Lab Grown Diamond Versus Mined Diamond.

If you like the idea of reducing your impact on our Earth then perhaps this article I have just written maybe of interest to you.

The Engagement Ring shopping experience is very personal so as an expert Goldsmith and Jeweller I will fill you in on the pros and cons of lab grown diamonds.

The first main difference between lab grown and mined is its origin. If you want to be sure your diamond is ethically sourced then lab grown is the way to go. Unfortunately a substantial amount of damage can be caused to our planet by mining and although we as jewellers do our best to ensure they are from and ethical source it is very hard to keep track of this.

So another pro to the lab grown alternative is saving money, they cost considerably less meaning two things, you can go for that size carat you have always dreamed of or you can have more money in your bank account. Most people can't see the difference between the two but there are still differences that can make or break your decision.

Moissanite is a gemstone originally discovered in a meteor crater so its literally a space rock!

Durability: Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It's second only to diamonds (which have a rating of 10). They're both hard enough for everyday wear, and won't scratch or break easily.

Sparkle: Both are beloved for their beautiful sparkles. But some astute observers can tell a difference. Moissanites usually have more of a rainbow sparkle, while diamonds emit a combination of colorless sparkle, rainbow sparkle, and flashes of light. Both are beautiful. What you like is your personal choice.

Cut: Both diamonds and moissanites are available in a variety of shapes.

BOTTOM LINE

Should you choose moissanite for the engagement ring? It's truly a personal choice. There's no law that says an engagement ring must be a diamond. All that matters is that you like it.

If you are on a budget, but want the look of a diamond, in our opinion, moissanite is the best. Don't think of it as a fake diamond. It's a very beautiful gem in its own right.