The jewelry market has been around for millennia, and yet today we’re seeing some major shake-ups that are changing perceptions and bucking long-established trends. The most noteworthy shift that’s happening right now is the move away from mined diamonds and towards alternatives, with man-made diamonds topping the list in terms of their appeal and the levels of demand seen worldwide. There are also other alternatives which are lab-grown but chemically distinct from diamonds, of which Moissanite is a prominent example.
So which should you pick if you’re faced with a choice between mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, or Moissanite?
How to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds
Buying lab-grown diamonds is now easier than ever, as you can find them at VRAI and choose from an extensive collection of jewelry made with man-made gems that are identical to mined diamonds at a molecular level, but come at a more competitive price point.
To narrow down your options, you must first decide on your budget. Having a clear upper limit in mind before you start your search will make it less of a pain to pick between the array of options.
Also look out for any special offers that might be available when you’re shopping for pieces made with lab-grown jewelry.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds and How are they Produced?
Now you know how you can acquire lab-grown diamonds, it’s worth touching on what they are exactly, and how they’re made.
Typically, a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is used to combine carbon atoms with other elements to create the diamond structure. There are other techniques and technologies involved, but the end result is the same, meaning that lab created diamonds are identical to mined diamonds, as mentioned.
Better yet, VRAI’s man-made diamonds are grown in a foundry that produces zero net emissions. This means that they have a smaller ecological impact than their mined counterparts, which for many consumers will give them the edge in a straight comparison.
What Is Moissanite and How Does It Stack Up?
Moissanite is another precious gem option that offers a diamond-like sparkle at an even more affordable price point than lab-grown diamonds. But what exactly is it?
Well, Moissanite is actually made of silicon carbide, which is a compound derived from carbon and silicon atoms that was originally discovered in the late 19th century, but wasn’t introduced to the jewelry market until the end of the 20th century.
Its chemical makeup gives it the same visual effect as mined or lab-grown diamonds, but it is typically even less of a burden on the budget of the average jewelry buyer.
In terms of durability, Moissanite may not be as long lasting as mined or man-made diamonds, due to its lower hardness rating on the Mohs scale. This is the biggest giveaway that it is a very good looking imposter, rather than a diamond that will truly last forever.
What makes Mined Diamonds Problematic?
The main thing to know about mined diamonds is that, aside from being costly to acquire, they are also not as green as their man-made counterparts.
This all comes down to just how much energy is needed to mine them, process them and transport them to the facilities where they are eventually turned into jewelry.
By comparison, both lab-grown diamonds and Moissanite are nowhere near as energy-intensive. This gives them the edge in terms of price, and of course when it comes to climate concerns.
At a time when consumers are voting with their wallets in everything from real estate to cosmetics, this bodes well for lab created gems, whether diamond or Moissanite, and is less promising for the diamond mining industry.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now we come to the crunch. If it’s a toss-up between jewelry that features mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, or moissanite gems, you have to put a game plan in place to ensure you make the decision that’s right for you.
There are several factors to consider, of course, some of which we’ve touched on already. Let’s discuss them in more detail.
If price is a major motivator in your decision making process, then moissanite may be the right choice. It is inferior to mined and lab-grown diamonds on paper, but in the flesh can look good enough to fool most people at a glance. Of course you could always hold off on making your purchase and save up a little more to justify going up to the next level. It’s always possible to live luxuriously on a budget, after all!
If durability and quality of cut are at the top of the agenda, then mined diamonds or lab-grown diamonds are more likely to meet your needs. And crucially, if you choose man-made diamonds then you can get both of these things as standard, while still making a saving.
Jewelry Trends: Which Look Is In Fashion Right Now?
Finding the perfect piece of jewelry to show off your style and make a statement isn’t just about which gems you pick. It also means knowing what trends are in play right now.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there to suit any preference, whether you want to follow the crowd or do something different!
If you’re into classic looks with timeless appeal then go for mined or lab-grown gems. On the other hand, if something more unusual and affordable is what you’re after, try experimenting with color by adding moissanite accents in various shades and hues.
If in doubt, check out up to the minute fashion coverage to see what the rich and famous are doing in terms of their jewelry. That way you can stay in the loop without spending a fortune.
Wrapping Up
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing jewelry. There’s only what’s right for you at that particular point in time, according to your tastes and your budget. Being in the know about lab-grown diamonds and alternatives like moissanite is definitely useful in this context. opefully you now have a better understanding of these rivals to mined gems.
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