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Why Diamonds are the #1 choice for Engagement Rings
Nov 28, 2021
Diamonds
Why Diamonds are the #1 choice for Engagement Rings

 

The British company De Beers, through one of their phenomenally successful marketing campaigns in the early 1900s, made diamonds the prime choice of stone for engagement rings. A famous catchphrase that is instantly recognizable to many is "Diamonds are forever", which is just one of De Beers’ many successful slogans throughout decades of targeted marketing.

 

Not only did De Beers "advertising contribute to diamonds" widespread popularity but also the fact that diamonds are indeed the finest stones. This article will provide an overview of all the major diamond alternatives available in the present times and how they stack up against real diamonds.

 

WHY DIAMONDS?


The phrase "Diamonds are forever" is derived from the fact that diamonds are the strongest natural material known to man. Their properties, including hardness, sparkle, and brilliance, surpass those of other stones and gems. While we have previously discussed the properties and composition of diamonds in depth, in this article, we will briefly explain why alternative stones are not as suitable for engagement rings.

Tip: Diamonds are renowned for being the strongest natural materials, but it is important to remember that they still require proper care to avoid damage. Accidentally hitting your ring too hard can lead to damage of the diamond girdle or even loss of the diamond if the setting's safety mechanism is also damaged.

 

WHY NOT MOISSANITES?


Due to their low level of hardness, moissanites are not a practical alternative to diamonds. In fact, diamonds are four times harder than moissanites.

These stones are not white. Moissanites, on average, have a lower color grade compared to diamonds. In dim lighting, this difference in color grading becomes more pronounced as moissanites are characterized by a brown tint that makes them appear darker when compared to diamonds.

Moissanites have an iridescent sparkle, whereas diamonds have a white sparkle. The rainbow-like sparkles of moissanites can be striking, but they can also make the stone appear more like costume jewelry, rather than a fine diamond.

Moissanites have double refraction, meaning when viewed from the top down, the point where the facets join is visible as two distinct lines instead of one, due to the way light is bent as it enters and exits the stone. This can be noticeable and detract from the overall appearance of the stone.

Why Diamonds are the #1 choice for Engagement Rings

 

WHY NOT WHITE SAPPHIRES?


White sapphires, when compared to diamonds, have a different light transmission property. While diamonds reflect light like a mirror, white sapphires allow light to pass through them, making them transparent when viewed from the top.


In terms of sparkle, white sapphires do not have the same intensity as diamonds. Their lack of light-reflecting abilities results in less sparkle and less brilliance, a difference that is noticeable with the naked eye.
When it comes to durability, white sapphires are not as sturdy as diamonds. They are more prone to chipping and wear over time, while diamonds are known for their exceptional hardness and resistance to damage. This makes diamonds a more suitable option for engagement rings.

Tip: In contrast to their subpar use as a diamond alternative, white sapphires are actually highly valued for their transparency and scratch-resistance properties. This makes them the ideal material for the glass in expensive watches. The transparency allows for easy readability of the watch face while the scratch resistance ensures the longevity of the watch's aesthetic appeal.


 

WHY NOT CUBIC ZIRCONIA?


Cubic Zirconia is known for its porosity which allows dirt and hand cream to penetrate the stone, leading to a dulling of the sparkle over time. This can happen after as little as 10-30 uses. Additionally, it is also a fragile stone that scratches and chips easily, which can lead to a loss of its aesthetic appeal over time, making it a poor choice for long-term enjoyment.


Cubic Zirconia, while visually similar to diamonds, lacks the durability and longevity of real diamonds making it inappropriate for everyday wear.

Tip: Beware of companies that use misleading terminology such as "diamond simulants" or similar phrases. These businesses are attempting to pass off low-quality, imitation stones as desirable products through clever marketing.

Tip: Watch out for companies that use fancy marketing terms like "diamond simulants" or similar. It's just a fancy wrapping to a disappointing stuffing.


To conclude - While diamonds are the preferred choice for their superior properties, the cost can be a barrier for some. To make it more affordable for you, we offer lab grown diamonds in Hong Kong that will still make your loved one's special day unforgettable without breaking the bank.
To learn more about lab grown diamonds visit our home page, where we go in depth about lab grown diamonds HK and lab diamond HK.