In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to find sustainable and ethical solutions, and jewelry should be no exception. Although it’s no secret that diamonds aren’t exactly the “poster gem” for being eco friendly, many of us still dream of that classic look and feel they bring. But what if there was a conflict-free alternative? A stone that looked and felt exactly like a diamond, and to top it off  – a fraction of the cost. And no, we’re definitely NOT referring to cubic zirconia. We’re talking about Moissanite! An eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to diamonds.

Moissanite is also a precious stone. First discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, as he was examining mineral samples from a meteor crater. And, this is why moissanite is also sometimes commonly referred to as “a gem born of the stars.” At one time these beauties used to be quite scarce. But, are now made in the majority of jewelry laboratories.

And since they’re developed in labs it obviously has less impact on the environment. And likewise, it leaves a much smaller carbon footprint.  Additionally, unlike diamonds, Moissanites are very eco-friendly. And their history is absent from many of the conflicts that remain a concern to those seeking ethical jewelry options.

Of course, if you still prefer diamonds but want to be friendly to Mother Earth, you can also opt for man-made diamonds, made in the lab and often known as LCD (Lab Created Diamonds) or LGD (Lab Grown Diamonds). These are made with the same base, but in a fast-forward process, vs. the slow and steady way nature usually makes them. 

If you’re looking to be more sustainable with your jewelry this year, Moissanite rings are the best option. You can have them as the main stone, or you can add them to a mix with other colorful gems. And you could even take it a step further and use recycled gold too. There is an abundance of advantages when it comes to choosing Moissanite over diamonds. And if you want to learn more about how they differ, check out our Moissonaite Vs. Diamond post on our blog.

In the meantime be sure to look at the Moissanite collection from Camellia.

Today, there’s a multitude of options when it comes to engagement rings. And while we’re all familiar with the classic diamond ring, there’s one (not so little) stone out there that serves a great alternative and deserves some serious attention. But, if you’re still wondering what’s the difference between diamonds and moissanite, then look no further than the guide below. 

When we think of a classic engagement ring we tend to think of one with diamonds. Although, in today’s economy being budget-savvy is a big trend when it comes to jewelry. No doubt, we all want something that’s kind to our wallets, but also something special and eye-catching, that will stand the test of time in terms of durability. In a few words, a diamond is a precious stone, clear, made of pure carbon, which is the hardest substance on Earth. While, moissanite is a natural mineral, a silicon carbide. It was discovered by Henri Moissan, a French chemist, in 1893.

Moissanite – the space rock  

Finance & Style

Moissanite gems are becoming a big trend among couples who may not have the money to invest in a standard engagement ring. Because, while moissanite and diamonds may look similar, they certainly don’t resemble each other’s prices. Depending on the cut and clarity moissanite can be up to 90% less expensive per carat than a diamond of the same size. In addition to them being a fraction of the cost, there’s also the added bonus of having the freedom to choose larger stones along with personalized designs. Thus, eliminating the worry that your wallet won’t match up to the final product. 

Durability or “Toughness”

Although they’re all beautiful, not all gemstones are created equally. Certain gemstones like emeralds and sapphires are not ideal for daily wear (due to the fact that they tend to be brittle and most have tiny natural cracks that make them vulnerable to chipping and shattering). The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals – the higher the number is, the durable the material is. When it comes to toughness the only thing to come between diamonds and moissanite is boron. As Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale coming in 2nd only to diamonds, which rank as 10. This is great news because it means not only is Moissanite cost-effective but you can wear it or (show it off) on a daily basis.

Appearance

When comparing quartz, diamonds, and Moissanites, side by side, a lot of couples go for the Moissanite rings. Moissanites are actually more eye-catching and clearer. They have incredible brilliance, unlike the quartz, especially with the round shapes. Another advantage is that these gems have more dispersion. The stone breaks down light into spectral colors, so when you look at it against a light source, a rainbow appears. And finally, it goes without saying that the bigger the stone the more noticeable the dispersion. And thanks to the cost it means you can get a bigger stone at an even better price.

In conclusion, Moissanites are a fabulous alternative to diamonds. Not only are they cost-effective, but also durable and aesthetically-pleasing thanks to their dispersion levels that create even more sparkle! Last but certainly not least finally they are also extremely eco-friendly! Bottom line- moissanite gems are a great investment, considering both the budget and the lasting quality. 

Check out some of our Moissanite rings and let us know what you think!