Jewelry 101: Moissanite Versus Diamonds

Moissanite Versus Diamonds

Traditionally, diamonds are the go-to stone when it comes to engagement rings. They are classic, timeless pieces that can fit any occasion and can complete any of your outfits. But now, there are plenty of stones to choose from — even one that looks pretty similar to diamonds, like the moissanite.

Unlike diamonds that are naturally occurring, most moissanite is lab-grown. Moissanite is a diamond-simulant made of silicon carbide that is very similar to a diamond’s appearance. In fact, they’re so similar that it is difficult to tell them apart. Out of all the diamond alternatives in the market, moissanite is probably the closest and most similar to diamonds making it the most chosen alternative.

Let’s compare them and help you decide on what stone would fit your better.

Origin

Diamonds are naturally-occuring. They are mined and have been the traditional gemstone to buy for many people. Most consumers prefer them because they symbolize eternity and prestige. On the other hand, moissanite was artificially made and produced inside laboratories. There are people who pick moissanite over diamonds for sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Solid 14K gold wedding band with oval moissanite and 14 diamond accents.

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14K Solid Gold, Moissanite, Diamond

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Price

Cost is always a major factor when it comes to differentiating moissanite and a diamond. Most people would say that the biggest advantage moissanite has is its price. It is a fraction of the cost of a diamond which makes it considerably cheaper. You can possibly get moissanite in the size of a one-carat diamond for just under $1,100. In comparison, you would have to pay at least $3,000 for a diamond that size.

Fire and Brilliance

Brilliance is a gemstone’s ability to reflect light. With these two gemstones, comparing their brilliance might be the best way to tell them apart. Generally, moissanites have more fire and brilliance than any other gemstones. They’re cut in a way to complement their double refractivity and enhance its sparkle factor. It displays a different array of spectral colors while diamonds reflect whiter light.

Hardness

In choosing a gemstone, you might look into what stone is harder to scratch or chip. Although no gemstone is indestructible, diamonds are known to be the hardest naturally-occurring mineral. It scores a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Again, they’re not unbreakable, but they are durable and ideal for everyday wear. In contrast, moissanite scored a 9.5 out of 10. Other than diamonds, it has bested other gemstones and is the second hardest gemstone. It makes for durable jewelry that will be suited for your everyday use.

"You shouldn’t ignore moissanite and how it nearly has the same properties as a diamond, for a fraction of the price"

Color

Diamonds vary and can come in a wide range of colors. As they are mined, the environmental factors they were in affects how clear or how white they appear. Thus, no mined diamonds will ever be the same as each other. It is graded on a scale of D-Z where D is colorless and Z is yellowish. They also come in colors like blue, pink, red, blue, and more. On the other hand, moissanite has been developed and perfected to be colorless. Because they were developed in labs, they were produced to have a consistent coloring across the D-I range.

Moissanite Vs. Diamonds: Final Thoughts

So which one should you choose? This will depend on what you prefer. If you look at the comparison above, diamonds and moissanites are very similar yet vastly different. A quick glance might make them look like twins, but the more you look at them deeper, the more you will find their differences.

In the end, you can select diamonds for their color range, their value, and their symbolism. It is still the go-to gemstone that represents an eternity of love. However, you shouldn’t ignore moissanite and how it nearly has the same properties as a diamond, for a fraction of the price. Both gemstones would be the prettiest sparkling addition to your collection, no matter what choice you make.