Why Choose a Diamond Alternative for your Cherished Engagement Ring?
The diamond center for your engagement ring has been tradition because diamonds are revered across the world for their dazzling beauty, fire, and brightness, so it is understandable why they remain the most popular option for engagement rings.
However, compared to some other less well-known unique diamond alternatives, this traditional gemstone does come at a hefty price. When purchasing an engagement ring, many couples take into account more than just price because sustainability and environmental concerns are growing in significance.
These are the times where couples are breaking tradition and no longer sticking to the “rules” when it comes to selecting a center stone for their cherished engagement ring.
For those of you who still believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend but are discouraged by not getting the size or quality you want due to price and scarcity, then read on.
As Long Island’s expert when it comes to custom designed engagement rings, whether it’s a diamond or more a unique center, I wanted to show you how amazing some excellent alternatives are for you to consider as the gemstone of choice for your custom made dream engagement ring.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
It makes sense that a lot of consumers have been turned off by the diamond industry’s practices. It is well known that diamond mining has a terrible effect on ecosystems, causing deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion, all of which have a negative influence on the local fauna and fish. Additionally, the extraction of diamonds uses a lot of explosives, fossil fuels, and large machinery, all of which contribute to the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change.
The diamond business has suffered from its connection with unethical activities like child labor, subpar working conditions, and other human rights violations in addition to the environmental damage. The term “blood diamond” or “conflict diamond” refers to diamonds that have been frequently mined in areas of conflict to fund terrorism and insurgencies. Many people feel that conventionally sourced diamonds no longer sparkle as a result of these problems.
You don’t have to give up your favorite stone, thanks to lab-grown diamonds, which provide a clear and ethically sourced option for engagement rings. Lab-grown gemstones are becoming more and more popular, as seen by their growing market share in the world’s diamond industry, which is expected to reach 10% in 2030. Lab-grown diamonds have exactly the same physical and optical properties of naturally sourced diamonds and are usually the highest of color, clarity and excellent cut. The other important positive is that lab-grown diamonds are frequently 40% to 60% less expensive, making them a more cost-effective option for diamond purchases.
Lately, we have been flooded with lab grown diamond requests. Our latest project is a fabulous custom made, custom designed three stone ring. Marissa and Jack decided to go with lab-grown diamonds because they had a $10,000 budget and a 1.00ct genuine radiant cut diamond with 0.25cttw trapezoid sides was just too small for her hand and NOT what she wanted. Now with the lab-grown diamonds, we were able to create a stunning engagement ring for Marissa with a 2.01 center, better color, far better clarity and excellent sparkle with 0.49 cttw side trapezoids for $7400 total with the custom made mounting. She is absolutely thrilled with the size, the look, the quality and has been showing off her ring to all her family and friends. After 9 years of talking about getting married, I was so grateful that they chose Origins Custom Jewelry to finally put a ring on it!
Moissanite
What is moissanite and where did it come from? Henri Moissan, a French scientist, made the initial discovery of this unique gemstone in 1893, resulting in its naming of “Moissanite”.
Moissanite is a rare mineral that was originally found commonly in meteors, but today it is almost always made in laboratories.
Moissanite is the second hardest mineral in the world after diamonds, it is a silicon carbide that closely resembles a diamond in appearance and has a Mohs hardness rating of 9.25.
For some people, the nearly two times greater fire of moissanite may be too much. Due to its capacity to scatter light, moissanite, which has a refractive index of 2.65, delivers a blazing brilliance above that of a diamond. It is this dazzling fire of moissanite that frequently sets it apart from a diamond.
Diamonds generate more of a white light scintillation, but moissanite has more of a rainbow or “disco ball” dispersion effect. If you’re looking for ultimate sparkle and fire, moissanite can be the ideal replacement.
Another benefit, besides more sparkle and almost equal hardness is that moissanite is one of the least expensive alternatives to natural diamonds. As a general rule, a one-carat natural diamond will cost you approximately $5000, whereas a fully colorless moissanite would cost you only about $600.
The visual differences between a moissanite gemstone and a diamond are minimal. When it comes to price and durability, moissanite is a fantastic option for the center stone in your engagement ring.
My client Nadia had a cluster top engagement ring and was searching for a custom jeweler to transform it into a dazzling single stoned moissanite center beauty. After other jewelers told her “NO”, she contacted Origins Custom Jewelry and explained what she wanted to create. I was thrilled to help Nadia upgrade her old engagement ring with a new 7mm “Pure Light” cushion brilliant moissanite to create that “BIG” engagement ring look. So what about the cluster top? We don’t like to waste diamonds, so we made that into a sweet diamond shaped pendant that she wears with a medal she got from her mother.
Colored Gemstones
Colored stones have become an increasingly popular choice as a unique and vibrant alternative for the center stone in an engagement ring. While traditional diamond rings are undoubtedly timeless, colored gemstones offer a refreshing twist that can truly make a statement. Whether it’s a dazzling sapphire, a fiery ruby, or a mesmerizing emerald, these radiant gems bring a burst of color and personality to the ring. Not only do colored stones allow for more creativity in design, but they also symbolize individuality and personal style. For those seeking a distinctive and meaningful engagement ring, a colored stone center is an excellent choice that will surely captivate hearts and spark conversations.
The light pink morganite has been another popular center stone as well as more uncommon colored stones that might represent something meaningful to you like a birth month or anniversary. Colored stones can really make your custom engagement ring unique and the talk of the town!
Louise came to Origins Custom Jewelry because she wanted something unique for her engagement ring. Her favorite color is Red and she was also born in July, so Ruby was her favorite gemstone. Set with a diamond halo and a beautiful design, Louise loves to show off her unique Ruby and diamond engagement ring and tell the story of how her dream ring came to be.
Now you know some great unique and stunning alternatives for your custom dream engagement ring. As your custom designer and gemologist, I strive to help you choose the best option for your unique look and lifestyle.
So what center would you choose? I’d love to know!
And if you’re Looking to create a unique engagement ring, I’d love to help.
It’s easy, just click the blue button below if you have any questions or need any help, I would love to chat with you!
If you have old jewelry, you can redesign it into your new custom piece! You can get some amazing Inspiration Ideas, Click the Button Below to get my Free Jewelry Redesign Inspiration Kit:
