While the tradition of expressing one’s commitment has varied throughout the ages and across cultures, the diamond engagement ring became a popular symbol to mark the promise of eternal love.
The first famous diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy.
Diamond engagement rings became increasingly popular and ornate during Victorian times due to Queen Victoria’s famed love for diamond jewelry. Up until the 1940s, diamonds were just one among numerous gems used as engagement ring stones. Their wild popularity is mainly due to De Beers, the diamond giant that controlled the majority of the world’s diamonds at the time. By the 50s and 60s, diamond culture was in full swing. Giving expensive diamonds was a man’s way of showing a woman that she was “worth it.” It was also his way of demonstrating his earning power.
Diamonds still signify the celebration of a union and cherished memory, though more couples are switching to a new gem, Moissanite.
More brilliant than a diamond, yet incredibly affordable?
Moissanite, originally discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater, is a very rare gem. Therefore, moissanite, as we know it today, is almost exclusively lab-grown.
Moissanite, originally discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater, is a very rare gem. Therefore, moissanite, as we know it today, is almost exclusively lab-grown. Moissanite was introduced to the jewelry market in 1998 after Charles & Colvard, received patents to create and market lab-grown silicon carbide gemstones, becoming the first firm to do so. Charles & Colvard currently makes and distributes moissanite jewelry and loose gems under the trademarks Forever One, Forever Brilliant, and Forever Classic.
The lab creation of moissanite has been perfected, resulting in little to no inclusions. Finding totally flawless moissanite will be easier than a flawless diamond; but characteristics more obvious to the naked eye, including color and sparkle, are usually favored.
Moissanite gems have greater fire, meaning their sparkle can appear ‘rainbow’ like, essentially equating to a very colorful sparkle. This can be pretty noticeable, particularly with larger moissanites.
Moissanite is minimally softer than a diamond, measuring 9.25 on the Mohs scale. In contrast, Diamond is the hardest material found in nature, measuring 10 on the Mohs scale.
Let’s talk about price and value of Diamond and Moissanite.
Moissanite is very budget-friendly, and more economical alternative to natural diamonds. Diamonds on the other hand sell for a much higher price than moissanite, but also retain their value far greater.
When shopping for an engagement ring and making a decision to go with a Moissanite vs. Diamond, always consider what’s important to you more; a bigger look at an affordable price or stored value at a hefty investment.