The engagement ring market has completely changed in the last decade. There used to be only one choice: natural diamond. Today? There are three main options — natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, and moissanite — and each offers a different compromise between price, appearance, and ethics.
Natural Diamond — The Classic
A diamond formed deep within the Earth billions of years ago and mined from the ground.
Pros: Most well-known historical and cultural symbol | Resale market value | Maximum hardness: 10/10
Cons: By far the highest price | Ethical and environmental concerns | Significant depreciation in recent years
Example Price: 1 carat D VVS1 Round — ₪20,000 to ₪40,000
Lab-Grown Diamond — The Middle Ground
A diamond created in a laboratory under conditions of pressure and heat that mimic Earth's conditions. Chemically identical to a natural diamond — entirely C (carbon). Cannot be distinguished without specialized professional equipment.
Pros: Chemically/physically/optically identical to a natural diamond | Lower price than natural diamond (3–5 times less) | Greater ethical and environmental responsibility
Cons: Market value has crashed in recent years | Still significantly more expensive than moissanite
Example Price: 1 carat D VVS1 — ₪4,000 to ₪10,000
Moissanite — The Engagement Market Disruptor
A unique gemstone (SiC — silicon carbide), produced in a laboratory, with its own unique optical and physical characteristics.
Pros: Much cheaper, 15–25 times less than a natural diamond | Brilliance surpasses diamond (RI: 2.65–2.69) | Hardness 9.25 | 100% lab-created | Cannot be distinguished by eye
Cons: Not a "diamond" symbolically for those who specifically want a diamond
Example Price: 1 carat D VVS1 — ₪800 to ₪1,600
Full Comparison
Natural Diamond: Hardness 10 | Brilliance RI 2.42 | Price ₪20,000–₪40,000 | Low Ethics ❌
Lab-Grown Diamond: Hardness 10 | Brilliance RI 2.42 | Price ₪4,000–₪10,000 | High Ethics ✅
Moissanite: Hardness 9.25 | Brilliance RI 2.65–2.69 | Price ₪800–₪1,600 | Very High Ethics ✅
What to Choose in 2024?
According to global market data, approximately 60% of couples buying an engagement ring in Israel today choose moissanite. The reasons: price, brilliance, clear conscience — and the fact that no one can tell the difference.
At Ice Diamonds: Handmade D VVS1 Moissanite
At Ice Diamonds, Ramat Gan Diamond Exchange, we specialize in handmade D VVS1 Moissanite. Our collection: Moissanite engagement rings, Moissanite necklaces, Moissanite earrings, Moissanite bracelets and luxury sets.
Still undecided? We'd be happy to send you a personal video of the ring you're interested in — so you can see the brilliance before deciding.
