Going ahead with choosing the ideal stone for an engagement ring is a decision that carries immense significance. While diamonds remain the classic choice, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are timeless gemstone choices. Diamonds, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are emerging as potential options for the centrepiece of your engagement ring.
As long as you understand the types of gemstones diamond, moissanite, and cubic zirconia, you can choose a gem that aligns with your style, values, and budget. Let's explore the diamond alternatives and see which option is best for your engagement ring.
Although moissanite, cubic zirconia, and diamonds may all sparkle, each has its unique origin, properties, and value.
Below we highlight the characteristics of these gemstones:
Moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 initially mistaken for diamond. The silicon carbide material gives it a brilliance as it scatters light into a variety of colours. With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs Scale, moissanite is durable and ideal for daily wear. Unlike natural stones, all moissanite today is lab-grown, making it an affordable, eco-friendly choice.
Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. While it resembles a diamond, it doesn’t match the light dispersion or durability of diamonds and moissanite. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs Scale, cubic zirconia is more susceptible to wear, potentially becoming scratched or cloudy over time. However, it is affordability makes it a popular choice for seeking a larger stone on a budget.
Natural diamonds form over billions of years under immense pressure and heat deep within the earth's core. Known for their brilliance and extreme durability(ranking 10 on the Mohs Scale), diamonds are celebrated for their enduring sparkle. Formed diamonds billions of years ago, make them unique pieces of jewellery history. Available in both natural and lab-grown forms, diamonds remain the ultimate symbol of lasting love and commitment.
It can be challenging to distinguish between diamond, moissanite, and cubic zirconia at first glance. Here is a comparison to help you choose.
While both diamond and moissanite are brilliant, moissanite has a more intense sparkle while diamonds emit a classic white light reflection. In terms of durability, diamonds surpass moissanite, making them an optional choice for engagement rings.
Cubic zirconia may appear bright initially but lacks the lasting depth and radiance of a diamond. Diamonds possess unique light reflection properties, creating a brilliance that endures over time. Adding more to it, cubic zirconia is softer, so it is more likely to become scratched or cloudy, while diamonds retain their brilliance.
Though both are diamond simulants, moissanite shines brighter and is more durable than cubic zirconia. While cubic zirconia is budget-friendly, moissanite offers better quality and resilience, making it a more durable diamond alternative.
Choosing an engagement ring is a significant decision that intertwines emotions, financial investment, and lifelong commitment. To choose the right stone for your centrepiece, you must consider your love, values, and budget.
We highlight the essential aspects to consider when comparing moissanite vs diamond vs cubic zirconia for your engagement ring:
Durability
An engagement ring is an emblem of everlasting love, designed to be worn every single day to showcase your lifelong commitment. When opting for an engagement ring, durability is an important factor to consider. Diamonds are durable no doubt, making them the ideal choice for an engagement ring that will be worn every day.
Affordability
From a budget perspective, moissanite and cubic zirconia are cheaper than diamonds. However, lab-grown diamonds offer a budget-friendly alternative to mined diamonds that can allow you to have the diamond engagement ring of your dreams at a lower cost.
While moissanite and cubic zirconia may initially appear cost-effective, it's also important to consider the ring's long-term value. As a symbol of your love and financial investment, diamonds maintain their value or increase it.
Symbolic Significance
For centuries, diamonds have represented love, commitment, and timeless appeal. This symbolic significance of diamonds means that you are not just simply choosing a stone for a ring but a gemstone with rich meaning and tradition.
Ethical Values
In recent years, the origin of gemstones and their ecological impact has come under scrutiny, leading many to seek ethically sound alternatives. As both moissanite and cubic zirconia are man-made gemstones, many prefer these due to ethical considerations. However, lab-grown diamonds provide an ideal way to still have a diamond engagement ring while being ethically responsible.
Look no further for a genuine gemstone for your diamond ring. When seeking correctness, quality, and timeless design, Marlow's Diamonds ensures you will find a ring that meets your needs and desires. We offer both mined and lab-grown diamonds that are expertly crafted into a spectacular collection of engagement rings.
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