When buying a ring, the main consideration will be the type of stone. There are diamonds and moissanites. Diamonds are the most expensive stone available, but moissanites are cheaper, and are easy to color. But which is better? Let’s examine the pros and cons of both, and find out which is the best option for your specific needs.
Moissanite lab-grown stone
Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone, not a natural stone. It has been found in meteor craters and the Green River Formation of Wyoming, and as inclusions within diamonds. This synthetic stone is extremely hard. It rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it nearly as hard as diamonds. However, its color and brilliance differ greatly from diamonds, with the former showing fiery rainbow-colored flashes, while the latter has a more brilliant and dazzling appearance.
Moissanite is an incredibly durable stone, and it can be used in jewelry for many reasons. Moissanite is made from silicon carbide, which is created by a thermal process. While moissanite can be found in nature, it is very rare. It was discovered by chemist Henri Moissan in Arizona, after he found a meteorite in the area. Moissanite is a great alternative to natural diamonds and can be a lot cheaper! It is formed from the same mineral, silicon carbide, and undergoes the same complex chemical processes as natural diamonds. The difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown stone is in the clarity grade.
It is a colorless stone
Despite their similarities, diamond vs moissanites are quite different. While diamonds have a more intense white sparkle, moissanites have a slightly different look that looks more like an artificial color. However, a trained eye can distinguish the difference between these stones. Unlike diamonds, moissanites are not created by mining, so they are conflict-free and environmentally friendly. This is a major advantage, since diamonds can be extremely expensive. However, moissanites are also prone to inclusions and are hardly available in large quantities.
While diamonds are the most expensive gem, moissanites are much cheaper and can be purchased in larger carats. Although they are often marketed as a low-cost diamond alternative, they are not comparable in sparkle and brilliance. This fact makes them an inferior gemstone in many cases. Moissanite was discovered from a meteorite, so it is not a naturally occurring mineral. It has different chemical properties from diamond. Moissanite is twice as rare as diamond. It is also double-refractive, which means it throws off more sparkles than diamond. A moissanite is green by nature, while a diamond is white.
Cheaper alternative to diamond
Moissanite is a natural gem that is a cheaper alternative to diamond. This stone is usually colorless, although some varieties have a grayish or yellow hue. It can be used as a center stone for an engagement ring, and is a great choice for a budget-conscious bride. Cubic zirconia is another stone that is a less expensive alternative to diamond. This stone is made of zirconium dioxide and is softer than diamond.
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Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, so it bends light more easily. This property makes it visible in sunlight, and helps it retain its beauty for a longer period of time. It is also much more durable than diamond, registering 9.25 on the Mohs scale and wearing very well.
Engagement rings
The price of moissanite diamond engagement rings is similar to that of other precious stones, such as rubies and sapphires. Despite their lower cost, moissanite engagement rings are highly durable and look great in both casual and formal settings. Moreover, it doesn’t scratch or dent easily, which makes it a popular choice for engagement rings.
There are several advantages to choosing moissanite over a diamond. First, the former has a higher refractive index, which means it displays more fire. This sparkle can be particularly beautiful in diffused natural light. Secondly, moissanite’s rainbow effect can be highly appealing. However, the rainbow effect is most noticeable in large stones.
The jewelry industry
Moissanites are usually white, but they can come in different color grades. For example, a large moissanite will have a warmer color than a small diamond, but you can easily cover this up with colored metals. Moissanites are also easier to distinguish in larger sizes than smaller diamonds. However, unless you’ve worked in the jewelry industry for a long time, you won’t be able to tell the difference by appearance alone.
Lastly
Another important distinction between diamonds and moissanites is the cut. Diamonds are easily identifiable by their brilliant cut, while moissanites have a step cut. Step cuts feature uniform rectangles or triangles that reflect light. They can mimic diamond looks, but don’t have the depth and brilliance of diamonds.
