A guide to natural diamond, lab grown diamond and moissanite engagement rings

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the type of stone to incorporate.  Traditionally, diamonds have been the go to stones for engagement rings. In this post we'll look into lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds, and moissanites. Each stone has its own unique characteristics, so it's important to understand the differences before making a decision.

The Mohs scale is a measure of a mineral's hardness, or its resistance to scratching. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest mineral (diamond) and 1 being the softest (talc). The Mohs scale is used to determine a mineral's durability, and it helps gemologists and jewelry makers to understand how resistant a gemstone is to scratching, chipping, and other types of damage. When choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry, it's important to consider its placement on the Mohs scale to ensure that it will withstand everyday wear and tear.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory using advanced technology. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, and they are becoming increasingly popular for use in engagement rings.

Advantages of lab grown diamonds include:

  • Affordability: Lab grown diamonds are often more affordable than natural diamonds. 

  • Ethical concerns: Lab grown diamonds are often seen as a more ethical option than natural diamonds, as they are not mined from the earth and do not contribute to environmental damage or exploitation of human rights during the mining process.

  • Quality: Lab grown diamonds are of the same high quality as natural diamonds, making them a great choice for those who want value for their money.

  • Diamonds are rated as a 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them the hardest mineral. This high rating means that diamonds are highly resistant to scratches, chips, and other types of damage, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of jewelry. The hardness of a diamond is one of the key factors that contributes to its durability and longevity, and it is why diamonds have been treasured for centuries as symbols of love and commitment.

Explore our lab grown diamond engagement rings here

Natural Diamonds

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over millions of years. They are formed from carbon under intense heat and pressure. Over time, volcanic eruptions bring diamonds closer to the surface where they can be mined. The process of diamond formation takes place over a long period of time, making diamonds one of the oldest materials on Earth. They have been treasured for their beauty and rarity, and have been used as symbols of love and commitment for centuries.

Advantages of natural diamonds include:

  • Tradition: Natural diamonds are a classic and traditional choice for engagement rings, and they have been used for centuries.

  • Quality: Natural diamonds are of the highest quality, and they are known for their durability and brilliance.

  • Rarity: Natural diamonds are a rare and precious gemstone, making them a symbol of enduring love and commitment. 

  • Diamonds are rated as a 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them the hardest mineral. This high rating means that diamonds are highly resistant to scratches, chips, and other types of damage, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other types of jewelry. The hardness of a diamond is one of the key factors that contributes to its durability and longevity, and it is why diamonds have been treasured for centuries as symbols of love and commitment.

Explore our signature natural diamond engagement rings here

Moissanites

Moissanites are a type of gemstone that is made from silicon carbide and is often used as a diamond substitute in engagement rings. They are known for their brilliance and fire, and they are becoming increasingly popular as a budget-friendly alternative to diamonds.

Advantages of moissanites include:

  • Affordability: Moissanites are much more affordable than diamonds, making them a great choice for those on a budget.

  • Durability: Moissanites are incredibly durable, and they are known for their resistance to scratching and chipping.

  • Brilliance: Moissanites are known for their brilliance and fire, making them a great choice for those who want a diamond-like sparkle.

  • Moissanites are rated as a 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes them a very hard and durable gemstone. Although not as hard as diamonds, moissanites are still considered to be a highly scratch-resistant and durable choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Their placement on the Mohs scale, combined with their brilliance and fire, make moissanites a popular alternative to diamonds for those who want a gemstone that is both beautiful and durable.

Explore our moissanite engagement ring here

The Bottom Line

When choosing an engagement ring, it's important to consider your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds, and moissanites each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences before making a decision. Whether you choose a lab grown diamond, a natural diamond, or a moissanite, the most important thing is to choose a ring that represents your love and commitment.

Book a complimentary in person or virtual consultation here to discover your forever ring. 

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