I’m thrilled to share my passion for diamonds with you, as it’s hard to resist their timeless allure. As I explored the various types of diamonds available, a decision was made clear: I chose a moissanite and lab-grown diamond ring, and here’s why. With its unique characteristics and eco-friendly appeal, this combination stood out from the rest.
What Exactly Is Moissanite? How Does It Differ To A Lab-Grown Diamond?…
As founder of Modern Wedding magazine, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Australia’s most exceptional jewelers. When choosing a special ring to commemorate my milestone birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary, I was faced with an array of options that left me pondering… Should I opt for a natural diamond? Or perhaps consider lab-grown diamonds or moissanite, knowing it’s a fantastic alternative?
And so, I embarked on my own investigation into the questions many brides are now asking: What is moissanite, exactly? How does it differ from lab-grown diamonds? And why might one prefer them over natural diamonds? Through my exploration, I sought answers to these very queries.
Let’s Go Ring Shopping…
I embarked on a discreet discovery mission to learn more about Moi Moi Fine Jewellery, a pioneer in moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. As I explored their stunning store within the iconic Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, I was struck by the vast array of exquisite designs that spanned from elegant simplicity to opulent, show-stopping pieces featuring large, dazzling stones.
With a reputation for only offering the finest SUPERNOVA Moissanite, I knew this was an excellent starting point for my ring search.
A “Bobby Dazzler” Diamond…
As soon as I met with Lauren Chang Sommer, the co-founder of Moi Moi, I was won over by their impressive collection of lab-grown pink diamonds. A self-proclaimed pink fan, I was excited to learn more about this affordable alternative to natural certified pink diamonds, which can range in price from $30,000 to $100,000 per carat – a staggering 20 times the cost of a white diamond!
Lauren’s expertise and passion for her craft quickly put my mind at ease as we discussed the possibilities for my ring. I wanted a centre stone that would sparkle like a ‘bobby-dazzler’ white diamond, but what about using moissanite or lab-grown diamonds? To gain a deeper understanding of these options, I asked Lauren to explain the difference between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds.
Quick Science Lesson…
Moissanite’s origins date back to a meteorite that crashed into Arizona’s desert fifty thousand years ago, where it formed crystals through heat and pressure. Interestingly, the mineral form of Silicon Carbide was named Moissanite in honor of Dr. Moissan, a French chemist and Nobel prize-winner who discovered the particles in 1893. Due to its rarity in natural form, modern technology has enabled the recreation of Moissanite in labs.
SUPERNOVA Moissanite is now considered the best and brightest, boasting even more lustre than a natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are identical to mined diamonds in terms of chemical composition, crystal structure, physical, and optical characteristics. They display the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle as mined diamonds.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ruled that a diamond is a diamond regardless of its origin, a notion supported by the fact that lab-grown diamonds are graded similarly to natural diamonds, inscribed, and come with certification. Even De Beers now sells lab-grown diamonds, making it almost impossible to tell the difference.
How Do The Prices Compare?…
A 2-carat round brilliant natural diamond, for instance, can cost around $45,000 or more. In contrast, its lab-grown counterpart would set you back approximately $8,800 – an impressive 75-80% price reduction. Moissanite, another popular alternative, is significantly more affordable at just $1,250 – a whopping 90% discount. The environmental benefits of opting for a lab-grown diamond are clear: no negative impact on the environment compared to traditional mining methods.
So What Did I Decide On For My Own Ring?…
I opted for a unique combination of moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, which allowed me to strike the perfect balance between style and budget. The stunning 18K White Gold and 18K Rose Gold ring features an 3.11ct SUPERNOVA Moissanite Oval as the centerpiece, surrounded by Round Pink lab-grown diamonds for added visual interest. With a total carat weight of 3.90tcw, this piece is truly eye-catching.
By choosing moissanite as the main attraction, I was able to keep costs down while still achieving maximum impact. The result? A ring that’s not only beautiful but also affordable.
I’m thrilled with my new accessory and receive countless compliments every day. In fact, I don’t see lab-grown diamonds as a compromise at all – rather, they’re a smart choice for anyone looking to make a statement without breaking the bank.
For more information on moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, visit Moi Moi Fine Jewellery for a wealth of knowledge.