So your dream diamond engagement ring is… out of budget. By a long shot. You may be asking yourself, “Where do I go from here?” Don’t worry- there’s no need to delay your engagement. Here at Markman’s, we are committed to providing every person who walks through our doors with the highest quality engagement ring within their budget. In this post, we’ll take a look at some options besides a natural diamond. Keep reading if you want a large stone for a modest price point.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond
When it comes to diamond alternatives, two shining stars stand out: moissanites (which are literally stars) and lab-grown diamonds. Moissanites and lab-grown diamonds are popular alternatives for when a natural, earth-mined diamond is out of your budget. Let’s take a closer look at each alternative.
Moissanite
Born from the stars, moissanite gemstones are less expensive per carat than many other gemstones. Moissanite was discovered by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan in 1893. The mineral was discovered in a crater created by a meteorite that had crashed into the Arizona desert.
It is important to note that a moissanite is not a diamond; it is its own gemstone. Moissanite is carbon silicate, in contrast to a Diamond which is pure carbon. While moissanites and diamonds have very similar physical appearances, there is one specific distinction that can sometimes be seen with the naked eye- known as moissanite fire.
A gemstone’s “fire” is when light hits it and reflects, resulting in a sparkle and a prism of colors. The more colorful the reflection, the more fire a gemstone has. A moissanite’s fire exceeds that of diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald, as well as other popular gemstones. As a scientific measurement, moissanite’s dispersion is 0.104, which means it has 2.4 times the fire of a diamond. This is important to note, as some may feel that this is too noticeable of a difference between a moissanite and a diamond engagement ring.
Lab-Grown Diamond
Now, let’s take a look at lab-grown diamond rings. Created in a controlled environment, lab diamonds have the same brilliance as their earth-mined siblings. Plus, they’re just as durable as a natural diamond (both a 10 on the Mohs scale) but easier on your bank account. A 3-carat lab-grown diamond will cost you about 50% less than a 3-carat natural diamond.
When it comes to lab-grown vs natural diamonds, there are no visual differences between the two that can be seen with the naked eye. This could be a deciding factor if you are trying to choose between a lab diamond or a moissanite engagement ring.
The differences lie in how they are made, and their value. Lab-created diamonds are less valuable than natural diamonds. This is due in part because the technology required to create a lab-grown diamond is not rare, so they are not expected to appreciate over time. That being said, your main concern may not be the long-term investment of an earth-mined diamond. At Markman’s, we can help you find the right engagement ring in your style and budget.
Natural Diamond Alternatives
These options besides a natural diamond have opened up new possibilities for couples seeking beautiful engagement rings at a modest price point, without compromising on size or style. Have a conversation with your partner and see if they are more drawn to the celestial allure of a moissanite engagement ring, or if they prefer the traditional brilliance of a lab-grown diamond engagement ring.
Markman’s is here to help you find the perfect engagement ring while staying within your budget. You can expect to be impressed with our selection of moissanite and lab grown diamond engagement rings, and the exceptional service when you visit our jewelry stores in Chattanooga and Knoxville. Your engagement is just the beginning, and we are eager to be part of it.
Although appointments are never required at Markman’s, appointments are available for your convenience if requested.