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This site is dedicated to providing you with information and recommendations on the best, most inexpensive engagement rings for your bride-to-be. Here we discuss why moissanite engagement rings are the wave of the future.
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What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is crystaline form of silicon carbide. In 1893, Henri Moissan discovered the first trace of moissanite in a meteor crater. After tests were ran on the unknown mineral, scientists realized that it had a comparable hardness rating to diamonds. Due to the fact that moissanite rarely occurred naturally, scientists began looking for a way to synthesize it. In 1980, scientists in Charles & Colvard were successful in creating and patented the first synthetic moissanite. Today, the world’s entire inventory of moissanite is created in a laboratory.
The differences between diamonds and moissanite are quite slight and some individuals can’t tell without appraisal or testing. While both have a comparable hardness rating and weight, the moissanite’s dispersion and refractive index sets them apart from the more expensive stone. The appearance of the colors of the rainbow as you shine a stone up to the light is known as dispersion. Moissanite gives off much more dazzle and shine than a diamond as it’s faceting pattern is different causing a higher level of dispersion.
Why Diamonds are Bad for the Environment
Despite the fact that mining for diamonds have less of an adverse effect than mining for precious metals like gold; it still can cause havoc on the environment. Unregulated diamond mining affects various countries in Africa like Angola and Sierra Leone. The process has caused soil erosion and deforestation in the Congo and Zimbabwe. Dams are often created and rivers rerouted to uncover the bed of the river so mining can take place. These actions are harmful to fish and other surrounding wildlife.
In addition to the dangers to the environment during the mining process, there are side effects of the unregulated closing of mines. There are almost no restrictions in place to help to restore the ecosystem to how it was before the mines were dug. This can cause water pollution and in the long run, make the land no longer suitable for farming. Often times, when it rains, water will fill the abandoned mines causing mosquitos to flock to them. These mosquito-infested waters can cause life-threatening diseases.
Why Diamonds Are Connected to Funding Conflict
While the process of extracting the diamonds are detrimental to the environment, the diamonds themselves have caused even more damage to the people of the various countries. Blood diamonds or conflict diamonds, as the United Nations refers to them as, are diamonds that have been traded or sold to create funding for illegal military operations in war torn countries. These military operations are usually uprisings by rebels against the government. African countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia’s conflicts have often been financed by conflict diamonds. At the height of the Sierra Leone civil war it was once documented that four percent of the world’s diamond production were conflict diamonds. The 2006 movie, Blood Diamond, was inspired by these events.
The people that suffer the most due to the conflict diamonds are the civilians of the war torn countries. Not only do they live with the effects of the war itself, they are often times used as slaves to search for diamonds. This process was done without the use of modern mining technology; a brutal task involving digging through mud and gravel with their bare hands, before using sieves to separate the collected materials. The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme was started in 2003 levying restrictions and requirements on the diamond trade market. Their goal was to create a passport system for each diamond so that they could certify that every gem was conflict-free before entering into the legitimate market.
The Kimberly Process, however, has its loopholes and even today conflict funded diamonds are still being mined. When Zimbabwe’s army seized control of a diamond deposit in the eastern part of the country, none of the diamonds mined from that area were considered conflict. The reasoning was that the Kimberly Process defined conflict-diamonds as used for funding for a rebel movement to overthrow the state. Despite the fact that the army had killed over 200 people during the event, they used to loophole to legitimize their diamonds. With these loopholes coming to light, we now realize that there is no way to know for certain if a diamond that you purchase is truly conflict free.
You can read more about these events and others similar to them here.
What to look for in Moissanite Engagement Rings
Many seem to speculate that Moissanite are fake diamonds. However, as they are their own gemstone, they have their own wonderful faceting pattern and shine slightly different from that of an actual diamond. One large difference is the double refraction that is common with Moissanite. Double refraction occurs when you can see rainbow colors on both the inside and the outside of the stone. This adds to it’s brilliance, making it more sparkling albeit similar to that of a disco ball. Typically nearly colorless, moissanite can be found in several tints of both green and yellow. Giving you even more options to choose from when making your decision.
The cost of a moissanite ring is only a fraction of that of a diamond ring. For example, the cost of a one caret diamond can run up to $5,000.00. On the other hand, the same size caret of a moissanite would set you back about $700.00. This large difference in cost is one of the main reasons moissanite are becoming so popular. In addition to not purchasing something that is both damaging to the environment and mined under unregulated methods, you will also put more money back into your pocket.
The Basics of Moissanite Engagement Rings
Moissanite rings are wonderful choices for cheap engagement rings.A Moissanite Engagement Ring can be found in various styles and cuts. You can get your ring in a solitaire setting, three prong or even a halo at only a fraction of the cost. Some retailers even allow you to custom make your moissanite ring to make it practically perfect for your special someone. You can choose from various types of metals, ranging from the traditional gold to both white and rose gold. Similar to that of a diamond ring, you can also get a moissanite center stone with moissanite surrounding stones for a channel setting band or a halo centerpiece.
Moissanite is also quite durable and fit for everyday wear. Due to it’s hardness rating, it is very difficult to scratch. This stone along with a safer setting like a channel or pave will make you feel confident enough to wearit even when doing the toughest of jobs. This makes a perfect engagement ring as you would never want to take it off.
Resources, Deep Discounts and Special Offers
A Moissanite Engagement Ring is already quite affordable, but every now and then special discounts pop up to make you feel like you’ve gotten even more bang for your buck. Quality cheap engagement rings are hard to come by but a moissanite ring would be your best bet. You can choose to purchase the stones lose for an even smaller fraction of the cost and get it fitted into a setting of your choice. Another option is to wait it out as retailers do have some rare discounts on some gorgeous pieces.
If you want to find deep discounts and special offers, please visit:
- Save $100 when ordering a diamond ring by following this link to Kobelli.com