literally "out of this world." All moissanite available today is lab grown. Moissanite has a more elevated refractive index, meaning it will give more fire or brilliance than a diamond.
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Quality and Performance: On the Mohs scale, moissanite is rated at 9.25, which makes it the second-highest gemstone. It is not as hard as a diamond. Nevertheless, it can serve perfectly as an engagement ring due to its high durability.
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Optical Characteristics: Moissanite flashes differently from a diamond, giving more rainbow-like effects or a "disco-ball" look. Some people love this extra sparkle, while others prefer the white light return of a diamond.
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Price: Moissanite is much cheaper than all lab grown and natural diamonds, thus making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers who still want a tough, sparkly piece.
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Ethics and the Environment: Like lab diamonds, moissanite poses fewer environmental and ethical concerns. It involves less resource use in its production and has no possible human rights issues associated with diamond mining.
Making Your Choice
Ultimately, the decision between lab grown diamonds and moissanite for
engagement rings is personal. If you favor diamonds' traditional qualities and value, a lab diamond will meet your preferences without breaking the bank.
Conversely, if you are looking for added sparkle at the least cost, you may choose moissanite as your engagement ring.
Remember that your engagement ring is symbolic jewelry you will ideally wear for a lifetime. Get a ring that reflects your style, fits within your budget, resonates with what you value most in life, and, above all, feels right because this moment begins a new chapter of your life.
