Moissanite or Diamond

[PineappleMinnie]

I would recommend going with mined diamond from vendor with excellent upgrade policy.

I asked Tiffany about their engagement ring upgrade policy. The new ring must be 2x the price of the old ring. But, I don't think I'll go for the Tiffany upgrade because to get what I truly want (in terms of natural diamond), Tiffany's price tag is just too hefty for me to swallow . Again, I regret getting the engagement ring from Tiffany (it was an emotional purchase, and to be honest, engagement ring is likely an emotional purchase for many people).

 

[PineappleMinnie]

On paper, moissanite indeed sounds amazing with more sparkle etc etc. But if you get used to seeing diamonds and moissanites in person, you will for sure develop a taste for one or the other (and my bet is on diamond). Diamonds sparkle "sharper"; moissanite with double refraction just gets kinda fuzzy around the edges and the sparkles are more on the surface, lazier.

Moissanites are great stones for the money but they are not diamonds.

I'd go for second-hand or lab diamond (or second-hand lab diamond!) for savings, if you enjoy the way your diamond sparkles.

Or just get a moissanite to play with, it won't break the bank. Maybe you'll even be fine with it, which would be very nice on the wallet.

Where would be a good and trustworthy place to purchase second hand good quality diamond rings ?

 

[PineappleMinnie]

Mined diamond, second hand if you want a bigger stone and to make some savings.

Any recommendations re: where to buy a good quality second hand diamond ring?

 

[PineappleMinnie]

Diamond- preloved- you can get a diamond that is larger or a color that is higher (assuming you are color sensative)

If you know of a good place to purchase preloved diamond rings, please share .

 

[PineappleMinnie]

No way would I substitute a non Diamond engagement ring. Sounds more like settling for larger stone because price is cheaper. I have found whenever I “settled” because of price on something I am not ultimately happy with purchase.

That was exactly my thinking. I have been pondering these days. I read all the replies here (so great to get so many responses from all of you!) I feel a part of me opt for moissanite as an option because I am trying to "settle" for an alternative. Perhaps, I am trying to convince myself that I am making a more financially feasible choice and being "smart" with my money.

I had done something similar before and it didn't work out. I bought a trench coat that was very similar to the classic Burberry trench coat. It was a more affordable option. But, years later - I eventually bought the Burberry Chelsea trench coat and sold the more affordable option.

 

[PineappleMinnie]

Thanks for all the replies from everyone ! They are extremely helpful and informative! I think I'll go for the natural diamond option (either preloved or new), instead of a moissanite. If you know any places where you can buy good preloved diamond rings, please share . Thanks for sharing the differences between the two, which really helped me in my decision-making. I don't think I'll like the rainbow-like sparkles. It just doesn't look natural to me.

 

[Canturi lover]

Hi @PineappleMinnie you have been given some great advice already and I'm a little bit hesitant to add to it but wanted to share this video showing how a well cut Moissanite can perform like a diamond.


He is distinctivegem on Insta - lots of drool worthy eye candy
Please let us know what you get.

 

[AntiqueShopper]

If you know of a good place to purchase preloved diamond rings, please share .

There are many great estate websites. I’ve personally used Beladora.com and Betteridge.com. You can call these locations to discuss as well. Betteridge has much more in store than online. I’ve never used Oakgem but heard it has a good reputation. You can also ask your local jeweler to source some preloved pieces.

 

[missie1]

I asked Tiffany about their engagement ring upgrade policy. The new ring must be 2x the price of the old ring. But, I don't think I'll go for the Tiffany upgrade because to get what I truly want (in terms of natural diamond), Tiffany's price tag is just too hefty for me to swallow . Again, I regret getting the engagement ring from Tiffany (it was an emotional purchase, and to be honest, engagement ring is likely an emotional purchase for many people).

Don’t go back to Tiffany as your paying for brand. Try Bluenile or Whiteflash. Both have upgrade policies. Not sure how much you will save on a used diamond that GIA certified.

 

[htx1234]

I asked Tiffany about their engagement ring upgrade policy. The new ring must be 2x the price of the old ring. But, I don't think I'll go for the Tiffany upgrade because to get what I truly want (in terms of natural diamond), Tiffany's price tag is just too hefty for me to swallow . Again, I regret getting the engagement ring from Tiffany (it was an emotional purchase, and to be honest, engagement ring is likely an emotional purchase for many people).

I will say I’m in a large city and our Tiffany doesn’t require this rule. Would you ever sell your Tiffany? The one plus is they do resell better than most non-branded E-ring s.

 

[limom]

If you want a really affordable nice diamond, how about a reputable pawn shop or even EBay?
I bought some diamond on EBay and had them evaluated by a local appraiser.
It checked out and I got a great deal.
Also check private sellers as well.
Why do you want to upgrade your ring?

 

[floatinglili]

Hi @PineappleMinnie you have been given some great advice already and I'm a little bit hesitant to add to it but wanted to share this video showing how a well cut Moissanite can perform like a diamond.


He is distinctivegem on Insta - lots of drool worthy eye candy
Please let us know what you get.

That was a cool video. The old style cut adds an interesting point of difference to the moissanite offering.

 

[skyqueen]

Hi @PineappleMinnie you have been given some great advice already and I'm a little bit hesitant to add to it but wanted to share this video showing how a well cut Moissanite can perform like a diamond.


He is distinctivegem on Insta - lots of drool worthy eye candy
Please let us know what you get.

I wish I had seen this video before I bought my OEC studs

 

[Canturi lover]

That was a cool video. The old style cut adds an interesting point of difference to the moissanite offering.

He also does modern cuts and honestly you would be hard pressed to tell the difference at times.

I wish I had seen this video before I bought my OEC studs

@skyqueen your studs are spectacular!

 

[floatinglili]

Yeah it’s definitely Italy thought provoking for fashion / dress jewellery but natural diamond is the standard and remains so. Moissanite has been around for quite some time and we still cling to what is most ‘real’ (diamond) like.
We havent abandoned diamond standards to rock huge mermaid rocks shooting green and blue rainbows.

Going back to the OPs original question I would retain the original diamond and go for a natural diamond three stone for the e- ring upgrade - and, go for a moissanite tennis bracelet or earring studs on the side.