These Moissanite Engagement Rings Are The Affordable, Ethical Alternative To Earth-Mined Diamonds
While many of us adore traditional diamonds, we’re also aware that there are plenty of alternatives that can deliver a similar wow factor without breaking the bank or harming the environment. When it comes to eco-friendly and budget-conscious options, lab-created diamonds and moissanite engagement rings often top the list. To give you the inside scoop, we reached out to some of our favorite indie jewelers and were blown away by what they had to say.
Not only can these alternatives help reduce your environmental footprint, but they also offer a unique and stunning ring that’s sure to impress.
Diamond alternatives
Moissanite engagement rings
Moissanite, a natural gemstone, was first discovered in Arizona within a meteor crater. Although its creation process has shifted from natural to laboratory-based, no environmental disruption occurs. This is a stark contrast to diamonds, which are often associated with the luxury and glamour of a bygone era. Moissanite’s unique characteristic lies in its exceptional fire, boasting roughly double the amount found in diamonds.
The gemstone’s sparkle is comprised of two distinct elements: brilliance (white light) and fire (colored rainbow light). Jewelers can effortlessly differentiate between moissanite and diamond based on their fire, whereas most individuals are unable to detect a difference. What sets moissanite apart is its vibrant color palette, which far surpasses that of diamonds. This gemstone’s allure lies in its ability to blend traditional elegance with a touch of modern flair.
When it comes to durability, moissanite boasts a Mohs hardness score of 9.25, situated between diamond (10) and sapphire (9). This ranking is particularly important when considering gemstones for everyday wear. Notably, moissanite is significantly more affordable than diamonds, making larger stones more accessible at a lower price point.
Other lab-created diamonds
The production process of lab-created diamonds is remarkably eco-friendly, as they are literally created in a laboratory setting. These synthetic diamonds share the same optical, chemical, and physical properties as their natural counterparts. This similarity is advantageous because it allows for significant cost savings – lab-grown diamonds tend to be 20-30% more affordable than their earth-mined counterparts, enabling you to enjoy larger sizes or higher grades at a comparable price point.
In contrast, the environmental impact of traditional diamond mining remains substantial. Fortunately, both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds have partnered with reputable industry vendors, ensuring that sourcing practices are transparent and sustainable. With this assurance, you can relax knowing that your choice aligns with environmentally responsible standards. Now that you’re better informed about these alternatives, it’s likely you’re eager to see some examples in action.
Moissanite engagement rings
For those on a budget, there are plenty of stunning and affordable options available. The Star Wars Rebel Alliance moissanite engagement ring from MetalWendler is a standout choice, priced at just $200 for its pear-shaped design. Meanwhile, the Elvish halo engagement ring also from MetalWendler offers an emerald cut moissanite at a similarly budget-friendly price point of around $200.
For those looking to make a statement with a larger stone, the 5-carat pear-cut moissanite engagement ring is a beautiful option that still comes in under $200.
Lab created diamond rings
Imagine an emerald cut engagement ring crafted from lab-created diamonds, all for under $100. But that’s not all – this stunning piece of custom jewelry can be tailored to fit your unique style and preferences, with options for metal choice, gemstone selection, engraving, and more. For just a little more at $200, you can add an art deco touch to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
The beauty of custom jewelry lies in its ability to reflect the wearer’s personality, making this lab-created diamond engagement ring not only affordable but also a true reflection of your personal style.
