When it comes to engagements rings, there are a few different types of stones to consider. Some types fit in budgets more than others, so let's break down the differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia as well as lab diamonds and natural diamonds.
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia
A great cost viable option when choosing an engagement ring is to opt for a diamond simulant. A diamond simulant is nearly identical in appearance to a regular diamond, but has a different genetic make-up.
Moissanite
Sometimes referred to as stardust or a space diamond, moissanite is believed to have come to earth on a meteor thousands of years ago. It was discovered by man in the late 1800's. Moissanite is also the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry today. Where a diamond scores a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, moissanite comes in at a close 9.25. This makes it very resistant to damage during daily wear. Surprisingly, moissanite as a stone is more heat resistant than diamonds, retaining its form and sparkle should it withstand extremely high temperatures.
Cubic Zirconia
Discovered in the 1930's, cubic zirconia, or CZ, is also a durable stone. It clocks in at an 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale. With this high of a score, cubic zirconia also stands as an ideal and durable option for daily wear. Cubic Zirconia, however, will need to be cleaned more often than moissanite, but it stands as a much cheaper option.
Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
There are not many visible differences to the untrained eye when it comes to lab-grown diamonds and natural or "organic" diamonds. However, it's always best to compare the two side by side to asses your own personal preference. Every customer will have different thoughts when choosing their perfect stone.
Lab-grown diamonds take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks to develop in a lab, whereas diamonds mined today were created anywhere from 1 to 3 billion years ago. This stark difference alone gives natural diamonds a much higher retail value. Additionally, a naturally grown diamond will only become more valuable over time, given its inherent symbolic value in its vast amount of time on earth. Lab diamonds, or synthetic diamonds, simply do not hold the same value. It's always up to the customer to decide what's most meaningful to them. Both diamond types are incredibly striking to the eye.
We encourage you to visit our website and book an appointment today to compare and contrast the type of stone that will be most meaningful to you. Give us a call today at 404-681-0379.
