Diamonds have long been synonymous with opulence, luxury, and the grand spectacle of love—marriage! So when it comes to proposing, opting for anything less than a genuine diamond is like showing up to London Fashion Week in your house slippers (unironically)…a fail. Or is it? In the realm of monumental moments, it’s always been the real bling that steals the spotlight – but that could be about to change…
A new trend in weddings: A moissanite engagement ring…
For some reason, the diamond engagement ring is just one of those traditions that has stuck around – despite so many other traditions falling by the wayside. After all, how many of us still feel compelled to get married in a church or believe that the father of the bride should pay for the entire wedding? – Not many. Times have moved on, so why do so many brides still feel pressured into thinking that a diamond ring is an essential part of tying the knot – despite the allure of more budget-friendly alternatives? This is why when a TikTok sensation called Hannah Williams decided to challenge the status quo, it hit the press.
What could be so different about Hannah’s wedding that it was worthy of press coverage? She simply chose to save money on her wedding by opting for a range of cheaper options – from the wedding dress to the wedding rings. breaking free from traditional expectations, Hannah chose moissanite over traditional diamonds for her engagement ring, stating, “I felt [$2,000] was a fair amount to spend—I’m just hoping I don’t lose it in 10 years.”
With so many of us having to deal with rising costs, this sounds like pretty logical thinking, especially when you look at how many couples have landed themselves in debt following a big wedding – often spending years to pay it off. But if every detail, from the choice of the ‘perfect ring’ to the creation of a profoundly meaningful setting, can play a vital role in elevating the occasion – is it possible to have both?
Diamonds are forever, but so are moissanite rings…
The truth is, when choosing the ring, most of us prioritise the look – this makes total sense as you’ll be wearing it forever (hopefully) – your ring needs to reflect your personal style. But what about the story behind your ring? If you are not inheriting a family heirloom, buying a new ring can have ethical implications. In truth, the realm of ethical considerations extends beyond diamonds and includes the entire gemstone spectrum, from diamonds to moissanite. These ethics are intricately woven with factors such as mining practices in diamond-producing regions and the environmental footprint associated with the production of lab-created gemstones too. That said, a moissanite engagement ring is generally perceived as a more sustainable AND ethical choice.
Diamond vs Moissanite
Moissanites are created in laboratories – ensuring that their production is conflict-free. Unlike some diamonds, which may come from regions associated with unethical mining practices, moissanites offer a guaranteed ethical origin, which is a real plus point for the more considered buyer. Diamond mining can also have a significant environmental impact, causing deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. Lab-created moissanites, on the other hand, require less energy and have a smaller ecological footprint, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
‘Lab-created moissanites offer better traceability in terms of their origin and manufacturing process. This transparency is increasingly important to consumers who want to make informed and ethical choices.’
Knowing your diamond ring is not the product of unethical and unsustainable practices surely makes it more special, doesn’t it?
And, of course, there is the difference in price. Traditional diamonds can be expensive due to factors such as rarity and marketing. Moissanites are more affordable, allowing couples to choose a beautiful and ethical option without the high price tag associated with many diamonds. So again, is it possible to have both?
The look: Does moissanite have the bling effect?
The million dollar question! Can moissanite truly match up to the brilliance and durability of a real diamond? The answer: Pretty much. Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just slightly below diamonds, which hold a perfect 10. While diamonds are slightly harder, some say that moissanite boasts more fire and brilliance. The refractive index, measuring a stone’s ability to bend light, further supports moissanite’s sparkle, with a range of 2.65-2.69, surpassing diamonds with a refractive index of 2.42.
Once you figure out the science, it may all sound too good to be true. But, while moissanite’s affordability and unique sparkle make it an attractive choice, moissanite may be prone to scratching over time (although this is unlikely, considering moissanite stones are very hard! Almost as hard as diamonds!). Finally, when it comes to sparkle, the visual similarities between moissanite mean many would struggle to differentiate between the two without specialised equipment.
So it comes down to this – the choice between moissanite and diamonds is all about personal preference, lifestyle, and values. One thing is for sure: as the popularity of moissanite continues to rise, it will prompt a rethink of the traditional notions associated with engagement rings – let’s see if it can prove that beauty and meaning can be found beyond the confines of conventional bling.