written by: Rachel Runkle

What's The Best Diamond Alternative?

When looking for an engagement ring, there are so many diamond alternatives on the market that promise to deliver the same beauty as this traditional stone. Hitched offers a wide range of diamond alternatives based on your specific needs! So how do these other stones measure up in hardness, brilliance, fire and price point? In this post we’ll be comparing natural diamonds with budget conscious alternatives, giving you a wider range of beautiful yet cost efficient possibilities for your engagement ring. Today we will compare natural diamonds with:

• Lab-Grown Diamond
• Lab-Grown Moissanite
• White Sapphire

Natural Diamond

Coming in at a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, we have the traditional natural diamond, harvested from the depths of the earth. This stone has a high thermal conductivity, high index refraction, and high dispersion. It is able to reflect large amounts of light, creating a brilliant, mesmerizing sparkle. Because of the incredible level of hardness of this stone, it is guaranteed to last a lifetime if properly cared for. At Hitched, all of our natural diamonds are certified as conflict-free by The Kimberley Process. In the past, rough diamonds have been mined and sold to finance wars, and have been involved in unsafe mining practices using child labor. This international certification process regulates the trade of diamonds and ensures that they are sourced and processed in a way that does not compromise or harm the people involved.

Lab-Grown Diamond

A lab grown diamond will have all of the same properties as a natural diamond, yet it will be much more affordable. People can sometimes be turned off to the idea of a lab grown diamond because they are misled to believe it is a “fake diamond”. Chemically it is the same, the only difference is that it was grown in a lab instead of deep in the earth. In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity because of their affordability and ethical nature. Lab-grown diamond sales are increasing every year as people grow more educated about diamond sourcing, and as more people want larger carat rings without the extravagant price range. When choosing a lab-grown diamond, you can go for more bling without breaking the bank. To further compare the differences between lab grown and natural diamonds, visit our website.

Moissanite

Coming in at a 9.25-9.5/10 on the Mohs hardness scale is lab-grown moissanite. Natural moissanite is quite rare, typically found in meteorites. This mineral was first named and discovered in 1893 by Dr. F. Henri Moissan, who was also the first person to synthesize it. Lab grown moissanite can be purchased as a more budget conscious option to the natural diamond. It has more fire and refracts more colored light than a diamond, but it can also be slightly more yellow/brown in tone. In terms of hardness and durability, moissanite is the second best option to a natural or lab-grown diamond. 

White Sapphire

White Sapphire comes in at a 9/10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This stone is colorless corundum, a stone that is considered a ruby when it is red. All other colors of this stone are considered sapphire. White sapphire has much less scintillation than diamonds, but it is also much more affordable. This gemstone has less fire and brilliance than a diamond, but it is still beautiful and durable enough for everyday wear. While it is slightly less hard than moissanite and diamond, it is still incredibly durable and acceptable for jewelry. To the untrained eye, white sapphire appears quite similar to a diamond and is perfect for anyone on a tighter budget. 

Hitched offers a wide collection of women’s diamond bands that allow settings with any of these fabulous diamond alternatives. Whether you are looking for a natural diamond or a diamond alternative such as lab grown diamond, lab grown moissanite or white sapphire, Hitched will cater to your specific needs. In the end, the choice comes down to your personal preference, your budget, and your personal interest in something lab grown or natural. Book your appointment to pick out your perfect wedding band or create your dream engagement ring with Hitched today!