Moissanite vs. Diamond Side by Side: Ultimate Comparison Guide

Choosing between moissanite and diamond for an engagement ring, wedding band, or fine jewelry can be tough. Both gems are known for their brilliance and beauty, but they have unique qualities.

Moissanite, discovered in 1893 and now mostly made in labs, is famous for its sparkle and fire. It’s a durable gemstone that is budget-friendly and eco-friendly. Unlike diamond imitators, moissanite has its own special features, making it a top choice for affordable engagement rings. Moissanite rings are popular for their low cost and ethical production.

Diamonds symbolize luxury and eternal love. They are the hardest natural substance on Earth, made of pure carbon. Diamonds come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, offering lots of options for personalized engagement rings. However, diamonds are more expensive than moissanite and can have ethical and environmental concerns. Despite the higher cost, diamond rings are valued for their timeless elegance and unmatched durability.

Understanding Moissanite and Diamond

Choosing between moissanite and diamond for an engagement ring can be confusing. Both gemstones have their unique qualities, making them popular choices for jewelry. Let's explore what makes each one special and how they compare. 

• What is Moissanite?

Moissanite, or silicon carbide, is a rare mineral discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893. Today, it is mostly created in labs and is a popular alternative to diamonds. Companies like Charles and Colvard produce lab-made moissanite, making it an affordable and eco-friendly choice.

Natural moissanite is very rare, so most moissanite today is lab-made. It is known for its brilliance and has a higher refractive index than diamonds, making it sparkle more. Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a durable option for daily wear.

• What is a Diamond?

Diamonds are valuable and sought-after gemstones formed naturally from carbon under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth's mantle. They are billions of years old and brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Nowadays, diamonds can also be made in labs, and these lab-made diamonds have characteristics almost identical to natural ones.

Diamonds are associated with status and wealth. They are the hardest natural material, with a Mohs scale rating of 10, making them ideal for engagement rings. Diamonds reflect light beautifully but have a lower refractive index than moissanite, resulting in a different kind of sparkle.

Comparing Moissanite and Diamond

When comparing moissanite and diamond, it’s important to know their unique properties and origins. Moissanite, with its high refractive index and durability, offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to diamonds. Diamonds, whether natural or lab-made, symbolize luxury and provide exceptional durability and light performance.

Choosing between moissanite and diamond depends on personal preference, budget, and values. Both gemstones have their own unique beauty and advantages, making either a great choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

• Moissanite vs. Diamond Color and Clarity

Diamonds come in a range of colors, from colorless to shades of yellow or brown. They are graded on a D to Z scale, with D being the most colorless and Z having noticeable color. Colorless diamonds are more valuable. Diamonds also have inclusions and blemishes that can affect their appearance and value. Clarity is graded from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes) to Included (visible inclusions under 10x magnification).

Moissanite is usually near colorless but can show a slight yellow or green tint in some lights. While not as colorless as top-grade diamonds, moissanite still sparkles beautifully. Being lab-created, moissanite often has fewer inclusions than natural diamonds, making it clearer.

• Moissanite vs. Diamond Cut and Size

Both diamonds and moissanite can be cut into various shapes like brilliant or oval cuts. The cut affects the stone's shape and how it reflects light, influencing its brilliance and fire. A good cut enhances the beauty and value of both diamonds and moissanite.

Diamonds come in many sizes, offering different options based on your preference and budget. Moissanite also comes in various sizes and is often measured using a "diamond equivalent weight" (DEW) system. This means a moissanite stone may be labeled with a carat weight that is slightly less than its actual weight.

• Different Shapes and Settings

Moissanite and diamond engagement rings come in many shapes and settings to match your style. Both stones can be featured in classic solitaire settings and are often set in metals like rose gold, yellow gold, and platinum. There are also many custom designs available, from vintage to modern styles. Both stones offer a bright sparkle and great look.

• Durability for Everyday Use

Durability is key when choosing an engagement ring since it will be worn daily. Diamonds are very hard, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them resistant to scratches and damage. This makes diamonds great for daily wear. Moissanite is also very hard, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it a strong choice too. While slightly less durable than diamonds, moissanite is still tough and suitable for everyday use.

Price Comparison of Moissanite and Diamond

When choosing between moissanite and diamond for jewelry, price is a key factor. Moissanite, being lab-created, costs between $250 and $1000 per carat. In contrast, diamonds, which are natural, range from $1,400 to over $20,000 per carat depending on size, cut, clarity, and color.

Moissanite offers larger, higher-quality stones at a lower price, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers. Diamonds, though more expensive, are traditional and often have higher resale value.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Hardness and Durability

When comparing moissanite and diamond, both hardness and durability are important. Hardness measures scratch resistance, while durability is about withstanding daily wear.

Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it very tough. Diamonds score a perfect 10, making them the hardest material and more scratch-resistant. Despite this, moissanite is still very durable and suitable for everyday jewelry.

Diamonds have a higher yield strength (over 16 GPa) compared to moissanite (9 GPa), meaning they can handle more stress without deforming.

