This is a collaborative post.
It’s not news that people are increasingly becoming aware of the sourcing of their products and this is certainly affecting shopping habits. However, did you know you can also extend your passion for sustainability and ethicalness to your engagement ring and wedding jewellery? Today I have the ethical jewellery experts from Lily Arkwright here to help run us through the benefits of choosing the perfect moissanite engagement ring.
Natural diamonds are almost alway synonymous with engagement rings but this shouldn’t always be the case. You might be wondering what exactly is moissanite? Moissanite is an amazing gemstone that is a perfect diamond alternative for engagement rings as it is both ethical and sustainable.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is made of mineral silicon carbide and has a similar chemical composition to that of a diamond as it also contains carbon. The famous French Nobel prize winner doctor Henri Moissan in 1893, was the original discoverer of moissanite in a meteorite crater in Arizona, United States. Years later, Henri Moissan discovered an innovative thermal growing process which takes place under controlled laboratory conditions. He originally thought he had discovered diamonds during the discovery of the meteorite crater but he later determined that the crystal formations consisted of moissanite.
However, as naturally moissanite is extremely rare in nature it was not possible to use the naturally occurring gem in jewellery and it wasn’t until over 100 years later in 1998 when the world leaders of lab grown moissanite; Charles & Colvard managed to commercially produce moissanite for the jewellery market. Nowadays, it takes up to 3 months for a moissanite gemstone to grow in a lab which is a quick, cost effective and convenient alternative to mining diamonds.
What does Moissanite look like?
The appearance of moissanite is similar to a diamond and it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a diamond and moissanite side by side. However, it should be considered as a gemstone in itself, as moissanite possesses its own unique physical and optical properties. Moissanite is full of fire and brilliance, with a distinctive sparkle due to it being more refractive than a diamond. The refractiveness of a mineral is measured on the refractive index of a mineral refers to the speed at which light can travel through it thus determining how sparkly a gem is.
Why is moissanite Ethical & sustainable?
Moissanite engagement rings have a much smaller carbon footprint and community impact in comparison to mined gemstones, since almost all moissanite is grown in a lab. Due to the nature of mined diamonds there is sometimes a human and environmental impact involved, as some mines can employ workers in unsafe conditions. Opting for a moissanite engagement ring will completely eliminate the risk of direct damage to natural environments, ecosystems and biodiversity.
As moissanite is produced in a lab, it comes fully certified and is completely traceable. Moissanite is affordable!
Moissanite can cost almost 90% less than mined diamonds, making it an amazingly affordable option for those seeking a jaw dropping ring without damaging your wallet. With this affordable price point, moissanite is in a league of its own with its extraordinary brilliance, fire and sparkle. However, if you have a little extra to spend and still desire diamonds, opting for a lab grown diamond ring can be a perfect alternative. There are so many possibilities and opportunities to have your perfect engagement ring without breaking the bank!
Considering an ethical & sustainable ring? Get in touch!
As mentioned before, moissanite is exclusively produced in a laboratory, which eliminates that need for mining and overall impact on the planet and local communities. Due to this elimination of mining, this means that moissanite has a lower carbon footprint and less impact on the planet and communities compared to naturally mined diamonds.
To find out more about moissanite or other lab grown diamond and gemstones options head over to the Lily Arkwright website or drop their expert team an email on hello@lilyarkwright.com
