June 2017 – Laraci Ethical Fine Jewelers

We hear the question “Is moissanite a real gem?” fairly often. What most people mean when they ask this question is “Does moissanite come from the ground, is it mined?” Moissanite does not come from the ground, it is lab created. However, it is naturally occurring but extremely rare. The first moissanite was discovered in a meteorite that crashed to earth in 1893. It was first thought to be a diamond but in 1904 the Nobel Prize winning chemist Henri Moissan reidentified it as Moissanite.

I think what the equal question should be is, why does someone value a mined gem, in particular diamond? Is it because it came from the ground therefore it is without a question “real”? Or is it valued because of the high price tag?

It is not my place nor my objective to say any one reason is right or wrong. I merely would like to start a discussion or at the very least, some internal dialogue as to why a diamond has become the accepted norm. Is it because a diamond is durable and ever lasting? Well then diamond and moissanite are neck in neck as the same goes for a moissanite. Is it because a diamond is beautiful, clear and sparkly? Check, check and check for the moissanite as well! In fact, moissanite is 10% more sparkly than a diamond and has a colorless status that only the rarest of diamonds possess, making them available to a very small few with large pocketbooks.

Maybe that is what it comes down to for some? The high price tag of a diamond makes it real? Fair enough, but for those that want a beautiful, durable diamond equivalent at a fraction of the cost, moissanite should be a “real” consideration.

It may be of interest to know that the reason for a diamonds high price is marketing and racketeering by DeBeer’s. Since the beginning of diamond mining DeBeer’s has been a leader in the industry, manipulating supply and demand and price fixing. This practice continues today and much literature can be found on the subject. I would encourage any enquiring minds to google why a diamond is so high priced. While you are at it you could also look up a diamond’s rarity, it may surprise you to find out that they are not. So for the question “is moissanite a real gem?” Yes! Of course! Not only is it “real” it is beautiful, colorless, more flawless than even the best diamonds which make it the most viable diamond alternative.

A so called cheap engagement ring doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not quality. Take the case of a Laraci Ethical Fine Jewelers handcrafted Moissanite Engagement Ring. Laraci rings are set with industry leading Charles & Colvard moissanite or Neo gem’s. All of our settings and bands are made of recycled precious metals that would be used in a far more expensive diamond ring but at a fraction of the cost. The only difference in the less expensive ring is the diamonds have been replaced with moissanite.

Moissanite is a lab created, durable, beautiful, colorless or near colorless gem that is staking a real foothold in the engagement ring market. Moissanite resists chipping more than a diamond and out sparkles a diamond by 10%. The added sparkle of a moissanite isn’t enough to give it’s identity away that it’s not a diamond, it’s just enough to make it look like a flawless, rarer, more expensive diamond.

Some people will be proud of their budget friendly engagement ring for the environmentally friendly status while others for the simple fact that they are being fiscally responsible. While this will surely be an individual choice, no matter the reasons for buying a cheap engagement ring, if it’s a Laraci Ethical Engagement Ring be assured that it is of the highest quality and we are positive you will love it a for lifetime.

Not all cheap engagement rings are equal though and we would definitely like to clarify that cubic zirconia and moissanite are not the same thing. Cubic zirconia or CZ as it is often called is a brittle stone that is not suitable for a lifelong everyday ring. While cubic zirconia may look like a diamond or moissanite, it is really only suitable for costume jewelry. CZ scratches easily and can shatter, which would indeed classify it as a truly cheap engagement ring in price and in quality. An interesting fact about CZ, if you were to lay it down over text you can actually see the text through it, making it a real giveaway that it is not a diamond or moissanite.

We might also mention that the markup on a setting with a diamond is generally higher than that of the moissanite setting as well. Even though it may be the exact setting, just due to the fact that the diamond ring is a far higher price overall they are able to inflate the setting price as well. So armed with a little knowledge you can get a cheap engagement ring that’s high quality and beautiful while staying on budget.

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Month: June 2017

Is Moissanite a Real Gem?

Is a Cheap Engagement Ring always Cheap?