When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, the creative possibilities keep expanding.
With numerousengagement ring trendspopping up, it can be even more challenging to find your perfect ring.
Even so, diamond engagement rings continue to dominate the market.
Thanks to a clever advertising campaign in the late 1940s, their popularity began to rise.
In years past, the rarity of these dazzling gems made them a possession of the elite and wealthy.
However, diamonds aren’t everyone’s preferred engagement gem.
Otheralternatives for engagement rings, such assapphire engagement rings, have boasted a notable fan following of their own.
Unlike earthbound diamonds, moissanite has astral origins.
While diamonds and moissanites may look similar, the two stones have distinct differences.
Depending on your priorities and preferences, this otherworldly choice could be your perfect alternative to traditional diamonds.
Due to differences in their refraction, diamonds and moissanites each have a signature shine.
If you’re looking for a stone that provides a colorful light show, choose a moissanite ring.
Moissanites also have more brilliance overall than diamonds.
But while their remarkable fire may be a selling point for some people, others may find it overpowering.
In contrast, diamonds' brilliance gives them plenty of sparkle.
However, it’s less colorful, with a twinkle that’s more white or yellow and less rainbow-hued.
On the other hand, moissanite only has one option.
Each gem takes 2-3 months to create, notes theAmerican Gem Society.
Lab-grown diamonds have a comparable timetable: 6-10 weeks, perWalters & Hogsett Jewelers.
Since they are all lab-made, moissanites typically have the highest clarity with a minimum of imperfections.
For diamonds, it’s much more difficult to find a naturally-occurring stone that is as pristine.
In contrast, moissanites naturally have a hint of yellow, and the lab-made stones exhibit this trait.
Some older versions of moissanites even have a slight touch of green or gray color.
The tint is also more discernible in larger stones.
Just like diamonds, moissanites' color is graded by letter.
Moissanite-makerCharles & Colvardmoissanite is available in two color grades: colorless (DEF) and near-colorless (GH).
However, the two stones are a bit tricky to compare since moissanites are 15% lighter.
While they cost more upfront, diamonds have a consistent value going back millennia.
While moissanites may look like diamonds, they are their own unique stone, not a diamond substitute.
Fortunately, no matter which one you choose, both are hard-wearing stones.
So how to choose?
If you’re a diamond lover and are concerned about costs, consider a lab-grown diamond.
