When searching for a diamond engagement ring, we often think about natural diamonds. These are diamonds mined from within the earth and the most familiar. But, did you know that there are different types of diamonds? Yes, there are mined diamonds, Moissanite ‘diamonds’ and lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are often marketed as the best in ethical options for diamonds for your engagement ring.

But, are Moissanite and Lab Diamonds the ultimate in ethical diamond production? Let’s take are look at what they are, and you can decide.

What is a Moissanite?

Moissanite was first discovered in trace quantities that were carried to Earth from a spectacular meteorite. Possessing fire, brilliance, and luster far greater than that of a diamond, Moissanite sparkles unlike any other gemstone on earth. Composed of carbon and silicon, Moissanite is also one of the hardest and toughest known elements on earth, making it extremely resistant to scratching, chipping and breaking. Its durability and incomparable beauty make it an ideal center stone for an engagement ring or jewelry gift. Moissanite Diamonds come in many fancy shapes and sizes and can be used to create a one of a kind Moissanite Ring or used in other unique Moissanite Jewelry.

Natural diamonds are more durable than moissanite, but not by much. While it is easier to get natural diamonds graded D which is near colorless, Moissanite colorless diamonds often show a slight color under certain lighting. For lower manufactured Moissanite, the bigger the moissanite, the easier it is to see the color difference. But, for ring designs using small diamonds, a Moissanite diamond can be a perfect fit. And, if the seller has quality Moissanite, this won’t become a problem.

Moissanite will not look exactly like a natural diamond, but they are close enough that you can enjoy a “diamond” engagement ring without guilt.

How are Lab Diamonds Different from Moissanite?

Unlike Moissanite that simulate the look of a diamond, lab-grown diamonds arereal diamonds. They are grown under special circumstances hence the name lab-grown or man-made diamonds.

Lab-created diamonds are composed of actual carbon atoms, just like natural diamonds. As such, theyare quite similar to natural diamonds in chemical composition, look, and feel.

Natural Diamonds or Moissanite or Lab-Grown Diamonds?

The diamonds that most of us are accustomed to are mined from deep within the earth. A lot of these mined diamonds are unfortunately gathered in a way that is detrimental to the environment or contributes to human rights abuses. This is one of the reasons why lab-grown and moissanite diamonds have risen so quickly in popularity.

But, some mined-diamonds do meet the rigorous standards for ethical diamonds. Mined diamonds from the Canadian Arctic with the CanadaMark trademark are amongst the best in this class, especially in terms of the quality of the 5Cs of the diamond.

Which one will you choose?

At Bashford Jewelry, all our diamonds are forever, whether you choose a natural diamond, moissanite or lab-grown diamond. We are proud to be able to offer options for ethical diamonds to our discerning customers.

So, which ethical diamond ring will you choose?