Diamonds vs. Diamond Alternatives

Diamonds are one of the strongest naturally occurring substances on Earth. They are able to withstand almost anything, which makes sense why diamonds have been used to symbolize forever love and commitment. While still maintaining their status as being the most common center stone in an engagement ring, diamonds are no longer the only option couples have. Colorful gemstones and moissanite diamonds are among the most popular alternatives. 

You’re probably wondering, “what’s the difference?” or “which one is right for me?” – so, let's break it down. 

Moissanite 
If you’re on a budget and looking for an alternative that closely resembles a diamond, then the best option for you is a moissanite diamond. Moissanites were first discovered in 1893, and were thought to be diamonds and it wasn’t till later that they realized that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide rather than carbon like real diamonds. 

Since engagement rings are typically intended for daily wear, durability is an important factor to keep in mind. Moissanite is the second hardest mineral in the world behind diamonds, making them one of the best alternatives when it comes to durability. 

The biggest visual difference between moissanite and diamonds is brilliance. Moissanites have a higher refractive index than diamonds as well as a unique facet pattern, resulting in a sort of “disco ball” effect. This unique sparkle is why many people gravitate towards moissanite, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. 

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of moissanite is it’s price point. Since natural moissanite is actually incredibly rare, it must be produced in a lab. 1 carat of moissanite might cost you $600-$700 whereas a 1 carat diamond can cost you anywhere from $3,000-$27,000.  

Colorful Gemstones
If you’re looking for a more unique alternative, there is a wide range of colorful gemstones available for you to choose from. Some options to consider are sapphires, rubies, emeralds, morganite, amethyst, and opal. 

As mentioned before, durability is an important factor to keep in mind when considering a colored gemstone for your engagement ring. While some gemstones can be strong, none are as strong as a diamond. Of these options, rubies and sapphires are the most recommended when it comes to daily wear. Morganite and emeralds are said to be suitable for daily wear but will require a bit more attention and care to prevent scratching. Stones such as amethyst and opal are one of the least recommended for daily wear as they are much softer and can scratch much easier. 

Each of these options bring something different to the table visually compared to a simple white diamond. When picking a colored gemstone, it’s important to keep in mind that they won’t be as versatile, so make sure to pick a color that you love and won’t grow tired of. 

One of the most appealing attributes when choosing a gemstone is because they are much more affordable than diamonds. When opting for a gemstone, you can get something much bigger for much less.

When it comes to picking your jewelry, there are a lot of options out there and it can be overwhelming. Most of the time the choice comes down to personal values and preferences. There is never a wrong answer. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any outstanding questions or need help exploring the right option for you.


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