Green Lifestyle, Guest Blog

Moissanite: an ethical and eco-friendly alternative to diamond engagement rings

A guest blog from Lucy at Lily Arkwright jewellery.

Did you know you can extend your passion for sustainability and ethical shopping to your engagement ring and wedding jewellery?

Diamonds are almost always synonymous with engagement rings but this shouldn’t always be the case. The gemstone moissanite is an amazing diamond alternative for engagement rings and is both ethical and sustainable.

Moissanite engagement rings have a significantly smaller carbon footprint and community impact in comparison to mined gemstones, since almost all moissanite is grown in a lab.

Lily Arkwright are specialists in the field of lab grown engagement rings and jewellery and are here today to guide you through the benefits of choosing lab grown engagement rings.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite should be viewed as a gemstone in itself rather than a diamond substitute. It
beholds its own attributes unique to moissanite gems, displaying true brilliance and quality.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, it was first discovered in a meteorite, originating from the stars. However, nearly all moissanite that exists today is produced in a laboratory due to its extremely rare occurrence in nature.

The production of moissanite has become close to perfect in recent years, through various growing processes with specialist equipment and scientists.

Scientists simulate the natural conditions and pressures needed for moissanite to form naturally, and are used to create a physically identical gemstone to that of a naturally occurring moissanite.

Moissanite first became commercially available by Charles & Colvard who are skilled leaders and experts in the field of crafting moissanite.

Lily Arkwright are proud partners with Charles & Colvard and believe everyone should have access to affordable yet luxurious engagement rings and fine jewellery.

Why is moissanite ethical & sustainable?

One of the most significant benefits of purchasing a moissanite ring is that it does not have the same impact on the planet as mined diamonds.

Due to the nature of mined diamonds there is sometimes a human and environmental impact involved, as some mines employ workers in unsafe conditions.

The Kimberley Process is a certification scheme that was started to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream diamond market.

This has been a huge help in providing safeguarding practices and in making sure that the mining of diamonds is not financing harmful groups.

However, opting for a moissanite engagement ring will completely eliminate any risk of direct damage to natural environments, ecosystems and biodiversity. As moissanite is produced in a lab, it comes fully certified and is traceable.

Budget-friendly

Moissanite can cost up to 90% less than naturally mined diamonds, making a great
affordable option for those seeking a showstopping ring without hurting your budget.

At an affordable price point moissanite is in a league of its own with its extraordinary brilliance, fire and sparkle.

If you have a little extra to spend and still desire diamonds, opting for a lab grown diamond ring is a perfect alternative.

Appearance and durability

Moissanite and diamonds share a very similar appearance and are almost impossible to tell apart when looked at to the naked eye, however, as mentioned previously moissanite is not a diamond substitute and is very much its own gemstone.

It has a distinctive colour sparkle due to it being more refractive than diamond. Another great factor of moissanite is that it is extremely durable and hard-wearing, ideal for everyday wear. Moissanite has a score of 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of hardness.

Want to learn more about moissanite?

If the above information has piqued your interest feel free to get in contact with Lily Arkwright’s jewellery consultancy team for more information or to simply learn more about moissanite and its benefits. Call them on 0161 537 6773, alternatively, you can email the jewellery consultancy team at hello@lilyarkwright.com.

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