Diamonds have long been a symbol of love for couples. The traditional diamond is the most popular stone for engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry. However, natural diamonds are relatively rare and must be mined from the earth. This means that they are expensive and are sometimes acquired through unethical means. Fortunately, there are ethical alternatives that can give you the beauty and quality of a natural, earth-mined diamond for a much less expensive price.
Sapphire
Sapphire is becoming a popular alternative to diamonds. Its durability, hardness, and luster are comparable to diamonds at about one-third the price of an earth-mined diamond. Additionally, sapphires can come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white (which can look just like a diamond), so they can provide a unique look. In terms of hardness, sapphire is actually the second hardest natural mineral. When cut correctly, this gem’s brilliance is very comparable to a natural diamond. Sapphires can be found naturally, but most sapphires that are used for jewelry are made in laboratories. All of these factors make them a suitable and ethical alternative to natural diamonds.
Lab-Grown Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are perhaps the most eco-conscious natural diamond alternative. Since they are created in a laboratory, they have virtually no negative impact on the environment. They are chemically identical to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are graded just like mined diamonds, with the four C’s determining the diamond’s quality, but they are available at a fraction of the price. The environmental, societal, and social impact of mining diamonds is massive. Purchasing a lab grown diamond gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your jewelry was obtained ethically and safely.
Moissanite
Moissanite is another lab-grown alternative to natural diamonds. Moissanite is extremely rare in nature but is relatively easy to make in a lab. As with the above alternatives, Moissanite is ethically made, and environmentally safe. It also has a refractory scale that is over two times higher than diamonds. This means that it is brighter than a diamond and has more fire and luster. It is also a much more economical option that natural diamonds.
Diamonds are still very popular stones for jewelry, but technology has provided many new options. These alternatives offer the same beautiful visual qualities of diamonds at much more affordable prices. These alternatives also do not have the environmental and social stigma of naturally mined diamonds because they do not have to be obtained through unethical means, as some diamonds are. This is why these other gems are such good alternatives to naturally mined diamonds.
