Jewelry Design

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Planning on getting a diamond ring? Try moissanite instead, it's far superior in practically every way (media.kbin.social)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by fearout@kbin.social to c/JewelryDesign@kbin.social

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How does moissanite compare to diamond?

Very similar hardness (9.25+ vs 10), but lower value makes moissanite a bit less brittle, less prone to chipping and more durable overall
Higher refractive index (2.65–2.69 vs 2.42), which gives moissanite more brilliance and sparkle compared to diamonds
Lower Abbe number. It means that moissanite tends to disperse light into colors more than diamond, giving moissanite more fiery or rainbow colors
Usually lab-produced, so much more ethical in general, and much higher clarity on average
It’s waaay cheaper

So for anyone going for a diamond ring, I suggest trying moissanite instead. The only thing that diamond has going for it in this comparison is just decades-long PR. It’s not even a fun gem chemistry-wise, it’s just carbon. Moissanite, on the other hand, is SiC :)

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[–] iamdisillusioned@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

When I lost my first engagement ring, I could only afford to replace it with a moissanite. The moissanite definitely has more fire but the double refraction makes it oddly bright in sunlight. I found myself missing my diamond and ended up getting a lab diamond upgrade. Both beautiful gems in ever so slightly different ways.

[–] fearout@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Thanks, that's interesting to know. Btw, do you mind sharing what felt oddly bright about moissanite specifically? Was it too noticeable/distracting in your periphery vision? Haven't heard someone comment that about them before.

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