Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen a flurry of couples deciding to get engaged.
While many of these couples choose a traditional diamond engagement ring, an increasing number of clients find themselves looking to break the usual mold.
At Hingham Jewelers, we’ve seen couples exploring less-traditional diamond shapes, like pears and ovals.
Some couples are choosing to only wear a band, featuring sapphires and diamonds, for example.
We’ve also seen interest in lab-grown diamonds, as couples look for more economic ways to purchase the stone of their dreams.
There has also been increased interest in moissanite engagement rings.
WHAT IS MOISSANITE?
Moissanite is a synthetic diamond simulant.
It has very different chemical properties, as compared to a natural diamond. It’s physical properties are much different as well.
For starters, moissanite is very hard and durable. It’s still not as hard as a diamond, however.
Moissanite also produces about twice as much fire, and more brilliance, than natural diamonds.
In a large moissanite, the fire can be so noticeable that it’s called the ‘disco-ball effect’, making it clear that it couldn’t be a real natural diamond.
The inside of a moissanite can also look blurry, in part because of how the light moves through the stone.
IS A MOISSANITE THE SAME AS A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND?
A moissanite is not the same as a lab-grown diamond.
Remember, a moissanite is a diamond simulant.
It has different chemical properties than a natural diamond, although it’s made to look similar.
A lab-grown diamond, by contrast, has almost all the same chemical properties as a natural diamond. It is just made in the lab, instead of naturally formed.
SHOULD I BUY A MOISSANITE?
This is a very personal decision.
A natural diamond offers something unique that no other stone offers. No two stones are the same, just like couples, and each natural diamond takes millions of years to form. That’s a huge draw for most couples. It is something that will be cherished for years to come.
However, natural diamonds are more expensive. Moissanite can offer a more cost effective alternative to create your engagement ring.
As with every jewelry purchase, it’s critical to understand what you are buying, and each stone’s different characteristics.
If you would like to learn more about natural diamonds, lab-grown stones, moissanite, or which stone might work best in your budget, set up a consult with one of our specialists.