Choosing an Engagement Ring Stone
When shopping for an engagement ring, cost typically plays a major role in choosing the style, metal, and gemstone. Should you opt for traditional diamonds, or consider a manmade stone like moissanite or cubic zirconium? First, it’s crucial to understand the unique characteristics of each option.
While many might think the differences between moissanite, cubic zirconium, and diamonds are minimal, each stone actually offers a distinct effect.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is literally out of this world. Henri Moissan discovered this remarkable stone in 1893, finding microscopic particles in a meteorite crater in Arizona. Initially, Moissan assumed these particles were diamonds, but upon closer examination, he identified them as silicon carbide.
Because natural moissanite is extremely rare, most moissanite gems are now lab-created. Though moissanite is designed to resemble a diamond, there are several key differences.
Moissanite vs Diamond Side by Side
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, moissanite is rated slightly lower than diamonds, with a score of 9.25 compared to the diamond’s perfect 10. Despite this, moissanite is still very durable and suitable for everyday wear as an engagement ring. As for brilliance, moissanite creates a rainbow-like effect due to its unique faceted pattern, which some adore and others find too flashy. Diamonds, by contrast, offer their signature sparkle.
Though colorless diamonds appear pure white, “colorless” moissanites may exhibit yellow or gray tints. However, moissanite’s affordability is a major advantage; moissanite engagement rings cost significantly less than diamond rings. Even lab-made diamonds, despite being more expensive than moissanite, are cheaper than naturally mined diamonds.
Cubic Zirconium Origins
Cubic zirconium engagement rings are another common diamond alternative. Completely lab-manufactured, this stone replicates the sparkle of a natural diamond. Named for its cubic crystal symmetry and zirconium oxide composition, cubic zirconia is prized for its low maintenance while still mimicking the look of a diamond.
Unlike moissanite, cubic zirconia can be made entirely colorless, making it comparable to diamonds in terms of color. Though naturally occurring cubic zirconia was discovered by German mineralogists, its single-crystal form was first manufactured in France in the 1960s and later perfected by the Soviets. While both lab-made diamonds and cubic zirconia are artificial, the former is composed of carbon atoms like natural diamonds, whereas cubic zirconia is merely designed to look like diamonds.
Diamonds vs Cubic Zirconium
Cubic zirconia is significantly cheaper than diamonds, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking specific styles or settings. Additionally, cubic zirconia orders usually have shorter wait times compared to diamonds.
Though durable, cubic zirconia doesn’t match the hardness of diamonds, rating 8.5 on the Mohs Scale. However, its artificial creation means cubic zirconia is typically flawless, unlike diamonds, which are rarely perfect.
For unmatched shine, diamonds are the go-to choice. Cubic zirconia has a lower refractive index, capturing light differently and shining less than diamonds. While each stone has its advantages and disadvantages, diamonds remain the preferred choice for engagement rings. With a perfect 10 rating for hardness, diamonds are incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear, offering pure color without yellow or gray tints. Their unmatched sparkle and shine make diamonds the ultimate symbol of luxury.
Identifying Natural and Simulated Diamonds
Identifying whether a diamond is natural or simulated involves recognizing notable differences:
- Natural diamonds usually have a brighter color and higher sparkle compared to simulants like cubic zirconia, which have a lower refractive index. A spectrometer can help analyze the structural and growth patterns in the carbon substance.
- Thermal conductivity tests can distinguish diamonds, which conduct and react to heat, from most simulants. Moissanite, a diamond simulant, can even conduct electricity.
- Simulants often have lower hardness on the Mohs scale, making them more prone to chipping or breakage. They are typically flawless and very colorless due to their artificial creation.
- Price is a significant indicator; if a “diamond” is significantly cheaper, it may not be natural.
