Although diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, there are other gemstones that can be used as well. There are several options available if you prefer something different, including stones that strikingly resemble diamonds, such moissanite.
The mineral silicon carbide, which makes up moissanite, is extremely rare and cannot be found in sufficient quantities in nature to be cut into even a one-carat gemstone. For this reason, unlike diamonds, which are naturally occurring, the moissanite used in fine jewelry is produced in a laboratory.
Apart from their different origins, the two gemstones have plenty more distinctions.
Price
The cost of moissanite is perhaps its greatest advantage over diamonds, as it is much less expensive. Larger, higher-quality moissanite stones typically cost less than smaller, lower-quality diamonds. Moissanite is a good alternative to huge diamonds if you desire a large carat, white gemstone but lack the funds to buy one. A colorless diamond with the highest clarity grade is entirely out of reach for many people.
Durability
Diamonds are renowned for being resistant to abrasions. Although diamonds are exceptionally hard, they are not the toughest mineral, therefore they can still break or chip. They are the hardest naturally occurring mineral and can survive practically any sort of wear and tear. They are still a great option for daily use, particularly for an engagement ring.
Moissanite isn't far behind, though. Moissanite is second only to diamonds in terms of hardness on the Mohs scale. On a scale of one to 10, diamonds receive a 10, whereas moissanite receives a 9.25 to 9.5.
Brilliance
Their brilliance is the primary distinction between moissanite and diamonds. Generally speaking, moissanite could shine brighter than a diamond. Moissanite sparkles more than any other gemstone because it has greater fire and brilliance. It is cut differently than diamonds to enhance the shine because it is double refractive. As the dispersion value of a moissanite is more than double that of a diamond, the former one will have a rainbow-like effect while diamonds reflect whiter light. (The left is a diamond, and the right is moissanite)
Color
Diamonds and moissanites can both be colorless or include some color. A diamond's color is rated on a scale of D to Z, where Z is a pale yellow or brown and D is colorless. Historically, moissanite has had a yellowish or greenish hue to it. But since producers have improved their production methods over time, you can now get excellent moissanite that is colorless.
Which to Buy
With sufficient fiscal budget, you can buy diamonds. If not, why not buying a bright and quality mossanite at more affordable prices? When you decide to choose a mossanite, the most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you may find moissanite for a fair price and shouldn't settle for a stone with obvious clarity or color flaws.