Center Stone: Natural Vs Lab-Grown Diamond Vs Moissanite

September 16, 2022

When you first start looking for an engagement ring Elleroses packages, you might feel a little overloaded by all of the different centerstone options that are available to you. You could have even been under theimpression that the only option available to you was a real diamond, but todayyou have the choice between a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond, and moissanite.The question now is, how do you choose the center stone that is most suitablefor you?

 

In this blog post, we go into the specificsof each possible center stone selection. In order to assist guide you throughthe process of making a selection, we will give you with an overview of majorfeatures, price comparisons, and a few things to think about.

 

What exactly is a diamond that has beengrown naturally?

The formation of natural diamonds occurredaround 2.9 billion years ago in an environment that was very hot andpressurized and was located several hundred miles below the surface of theEarth. Gemstones like these were propelled to the surface by volcanic action,where they awaited exploration until they were found.

 

In spite of the fact that natural diamondsare composed entirely of carbon, the great majority of them also include minutequantities of other elements. These diamonds may, in certain instances, includetrace levels of nitrogen, which has the effect of absorbing blue light andimparting a faint yellow hue to the stone as a result. In addition, the vastmajority of natural diamonds include minute inclusions, often known as flaws,which are caused by the incorporation of extraneous components into the naturaldiamond while it is still in the process of forming.

 

What exactly is a diamond that was grown ina lab?

Even though the first lab-grown diamond wascreated in the 1950s for use in industry, gem-quality lab-grown diamonds didnot become available on the market until the middle of the 2010s. The chemicalcomposition and physical appearance of a lab-grown diamond are exactly the sameas those of a natural diamond. The only difference between the two kinds ofcenter stones is that lab-grown diamonds are formed in a laboratory rather thanin nature. In point of fact, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC)considers diamonds created in laboratories to be "genuine" diamonds.

 

The facets, and hence the brightness, of adiamond that was created in a lab are identical to those of a naturallyoccurring diamond. Because diamonds created in laboratories are still genuinediamonds, they may be fashioned into jewelry just like mined diamonds.

 

What exactly is the Moissanite?

Dr. Henri Moissan was the first person todiscover the rare gem known as moissanite, which was found in shards ofmeteorites. Natural moissanite is very hard to come by, thus almost all of themoissanite used in engagement rings is synthetically manufactured in alaboratory.

 

This imitation diamond features facets thatare cut in a different way than either naturally occurring or lab-growndiamonds. In addition, the refractive index of moissanite is higher than thatof diamonds, which provides them with a greater amount of sparkle and fire. Onthe Mohs scale of mineral hardness, moissanite scores a9.25, which puts it onpar with both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds.

 

Comparing Different Center StoneCharacteristics

Comparing the shape, color, clarity, andcarat weight of several gemstones is the first thing you should do when tryingto decide which will make the most beautiful centerpiece for your engagementring.

 

Cut Both natural and lab-grown diamonds areavailable in a broad range of cuts and shapes, including the round"brilliant" cut as well as fancy forms. The GIA assigns a cut gradeto every diamond that it examines.

 

Moissanite may be fashioned into anydiamond-like cut or shape and can be set in any diamond-like manner. If youlike the look of an older era, you may also be able to locate specific moissaniteengagement rings that have been cut in an antique style. Cushion, emerald, andround are the three cuts of moissanite that are the most sought after.

 

Color

Both natural diamonds and lab-growndiamonds are graded on a scale developed by the GIA that ranges from D to Z.Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds may include a very tiny tint of yellowor gray. Diamonds with a color grade of D, E, or F are regarded to becolorless, whilst diamonds with a color grade of G, H, or I are thought to benearly colorless.

 

Moissanite does not exhibit any color inits natural state, and the only grades of moissanite that are considered to besimilar to diamonds are D through I.

 

Clarity

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds areevaluated using the GIA clarity scale, which takes into account the presence offlaws while also taking brilliance into account. Both types of diamonds aresusceptible to inclusions for the same reason: they are formed in anenvironment that is an exact replica of that in which real diamonds are formed.

 

Moissanite, on the other hand, is producedin an atmosphere that is very strictly regulated, which enables the developmentof a consistent product that has a high level of clarity and very few flaws.The producer or seller of the stone will typically offer the clarity rating forthe moissanite they sell using a scale that is similar to the GIA system usedto grade the color of diamonds.

 

Carat

Moissanite is measured in millimeters, butnatural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are measured in carats. Naturaldiamonds are rarer than lab-grown diamonds. A moissanite that is 6.5millimeters in diameter is comparable to a 1 carat diamond, while a moissanitethat is 8.5 millimeters in diameter is equivalent to a 2 carat diamond.

 

Clarity

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds areevaluated using the GIA clarity scale, which takes into account the presence offlaws while also taking brilliance into account. Both types of diamonds aresusceptible to inclusions for the same reason: they are formed in an environmentthat is an exact replica of that in which real diamonds are formed.

 

Moissanite, on the other hand, is producedin an atmosphere that is very strictly regulated, which enables the developmentof a consistent product that has a high level of clarity and very few flaws.The producer or seller of the stone will typically offer the clarity rating forthe moissanite they sell using a scale that is similar to the GIA system usedto grade the color of diamonds.

 

Carat

Moissanite is measured in millimeters, butnatural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are measured in carats. Naturaldiamonds are rarer than lab-grown diamonds. A moissanite that is 6.5millimeters in diameter is comparable to a 1 carat diamond, while a moissanitethat is 8.5 millimeters in diameter is equivalent to a 2 carat diamond.

 

If you're looking for the most glimmer andshine possible...

The three possible center stones each havetheir own unique glitter and brightness, which will let them to reflect lightin a lovely way. Moissanite does have a greater refractive index than a naturalor lab-grown diamond, which results in more fire being produced by thegemstone.

 

If you respect sustainability…

Considering an item's impact on theenvironment before making a purchase is becoming more and more common. It isnow much simpler to buy an engagement ring that does not harm the environmentthanks to the development of alternatives such as moissanite and lab-growndiamonds.

 

If you want the look of a diamond withoutthe price tag of a diamond...

A lab-grown diamond is an excellent choiceif you are looking for a diamond that won't cause you to fall behind on yourpayments for your student loans. These two center stones are practicallyindistinguishable from one another due to the fact that they have the samecharacteristics as genuine diamonds in terms of their clarity, color, and cut.

 

If you are looking for something beautifulthat is also affordable...

The ideal material to choose for anengagement ring is moissanite since it combines a stunning appearance with anaffordable price range. Moissanite may be purchased for a fraction of the priceof a genuine diamond while possessing equivalent qualities such as shine andbrightness.

 

Figuring Out Which Stone Will Serve as YourCenter Piece

We are here to assist you through eachstage of the engagement ring purchasing process, beginning with the selectionof a style and continuing all the way through to the resizing of the ring. Ourdesign advisors are well-versed in the world of diamonds and gemstones, andthey are ready to collaborate with you to create the ideal engagement ring tosuit your aesthetic preferences as well as your financial constraints.