Battle of the Stones, Diamond or Moissanite for your Engagement Ring?

Diamond or Moissanite for your Engagement Ring?

In light of some recent price hikes of Moissanites, we have noticed other retailers selling Moissanite Rings that are JUST as expensive as pure carbon lab-grown diamonds. As a fine Custom-Jeweller we are often asked whether we recommend Diamond or Moissanite for Engagement Rings. There seems to be an endless amount of advice out there. So we looked to answer the question ourselves.

We had our experts dig deeper into the subject to find out which is worthy for your Engagement Ring!
Keep reading below to see our expert insights and learn the differences between the two.

Visual Differences
Transparency
First our experts note the visual differences between a loose Diamond and Moissanite when placed side by side. Alongside each other it is evident that a Moissanite stone possesses a more glass-like clear transparent appearance and a Diamond has a denser look to the stone. When placed on a surface you can see straight through a Moissanite, where a Diamond refracts the light and makes it more difficult to clearly see through. This is one of the unique optical properties of a Diamond - their ability to break light, as light rays do not pass directly through a diamond but instead are broken and reflected back.

Depth and Clarity
The second thing our experts see is that a Diamond has a depth and clarity in appearance. The unique makeup of a Diamond and their density means any dust, oil, dirt or debris from daily wear will not obvious or seen through the stone. It is more difficult for them to lose their sparkle. With a Moissanite and their crystal/glass like appearance, the level of transparency will make markings or normal everyday dirt or oil build ups more obvious on the stone. So facets of the Moissanites can quite easily have a hazy or cloudy appearance from dirt, oil from lotion or a fingerprint marking.

Our experts notice that Moissanites reflect and catch or mirror more of their environment. They can present a grey, dark yellow or green cast in certain settings. In contrast loose Diamonds are less reactive and tend to go white or gray depending on changes in the environment.

Sparkle
The third thing our experts notice is the difference in sparkle. Diamonds offer a simple clean white sparkle, whilst the Moissanites sparkle rainbows. Diamonds feature a clear, single hue-brilliance showing a more refined sparkle. The premise behind this is they direct the light they absorb in sophisticated ways. Moissanites have extreme fire and sparkle like disco balls. Light refracts off a Moissanite differently, their colourful rainbows flash much more intensely than a Diamond.

A Diamond will sparkle white light and may reflect a rainbow onto a surface (fire of a Diamond through dispersion). Where a Moissanite will sparkle rainbows from the surface of the stone. Side by side the Diamond appears to ‘catch’ the light and sparkle back, whereas it looks as though light bounces directly off the surface of Moissanite.   

Status and Value
Prestige & Tradition
When staying true to heritage Diamonds reign supreme. Following generations of tradition, the custom of presenting a Diamond to propose marriage has been around for more than 500 years. Choosing a diamond conveys a sense of respect - investing in the highest quality for your loved one. They are engrained with a strong symbolism of loyalty and commitment. Diamonds are a status symbol as they are widely cherished and quickly admired by others due to their prestige.

Moissanites do not yet have the same heirloom quality that Diamonds do. They are still a relatively new option for Rings as lab-grown Moissanite has only gained attention in more recent years. Moissanite is often chosen based on price and affordability instead of lifespan or legacy. For this reason the lifespan is still relatively unknown as they have not yet been widely tested, whereas the durability of a Diamond is proven and guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Authenticity and Certification
Diamonds are subjected to a multitude of quality control tests meaning they are more accurately valued and regulated. Certified Diamonds are accompanied with grading certificates from independent forensic labs. These accredited Gemological Laboratories (such as GIA, IGI, GCAL) provide a detailed analysis of the 4C’s, measurements, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, proportion measurements, clarity details (a map of Diamond inclusions) and diamond inscription number. A Diamond’s authenticity may also be verified by checking the corresponding laser inscription (an engraved serial number seen only under a microscope) with the appropriate lab for a copy of this report for peace of mind. The price of the Diamond is reflected within this grading. 

There is not yet any globally recognised grading lab for Moissanites for inspection by trained gemologists. Moissanites are commonly graded by the manufacturer/seller rather than international certification. Some are accompanied with a GRA certificate. Unlike GIA, IGI or GCAL certificates, a GRA certificate is more similar to a detailed receipt that acknowledges the cut of the stone. Currently, Moissanites are widely untested stones.

Composition
Our experts can get a little technical and compare the chemical makeup of each stone. Diamonds are pure carbon, whereas Moissanites are silicon carbide. Carbon is a denser element and heavier than moissanite, meaning that a Diamond weighs around 15%-20% more than a Moissanite. Diamonds are measured by weight (carat) and Moissanites are measured by millimetres (mm).

The verdict
An Engagement Ring is the ultimate expression of love. It represents a significant investment of value in design and quality. For this reason, at Janai we recommend Diamonds as the best option for Engagement Rings.

Our experts prefer the more elegant clear and single-hue sparkle of a Diamond for such a timeless piece. The refined optical qualities of a Diamond including their depth, clarity and the sophisticated way in which they refract light is unrivalled. Diamonds are also the strongest and most durable of any precious stone making it an ideal option for everyday wear.

We believe everybody deserves a real diamond for their Engagement Ring.

Not simply for their tradition and prestige, but also for the involved certification process that ensures high quality and authenticity of Diamonds. An expression of love and that can be worn with pride following generations of tradition. Diamonds are by far the most popularly used in fine jewellery. Quality over price will always be a sustainable choice. 

Our experts believe a Moissanite is an ideal choice for a Travel Ring, a solution to travel with peace of mind whilst leaving your more valuable, sentimental diamonds safely at home.

At Janai, we are now offering a limited edition Travel Ring
A classic solitaire setting with a complimentary equally valued 2ct Round Brilliant Cut Moissanite OR Cubic Zirconia in White Gold for $888    

     

Our travel rings are available to clients who purchase a natural or lab-grown diamond engagement ring as a complement to their real diamond ring.
With a choice of Moissanite or equal value Cubic Zirconia centre 2ct stone.