We’re experiencing unparalleled times; pandemics, wars, prices rises and increasing environmental issues. It’s easy to feel a bit gloomy, but – in the immortal words of D:Ream – things can only get better (she says, with fingers firmly crossed!)
Over the last few years, we’ve had time to rethink everything – including engagements and weddings – with couples having to postpone, or scale back plans, many are reassessing what’s really important. And with many wanting to make more sustainable choices, there’s a real shift away from some wedding traditions, which frankly, feel a little out-dated.
According to the Independent Newspaper, millennials are turning their backs on unethical and expensive gems – but it’s not just millennials. Spending a huge amount on a diamond engagement ring just isn’t a priority for so many couples these days with many putting their hard-earned cash into buying a home, a honeymoon-to-remember or the wedding itself instead.
Changing times
Before COVID, excess was king. Influencers seemed to have everything, and we were urged to chase that dream too. But now many are asking – do we want to get into debt for a diamond ring we can’t afford? Do we want to risk contributing to conflict or blood-diamonds?
The good news is, there’s a way which will not only save you money, but is 100% guaranteed conflict free and you won’t have to compromise on style! Simply switch the diamond for a sparkling moissanite.
What is a moissanite?
Moissanites are a brilliantly sparkly, colourless stone, with a similar appearance to diamonds. They were discovered in fragments of a meteorite in 1893 by the scientist Dr. Henri Moissan, when they landed from space – yes, SPACE – and initially mistaken for diamonds.
As meteorites containing the gems are rare, scientists developed a thermal growing process to create the crystals in a lab, simulating natural conditions to replicate the silicon carbide gems.
The process takes two to three months to create a single stone, which is then cut in specific angles and proportions to enhance its brilliance. Moissanites are available in all of the same shapes as diamonds. Flawless Moissanite sells amazing flawless stones available in various shapes and sizes, from a classic 0.50ct (6.0 x 4.5mm), right up to a whopping 5.00ct (12 x 10.0mm)!
Moissanite durability
Natural diamonds are made from carbon and are the hardest known mineral, however moissanites come a very close second. Moh’s hardness scale measures a gem’s ability to withstand surface scratching and diamonds rank at the top at 10, with moissanite only just below, rated between 9.25 and 9.5. For perspective, glass ranks at 5.5, so a moissanite is a very robust choice for every-day wear.
As they’re a natural mineral, like a diamond, your moissanite will never lose its sparkle, get cloudy or become dull, if you keep it clean. These brilliant gems are highly scratch resistant and will never tarnish.
Is moissanite OK for an engagement ring?
Absolutely! As any rock ‘n’ roll bride or groom will know, engagement rings don’t have to include diamonds. The most important aspects are its symbolism, that the wearer loves it and that it’s durable enough to wear every day, for the rest of your fabulous lives together.
‘Diamonds are forever’ is a clever slogan – but a moissanite can also last a lifetime too, due to its amazing hardness. Engagement rings didn’t even have diamonds until the late 1940s and as you’re already a fan of Rock n Roll Bride, you know you don’t have to conform!
By buying a moissanite engagement ring, you’ll get so much more bang for your buck, so it’s perfect, if you want to ‘go-large’ with your rock. While there are subtle differences if you look at a moissanite vs diamond side-by-side, it’s very hard to tell them apart with the naked eye. While a diamond gives off white flashes as it reflects the light, a moissanites gives off a rainbow-like reflection, but you’d have to be a real expert to notice this. So don’t think of it as a compromise – it’s more like having your cake and eating it!
I want one!
Flawless Moissanite is a luxury retailer of fabulous moissanite rings in London, New York and Dubai. They offer an extensive collection of the worlds finest moissanite pieces, created using the very best craftsmanship. Their jewellery’s eco-friendly, guaranteed conflict-free and available in either platinum, white, yellow or rose gold. The gold is even recycled for extra eco-credentials. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re after, they offer a bespoke service, to bring your dream ring to life!
You can choose from a wide range of designs, the size and shape of the stone and designs from vintage to cocktail styles, or beautiful Tiffany inspired pieces. For every ring sold, they also donate 20 trees to the One Tree Planted project, which supports global reforestation.
Why opt for a moissanite over a diamond?
The eco choice
When you buy a lab-produced moissanite, you can be assured you aren’t funding mining, which has many negative impacts on the environment. Toxic waste contaminates watercourses, while dust pollutes the air, harmful to humans and wildlife. The physical working conditions of mining can be dangerous and there’s the risk that the money from the sale of diamonds goes to fund wars and human suffering. Man-made moissanites have a much smaller carbon footprint.
Value for money
When it comes to cost, a moissanite engagement ring can be up to 90% cheaper than a diamond equivalent! So, if you’re after a statement rock on a budget, moissanites are for you! The rarity of mined diamonds keeps their price high, but producing moissanites in a lab means you get the quality and peace of mind, without the sky-high price-tag.
They represent the ideology of this generation
We know a 21st century wedding doesn’t have to include all the traditions of yesterday. Swapping a diamond for a moissanite is fast becoming a firm favourite for modern couples. While traditional, mined diamonds remain an option, moissanites offer a fabulous alternative for the more eco-mindful couples.
To find or design your dream moissanite engagement ring, at a price you can afford, visit flawlessmoissanite.co.uk.