Getting engaged is one of the most exciting and memorable times in a person’s life. From planning the proposal to finding the perfect engagement ring, Mark Andrews wants to give you and your special someone the best ways to make it amazing without breaking the budget. According to the Financial Samurai, the average cost of an engagement ring in North Carolina is $9,225. We understand it might be difficult for the average young couple to spend $10,000 on an engagement ring, so we’re sharing our expertise to help you save on your engagement with these diamond alternatives.
Moissanite
One of the most popular diamond alternatives is Moissanite. This colorless, sparkly gemstone is an affordable option that still looks a lot like a diamond. A plus for people who are tough on their rings (i.e. healthcare workers, bartenders, etc.) is that Moissanite has a high hardness of 9.25— a diamond is a 10 on the hardness scale.
Sapphire
If your partner prefers something with color, sapphires are a beautiful and affordable alternative. Although blue is the most common color, sapphires come in every color of the rainbow. Their hardness of 9 makes them another durable option for those with a busy lifestyle.
With Kate Middleton now sporting the iconic sapphire ring previously worn by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, sapphire engagement rings have gained even more popularity.
Ruby
Like the other two mentioned above, rubies are also tough, boasting a hardness of 9. They come in varying red colors that stand out in any setting, although we think they look especially nice in a vintage design.
Lab-grown Diamonds
Even though they’re grown in a lab rather than in the ground, these gems are still considered diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are simply less expensive than natural-mined diamonds. While Mark Andrews Jewelers does not stock these, they’re just a phone call away.
If you’re considering a lab-grown diamond as an alternative to real diamonds, we are able to get Clarity Enhanced diamonds. As the name suggests, these are natural diamonds found in the ground that are enhanced with advanced lasers to improve clarity. Clarity Enhanced diamonds are typically less expensive than non-treated, natural diamonds.
Which one should I choose?
If you’re still not sure which diamond alternative is right for you and yours, stop by our shop for a side-by-side comparison or browse our online store. We will always go with what our customers prefer but we do educate our buyers against purchasing stones that are brittle, soft, or porous.