Comparing Points
|
Simulated Diamonds
|
Moissanite Diamonds
|
1. Appearance
|
1) Brilliance: Simulated diamonds like cubic zirconia are designed to mimic the sparkle of diamonds but often lack the depth and complexity of diamond brilliance.
2) Fire: They generally have lower dispersion than diamonds, resulting in less colorful flashes of light.
3) Clarity and Color: High-quality simulated diamonds can appear flawless and colorless to the naked eye, but they may lack the natural inclusions and variations of a real diamond.
|
1) Brilliance: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, giving it a more intense and fiery sparkle.
2) Fire: It exhibits more colorful flashes of light (fire) compared to diamonds, which some people find more appealing and others may find too intense.
3) Clarity and Color: Moissanite stones are usually free from significant inclusions and come in a range of colors from colorless to near-colorless, similar to diamonds.
|
2. Durability
|
1) Hardness: Simulated diamonds like cubic zirconia are softer than moissanite and diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of about 8-8.5. They can be scratched more easily and may show signs of wear over time.
2) Longevity: Due to their lower hardness, simulated diamonds may become dull or cloudy over time, especially with daily wear.
|
1) Hardness: Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, making it one of the hardest gemstones available, second only to diamonds.
2) Longevity: Its superior hardness means that moissanite is highly resistant to scratching and maintains its brilliance and clarity over time, making it an excellent choice for daily wear.
|
3. Cost
|
1) Affordability: Simulated diamonds are generally much more affordable than both natural diamonds and moissanite. This makes them a popular choice for those on a budget or for fashion jewelry.
2) Value: While affordable, they do not retain value over time and are considered less durable than other options.
|
1) Cost: Moissanite is more expensive than simulated diamonds but still significantly cheaper than natural diamonds of similar size and quality.
2) Value: Due to its durability and brilliance, moissanite offers good value for money and is seen as a long-term investment for those seeking an affordable alternative to diamonds.
|
4. Ethical and Environmental Impact
|
1) Lab-Created: Most simulated diamonds are created in laboratories, making them an ethical choice free from the concerns associated with diamond mining.
2) Sustainability: The environmental impact of producing simulated diamonds is generally lower than mining natural diamonds, but it varies depending on the production process.
|
1) Lab-Created: Moissanite is also typically lab-created, ensuring ethical sourcing and production practices.
2) Sustainability: The production of lab-created moissanite has a lower environmental impact compared to diamond mining, making it an eco-friendly choice
|
5. Popular Uses
|
1) Fashion Jewelry: Due to their affordability, simulated diamonds are commonly used in costume and fashion jewelry.
2) Temporary Engagement Rings: Some people choose simulated diamonds for temporary engagement rings or placeholders.
|
1) Engagement Rings: Moissanite is a popular choice for engagement rings due to its exceptional brilliance and durability.
2) High-End Jewelry: It is often used in fine jewelry where long-lasting sparkle and quality are desired.
|
