When it comes to selecting an engagement ring center stone, some couples consider selecting a moissanite over a traditional diamond. While moissanites offer an attractive price alternative, there's a compelling case for why the higher price of a diamond might indeed be worth it. In this blog post, we'll dive into the nuances of each gemstone, helping you understand which might be the best fit for your special moment.
The Allure of Diamonds
Natural diamonds have been the traditional choice for engagement rings for centuries, with an allure that lies not just in their breathtaking sparkle but also in their rarity and the incredible journey they undergo from the depths of the Earth to your finger. Each diamond is unique, with its own set of characteristics that determine its value – the famous 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.
Durability and Longevity
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, making them incredibly durable and resistant to scratches. This resilience means a diamond ring can last generations, running through the branches of your family tree as a precious heirloom.
Investment Value
Beyond their beauty, natural diamonds retain value over time, making them not just an emotional investment but a financial one as well. The market for diamonds has a long-established history, ensuring that a high-quality diamond will always hold significant value.
A diamond is the hardest naturally occurring material on earth, topping the Mohs scale of hardness at a 10/10. This scale, developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, is a qualitative ordinal scale where materials are ranked based on their ability to scratch softer materials. A diamond can scratch any other mineral, and is only susceptible to scratching by other diamonds. This exceptional hardness is one of the key characteristics that makes diamonds highly valued for both jewelry and industrial applications.
The Rise of Moissanites
Moissanites are often considered the closest alternative to diamonds, thanks to their similar appearance. Discovered in a meteor crater in 1893 by Henri Moissan, moissanites are almost as hard as diamonds and exhibit a fiery, rainbow sparkle that distinguishes them from other gemstones.
Affordable Appeal
One of the most appealing aspects of moissanites is their affordability. Natural moissanites are incredibly rare, so nearly moissanites on the market are lab grown. The lab-grown aspect makes them available for jewelry application at scale, and at a lower cost. They offer the look of a diamond at about 1/10th of the cost.
Sparkle and Hardness
While moissanites are slightly less hard than diamonds - the score an 9.75 on the Mohs hardness scale, they are still incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear. Their unique sparkle, with more colorful fire than diamonds, can be more appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced brilliance.
Making Your Choice: The Value of a Natural Diamond
Choosing between a natural diamond and a moissanite ultimately comes down to personal preference, values, and budget. Some people simply don't want a moissanite because the emotional and financial investment in a natural diamond is unparalleled.
A natural diamond engagement ring is not just a piece of jewelry but a legacy, carrying with it the weight of history, the rarity of its formation, and the promise of enduring value. On the other hand, nearly all moissanites on the market are created by humans in a lab. Without rarity, they won't retain their value nearly as well. It's like buying Hermés vs. a knock-off Hermés.
Both stones have their merits, the decision to invest in a natural diamond is about more than just the gemstone. It's about embracing a tradition that celebrates the strength, beauty, and longevity of love.