In summary, while diamonds are harder and more durable, moissanite is a strong, affordable alternative that resists scratches and daily wear, making it a great choice for jewelry.

Alternative Gemstone Options

Moissanite is a lab-made gem that looks similar to diamonds. It is very durable, even harder than sapphires and emeralds, and has better heat resistance than diamonds. Moissanite is known for its brilliant sparkle, which is slightly different from diamonds. This makes it popular for engagement rings and fine jewelry.

Cubic Zirconia is another diamond substitute. It is a lab-grown crystal that looks like a diamond but is more affordable. Although it is not as durable as moissanite or diamonds, it is a good budget-friendly option.

Natural gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and white sapphires are also good alternatives. Sapphires come in colors like blue and pink, while emeralds are known for their rich green color. White sapphires look similar to diamonds and offer a beautiful, durable option.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

When comparing moissanite and diamonds, think about the ethical and environmental impact. Diamond mining can harm the environment, causing habitat destruction and pollution. Some diamonds, known as "blood diamonds," are mined in conflict zones with human rights abuses.

Moissanite, made in labs, has a much lower environmental impact. It is energy-efficient to produce and does not cause environmental damage. Moissanite is also conflict-free, making it a sustainable choice.

While the diamond industry has tried to address these issues, moissanite's production ensures it is conflict-free and eco-friendly.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Quality and Authenticity

Quality and authenticity matter when choosing between moissanite and diamonds. Diamonds are graded by the 4 Cs: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. Moissanite is graded similarly but has a unique sparkle.

Jewelers use tools like loupes and diamond testers to tell real diamonds from moissanite. Lab-grown diamonds, with the same properties as natural ones, are a less expensive and eco-friendly option.

Buyers should look for accurate labeling and certification to ensure quality.

Deciding Between Moissanite and Diamond

Choosing between moissanite and diamonds involves considering beauty, price, durability, and environmental impact. Moissanite is brilliant and affordable, making it great for budget-conscious buyers. It is also ethical and eco-friendly.

Diamonds, valued for their natural beauty and rarity, remain popular. However, concerns about their environmental and social impact have led many to choose moissanite.

Conclusion: Moissanite vs. Diamond Side by Side

Choosing between moissanite and diamonds depends on several factors like sparkle, durability, cost, and ethical concerns. Moissanite, a lab-created gem, is known for its brilliant sparkle, durability, and affordability. It is also eco-friendly and conflict-free, making it a great choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

Diamonds are valued for their natural beauty and unmatched hardness. They symbolize luxury and eternal love but come with a higher cost and potential ethical issues related to mining.

In the end, the choice between moissanite and diamonds depends on your personal preferences, budget, and values. Both gemstones offer beautiful and durable options for jewelry, ensuring you can find the perfect piece to cherish.

FAQs: Choosing Between Moissanite and Diamond

Q.1 What is the difference in hardness between moissanite and diamond?

Ans. Diamonds are the hardest natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite scores 9.25, making it very durable and suitable for everyday wear, though slightly less hard than diamonds.

Q.2 How does moissanite compare to lab-grown diamonds?

Ans. Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are ethical choices. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, giving it more fire and sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and are more affordable and sustainable.

Q.3 Is moissanite valuable like a diamond?

Ans. Moissanite is less expensive than both natural and lab-grown diamonds but is still valued for its beauty and durability. However, its resale value is generally lower compared to diamonds.

Q.4 Which has more sparkle: moissanite or diamond?

Ans. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, resulting in more fire and brilliance than diamonds. This makes moissanite appear flashier, while diamonds offer a more classic and subtle sparkle.

Q.5 How does the price of moissanite compare to diamonds?

Ans. Moissanite is significantly cheaper than diamonds. A 1-carat diamond can cost several thousand dollars, whereas a similar-sized moissanite may cost a few hundred dollars.

Q.6 Can an average person tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?

Ans. To the untrained eye, moissanite and diamonds look very similar. However, a jeweler or gemologist can distinguish them using specialized tools due to their different refractive indexes and other properties.

Q.7 Is moissanite a good choice for engagement rings?

Ans. Yes, moissanite is a popular choice for engagement rings due to its brilliance, durability, and lower cost. It is also an ethical alternative to diamonds.

Q.8 What are the ethical considerations when choosing between moissanite and diamonds?

Ans. Moissanite is lab-grown, which means it has a lower environmental impact and is free from the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, such as conflict diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds also offer a more ethical option compared to mined diamonds.

Q.9 How do moissanite and diamond compare in terms of color and clarity?

Ans. Diamonds come in a range of colors and clarities, with the highest quality being colorless and flawless. Moissanite is usually near colorless but can show a slight yellow or green tint in some lights. Moissanite typically has fewer inclusions due to its lab-grown nature.

Q.10 What factors should I consider when choosing between moissanite and diamonds?

Ans. Consider your budget, the desired brilliance and sparkle, durability, and ethical concerns. Moissanite is more affordable and ethical, offering great brilliance, while diamonds provide a timeless appeal and higher resale value.