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When you're shopping for an engagement ring, cost is usually one of the biggest factors in picking a style, metal and gemstone. Should you go with traditional diamonds, or a manmade stone such as moissanite or cubic zirconium? First, it's important to understand the characteristics of each.
Many may believe the difference between moissanite, cubic zirconium and diamonds is minimal, but in actuality, each stone provides a completely different effect.
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Unlike most other stones, moissanite is out of this world — literally. It was discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, who found microscopic particles of what is now known as moissanite in a crater left by a meteorite strike in Arizona. At first glance, Moissan believed he found diamonds, but upon further examination, he discovered that the particles were made up of silicon carbide instead of carbon.
Moissanite is rarely found in nature, and therefore most moissanite gems are now made in labs. Although moissanite is created to mimic a diamond, there are a few distinct differences.
Classic Four Prong Solitaire Moissanite Ring
starting at: $550
Classic Four Prong East West Moissanite Ring
starting at: $630
Cathedral Weaved Solitaire Moissanite Ring
starting at: $850
Petite Solitaire Moissanite Ring
starting at:$920
Three Stone Baguette Moissanite Ring
starting at: $1,040
Under Bezeled Accent Moissanite Ring
starting at: $1,050
Open Criss Cross Moissanite Ring
starting at: $1,140
Vintage Milgrain Moissanite Ring
starting at:$1,360
Rising Accents Moissanite Ring
starting at:$1,400
Tapered Halo Moissanite Ring
starting at:$1,470
Vine Moissanite Ring
starting at:$1,500
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Compared to diamonds, moissanite is rated lower on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Although it comes in at 9.25 (making it a very durable stone), the diamond receives a perfect 10. The .75 difference is not enough to discount the high durability of the moissanite. Both stones are suitable for everyday wear as an engagement ring. But in terms of hardness, a diamond is still the pinnacle.
As far as brilliance goes, moissanite has a distinctly different effect than a diamond. Moissanite has a different faceted pattern which creates a rainbow-like effect. While some buyers adore this splash of color, others say the stone resembles a disco ball more than a diamond. This effect is only heightened when the size of the stone increases. Diamonds, in comparison, simply display their famous sparkle.
Although colorless diamonds project a white appearance, the so-called “colorless” moissanites may still appear yellowish or grayish. What moissanite lacks in hardness, brilliance, and color, it makes up for in price. Moissanite engagement rings are significantly cheaper than their diamond counterparts. Although they're still more expensive than moissanite, lab-made diamonds are cheaper than naturally found diamonds.
Cubic zirconium engagement rings are also common alternatives to diamonds. This stone is completely manufactured in a lab, but is designed to match the sparkle of a natural diamond. It gets its name from its cubic crystal symmetry and chemical composition of zirconium oxide.
Cubic zirconia is treasured because it is easy to care for but still reminds the buyer of a diamond. Unlike moissanite, cubic zirconia can be made completely colorless, making this stone on par with a diamond in terms of color.
German mineralogists discovered naturally occurring cubic zirconia, but the actual manufacturing of single-crystal cubic zirconia began in France in the 1960s, and the Soviets eventually perfected its manufacture. Although lab-made diamonds and cubic zirconia are both manufactured artificially, there is a distinct difference. Lab-made diamonds are composed of carbon atoms (like mined/natural diamonds), while cubic zirconia are simply manufactured to only look like diamonds.
Compared to diamonds, cubic zirconia is significantly cheaper. Therefore, for any buyer wanting a particular setting, style, or ring, cubic zirconia might be an inexpensive choice. Additionally, the wait times are typically much shorter when ordering cubic zirconia instead of diamonds.
Although cubic zirconia is still durable, it does not compare to the hardness of a diamond; its rating on the Mohs Scale of Hardness is 8.5. However, because it's artificially created in a lab, cubic zirconia is inherently flawless. Diamonds, on the other hand, are very rarely (almost never) flawless.
If you want a stone that shines, a diamond is the best bet. Cubic zirconia has a much lower refractive index than a diamond, so it captures light differently and shines less.
Every stone has pros and cons, but a diamond is almost always the preferred gem for an engagement ring. Rated a perfect 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, a (mined or lab) diamond is incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Additionally, the color is pure and without tints of yellow or gray. In terms of sparkle and shine, no other diamond substitute compares.
Price, of course, is always higher for a diamond, but so is the value. The wearer will receive a much more durable and brilliant stone, making a diamond engagement ring a treat to show off to family and friends.
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Diamond identification is critical. Simulated diamonds tend to have "tells” that may help you notice whether they are real or not.
Round Diamonds
starting at: $250
Princess Diamonds
starting at: $365
Cushion Diamonds
starting at: $300
Radiant Diamonds
starting at:$210
Asscher Diamonds
starting at:$220
Emerald Diamonds
starting at:$230
Oval Diamonds
starting at:$290
Pear Diamonds
starting at:$260
Marquise Diamonds
starting at:$325
The diamond continues to reign as the most popular gemstone choice for an engagement ring. Other popular choices include the Big 3 of colored gems, i.e., ruby, sapphire, and emerald.
No, moissanite is not the same as a diamond. While they may look similar, moissanite is made up of silicon carbide instead of carbon and is relatively much more affordable than a diamond. Also, moissanites exhibit a rainbow brilliance, while diamonds exude a bright white sparkle.
Cubic zirconia is not the same as a diamond and is a popular common alternative. Diamonds are found in nature and thus are more expensive than cubic zirconia that is manufactured in a lab. Owing to their origin, diamonds are rarely flawless and are harder than the inherently flawless cubic zirconia, which ranks 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
At home, you can identify a natural diamond with the help of a diamond tester. You can also get its authenticity verified by a reputed jewelry professional. We highly recommend buying a diamond that is certified by a renowned authority like GIA.
A real diamond will scratch glass since it is the hardest substance on earth, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale. If the stone you are testing does not leave a scratch on the glass, it may not be real.
Our experts can guide you from start to finish.