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Engagement is the most memorable event of a person’s life. Whenever one thinks about an engagement ring, the image of an elegant diamond ring pops into their mind.
Engagement rings are best paired with diamonds; the stone and the occasion have a sentimental bond. However, there are other materials available that are pocket-friendly and offer competitive beauty. One such gemstone is called moissanite.
Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan. The discovery won him the Nobel prize, and the stone was named after the discoverer. The external appearance of the gemstone resembles diamonds so much that scientists first thought it was a diamond. However, further inspections revealed that the atoms were of silicon carbide. Buying the gem requires a lot of careful considerations, including the moissanite price per carat.
Comparing Moissanite and Diamonds
Both gemstones look identical at first look, but there are always some ways to tell them apart. Here is the list of aspects in which moissanite differs from diamonds.
Brilliance
The most visible difference between the two gemstones is their capacity to bend light. Moissanite reflects more light than diamond, so it is more sparkly. The refractive index of a diamond is 2.42, while that of a moissanite is 2.65. In addition to its higher refractive index, moissanite also has more white-light dispersion meaning the sparkles are more colorful.
Durability
Mohs Scale expresses the tendency of the stone to withstand scratches. Moissanite scored 9.25, while diamonds scored ten on the scale. Because of the exceptionally high endurance value, diamonds are more durable than moissanite and less prone to scratches. Both gemstones are ideal for daily wear, but diamonds are more reliable.
Sparkle Retention
The primary constituent of moissanite is silicon. Therefore it is dirt and dust-resistant compared to a diamond. The gemstone’s chemical composition allows it to retain its sparkle much longer than diamonds.
Color
Since diamonds have a less dispersion figure, they exhibit pure white brilliance without hues. In comparison, moissanites have a more dispersion rate, so slight shades of blue, yellow, or grey are visible in them—the bigger the stone, the more visibility of the colors.
Price
Moissanites are considerably less expensive than diamonds. However, the final price of the stone depends upon the size. In comparison, a diamond of the same size is reasonably costly. Moissanites are cultivated in labs, while diamonds are lab-made and naturally occurring. However, natural ones are more expensive than lab-made diamonds.
Eco-Friendliness
Moissanites make an ideal choice for users looking to buy eco-friendly gemstones as they don’t require mining and are produced in controlled environments, which lowers their carbon footprint. In comparison, diamonds are mined, so they are not as eco-friendly.
The Bottom Line
Diamonds and moissanites may look identical, but they differ in several aspects. Moissanites are less expensive, shine-retaining, and eco-friendly. In comparison, diamonds offer pure white elegance and more durability but are significantly costly.
Deciding on a gemstone for your special occasion depends upon many things. Some common factors which influence your purchase include budget, preferences, etc. However, selecting the gem also requires a good deal of contemplation.
If you are willing to make a trade for a slightly shaded brilliance for eco-friendliness, durability, and inexpensiveness, then moissanites are your go-to. And if you want luxury and reliable elegance, you can pick diamonds.
