Category Archives: Guides & How To’s

Guides & How To's

Moissanite vs. Diamond – Which Is Better?

Posted on by Elizabeth


*Left = moissanite, right = diamond

When choosing an engagement ring there can be so many factors to consider; metal colour, metal type, what size, what style, what type of gem, what colour gem, how many gems?!?! It’s easy to end up feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed.

Just when you thought you had it all figured out, you hear of a new budding trend: moissanite. From what you’ve heard on the grapevine it’s a beautiful (and affordable) diamond alternative. The sparkle of a diamond at the fraction of a cost? Sound too good to be true? We’re here to give you all the facts and dispel the fictions to help you decide which stone is right for you!

Clarity

Clarity refers to the imperfections within the gem. The clarity on moissanite is near flawless, while most diamonds in the world will have some sort of imperfections in them – a naturally flawless diamond is rare and very very expensive! While some people like these natural flaws (a reminder perhaps that life isn’t perfect!), the crisp and clean look of a moissanite can be just as alluring.

Brilliance

Moissanite has a greater refractive index than diamonds which means is has more fire and brilliance. This fire refers to the natural play of light within the gem – the display of light in moissanite will therefore be bigger and more colourful than that of diamonds.

Durability

Obviously diamond is known as the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth, coming in at 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although no stone is stronger, moissanite isn’t so far behind, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This makes them extremely durable and great for everyday wear – see chart below for comparison.

Colour

Moissanite is considered a colourless gem, although can still project yellow or grayish hues in certain lights. This is more noticeable if the moissanite stone is larger, or if it is a cheaper type moissanite stone (Forever Classic).

Diamonds naturally vary in colour, and are graded on a scale from D-Z. Truly colourless diamonds (D) are treasured for their rarity. Many of these colour distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.

Price

Good news for those looking to save a bit more – moissanite is a fraction of the cost of a diamond!

While a diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity, colour, and carat, moissanite stones vary only with size and type of moissanite (Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, or Forever One). To read more about the different types of moissanite stone please click here.

Decisions, decisions…

Not that we don’t love diamonds, but there’s no denying that moissanite makes a great and affordable alternative. Although it’s not as revered (yet!), its durability, beauty, and brilliance equals (and even surpasses) that of a diamond. At Alden Ross you can find an extensive range of moissanite jewellery to suit each and every taste – see below to discover more.

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Guides & How To's

4 Simple Rules On Caring For Your Ruby Jewellery

Posted on by Elizabeth

If you’ve just invested in a ruby gemstone, you’ll want to make sure it stays looking as beautiful as the day you got it. Read our 4 simple rules below on caring for your ruby jewellery!

1. Remove jewellery to avoid dullness. Over time, dirt and oils can accumulate on the surface of the ruby causing a dull and cloudy appearance. To avoid this, make sure you apply all hand creams, lotions, sprays, etc. before putting on your ruby jewellery.

2. Keep it clean! If the ruby does dull slightly, you can easily get it’s sparkle back by gently cleaning your ruby with a soft cloth and a solution of warm soapy water. Dab dry, and it will be as good as new!

3. Make sure to go for periodic check-ups at your local jeweller. They will be able to professional clean your jewellery in an ultrasonic cleaner and tighten any stones that might have become loose with the wear and tear of daily life. Never attempt a DIY repair on loose stones as this can cause more harm than good!

4. Store it by itself! Rubies are a very durable gemstone, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. We recommend always taking off your ruby jewellery as soon as you enter the house and place it in its own soft bag or box to avoid scratching other gemstones.

So there you have it 🙂

Click below to explore our range of exquisite ruby jewellery!

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Ruby
Ruby

 

Guides & How To's

Which Type of Moissanite Should I Choose? Your Guide to Selecting the Best

Posted on by Elizabeth

Moissanite? Firstly…what is it?

Moissanite is a gemstone inspired by ancient stardust –  50,000 years ago, a meteorite flashed across the sky and landed in Arizona, creating a vast crater and scattering fragments all across the desert. These fragments were found to contain tiny sparkling crystals of silicon carbide, gemstones now known as ‘moissanite’.

In 1998, Charles & Colvard introduced the world to the brilliance and fire of gem-quality moissanite, creating silicon carbide gems with a fire and radiance beyond anything seen before. Unlike other stones that cloud and dull with time, moissanite is guaranteed never to lose its lustrous properties, exhibiting 10% more brilliance than diamond, and bending light into mesmerising flashes of fire. It is also one of the hardest known elements on earth, making it extremely resistant to scratching, chipping and breaking.

