Picking out an engagement ring is something that is so personally driven that the stone you select is at the forefront of the matter. Diamonds have long been the classic standard as they represent the love and the commitment. Moissanite more recently presented the alternative choice with something that is unique.
If you find that you are at a loss in trying to decide, determining the main contrast in the two lovely stones is the beginning of the journey of receiving the ultimate representation of your tale of romance.
What is a Diamond?
Diamonds are mined from the interiors of the Earth’s mantle under high pressure and heat over billions of years. The diamond consists of carbon atoms bonded in what is referred to as the lattice structure that forms the stone. Diamonds are the most durable natural material anywhere on Earth. The hardest material, they are the best selection when buying a ring that will be worn every day for untold generations.
In the judging of the quality and value of the diamond, the “4 Cs” of cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight are used. The cut is determined by the facets that the stone will have, the colour is rated from the colorless to the light yellow scale, the clarity is determined by the presence of internal or surface faults, and carat is the weight of the stone. These factors blend in order to reveal the unique nature and brilliance of the stone.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite was first discovered in the year 1893 when Henri Moissan, the French scientist, excavated the crater of a meteor. The natural moissanite was identified as being diamonds. Thus, moissanite in jewellery in the market is man-made.
Being composed of silicon carbide, moissanite is near the hardness of the diamond, with the Mohs scale being 9.25 compared with the diamond’s 10. Therefore, the stone is very durable and may be worn frequently. Moissanite is highly cherished because the stone excels in fire and brilliance and frequently boasts more intense rainbow-coloured flashes of colour compared with diamond. Others like the idea that an elegant moissanite engagement ring is an exquisite and modern choice.
Making the Right Choice for Yourself
Your moissanite vs. diamond selection will be determined based on what you value the most. If you value tradition, being of natural origin, and preservation of value over the long term, then the choice is a diamond. The long-preserved ultimate expression of love is this stone, and the ultimate long-term investment.
On the other hand, if you would like brilliance, a large stone that is more affordable, and avoid ethical issues, then moissanite is an ideal choice. Since moissanite is manufactured, moissanite avoids the environmental and ethical questions that in some cases accompany the extraction of diamonds. Its inner flame offers another kind of beauty that is experienced as compelling by others. Of course, lab-grown options are growing in popularity, and they are both physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, while avoiding the ethical issues.
Your Ideal Representation of Affection
All in all, moissanite and diamonds are both beautiful and durable choices in an engagement ring. The ultimate stone is that which you and your special someone will be moved by, that you share in sensibility and priorities. If you’re charmed with the classic loveliness of the diamond or the brilliance of moissanite, your ring will be cherished as your special vow.