Moissanite’s unique beauty and durability means it is quickly becoming a choice gem for engagement rings. There are 3 types of Charles & Colvard created moissanite: Classic, Forever One, and Forever Brilliant. Here’s our guide to help you select which type suits you best…

Forever classic

Forever Classic Moissanite is the first moissanite from Charles & Colvard and is the one to choose if you are on a tight budget. Forever Classic offers subtle color shades in the J – K range of the industry color scale, with faint undertones of green, yellow or gray.

Forever brilliant

Forever Brilliant Moissanite is one of the premium brands of Moissanite from Charles & Colvard. Developed through improvements to the crystal growing process, this gem falls within the prized, near-colorless G-H-I range. A great choice and affordable choice if you don’t want to compromise on sparkle.

Forever One

Charles & Colvard Forever One moissanite is a triumph of art, science and sustained effort. The structural configuration of this new moissanite material is what yields its unsurpassed, colorless (D-E-F) quality. This stunning gemstone emits a faint icy hue compared to its Forever Brilliatn predecessor, which yeilds a warm hue. A breathtaking gemstone for those who want perfection.

Colour Comparison:

Brilliance Guaranteed

The decision of which moissanite to select is ultimately dependent on personal taste and budget. Whether you are a fan of crisp, icy hues or whether you favour gems with softer, warmer tones. At Alden Ross, we want to give you all the options, so you can choose between Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, and Forever One stones across our extensive range. Alongside each product we provide a Certificate of Authenticity, and a Lifetime Guarantee, to ensure the quality of your ring, and to make sure it will always stay in tip-top condition. To explore our range and find your perfect ring, shop our moissanite collection below.

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Guides & How To's

5 Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Band

Posted on by Elizabeth

They said yes!

After a few nervous weeks you popped the question and got the answer you were hoping for! The celebrations are in full swing and the champagne is flowing!

  • Perfect ring: check ✓
  • Perfect proposal: check ✓
  • Perfect fiancée : check ✓

But now…

In this new exciting phase of wedding planning, between choosing a venue, flowers, food, drink, and trying to convince Uncle Barry that his *ahem* enthusiastic rendition of “Bat Out Of Hell” might not be the best choice for your first dance, wedding rings are often the last thing on the list.

Here are our 5 top tips on making sure you pick the perfect wedding bands and don’t have to say “I do” with the help of Haribo:

1. Set a budget & decide on style

9ct gold? 18ct gold? Platinum? Titanium? Zirconium? Diamonds? Gemstone? Thick? Thin? The first thing you have to do before you ask any questions is set a budget. The most affordable wedding bands will be usually be plain 9ct gold, titanium, or zirconium bands. Price will increase depending on metal, width, and extra embellishments such as diamonds or gemstones. How much you are wanting to spend on your wedding bands will dictate what style you will want to be looking at. After that – it’s all on you!

2. Consider your lifestyle

Don’t forget that your wedding band will be worn every day so it’s important to choose a ring that suits your lifestyle. If you work with your hands you will probably want to avoid any band that contains diamonds or gemstones to lower the risk of damage. If you’re the outdoors-type and frequently find yourself clinging to a rock or battling rapid waters, a solid, durable band in a metal like titanium or platinum is what you should look for. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin a hypoallergenic metal that is nickel-free is definitely a must! Palladium, platinum, titanium and zirconium all fall into this category, so choose a ring that you will love, and will love you back!

3. Get sized

As you will rarely take off your wedding band, it is imperative to size correctly to make sure you will be comfortable in all wind and weather. The best time to size your finger preferably around midday after your body has woken-up a bit (usually your fingers are more swollen in the morning), never immediately after exercise, and never when you are extremely cold, hot, or stressed. For regular bands, we recommend going to a jewellers to get the correct size or following an online guide such as this one. For comfort-fit bands that have rounded edges and a looser feel, we recommend requesting a set of test sizers from your jewellers to try on at home.

4. Make it personal

Your wedding band is the most important piece of jewellery you will wear so why not make it that extra bit special with a personalised message? Traditionally, wedding bands are engraved with a date or phrase that is meaningful for the two of you. Whether a song, poem, or inside joke, an inscription adds an extra something to cherish. Choose a quote together, or make it a surprise and let your fiancé choose for you!

5. To match or not to match? That is the question…

They say that opposites attract – maybe that’s the case for you and your fiancé . Maybe one of you likes classic styles and is leaning towards a gold or platinum band. Maybe the other likes shaking things up and has their heart set on a anodized zirconium ring. Although matching wedding bands are a popular way to go, there is no rule that says you have to choose the same style or metal. My advice if you can’t quite agree – embrace each other’s individuality and celebrate your differences! After all, it’s why you fell in love with them! You can always add that matching element with matching engravings. Just make sure to pick a wedding band that you and your partner will love!

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Crossover Rings
Crossover Rings
Diamond & Gemstone Eternity
Diamond & Gemstone Eternity
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Women's Plain Bands