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Why?
By
Addison Rice
When it comes to engagement ring stones, there's a lot to consider. In the moissanite vs diamond debate, we’ll look at three main factors: beauty, durability, and price. Ultimately, the best choice for your engagement ring is the gem that you prefer.
Learn more about moissanite and why so many are opting for a moissanite engagement ring, and why others prefer a more expensive diamond.
What is Moissanite?
Although moissanites do occur naturally (and very rarely) in very tiny crystals, when consumers compare moissanites and diamonds they’re most likely considering synthetic moissanites. This is a form of crystalline silicon carbide created in laboratories and widely used as a diamond simulant. Unless you’re shopping for rare mineral samples, when you encounter moissanites and moissanite rings for sale, you’re dealing with the synthetic variety.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Which is More Beautiful?
The top question in the moissanite vs diamond debate is whether one holds more beauty than the other. Certainly, moissanite is a convincing diamond simulant. To tell the difference between diamonds and moissanites, jewelry experts need a "moissanite tester"— a device that measures electrical conductivity— and a loupefor a close visual examination. However, there are slight differences in their beauty that consumers may notice.
Brilliance and Fire
When you’re looking at a diamond, you’ll notice both brilliance (white flashes) and fire (colored flashes). Moissanite also shows both, but typically has more fire than diamond. So, moissanite tends to have more colored flashes of light than diamond.
However, this depends partly on the diamond cut. Diamonds with older cut styles or modern cuts with certain angles will show more fire than most modern diamonds. This can make it difficult to tell the difference between the two.
Distinguishing moissanites and diamonds based on brilliance and fire isn’t reliable, but it's easier to see at larger sizes. Even so, unless you have experience in the jewelry industry, you won't be able to tell the difference justbased on appearance.
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Color
Today, you can readily find moissanites in the same range of color as white diamonds. This wasn't always the case.
“Classic” moissanite has a yellowish or brownish color, often compared to J through M color diamond. This range works best with yellow gold or rose gold settings and vintage styles.
However, moissanite is also available in colors equivalent to “Near Colorless” G to I range and “Colorless” D through F range. This gives moissanite buyers great options for mimicking their favorite diamond looks and styles.
Still, moissanite can change color based on lighting and may not always look perfectly colorless. Some stones will appear more yellow or yellow-green. Those sensitive to color may prefer diamond or white sapphire to moissanite.
Clarity
Because moissanites are grown in laboratories, they don’t have the large clarity imperfections that diamonds may contain. So, a moissanite will always be eye-clean, while diamonds may contain imperfections visible to the eye.
For those with low budgets, finding an eye-clean diamond in their desired size can be difficult. It involves examining many diamonds very closely. This can be time consuming and may require expert help.
Is Diamond More Durable Than Moissanite?
Hardness
At a 10 on the Mohs scale, diamond is well-known as the hardest material. Nothing but a diamond can scratch another diamond. With a hardness of 9.25, moissanite is the second-hardest material used a gemstone. Unless you store your moissanite with diamond jewelry, it’s highly unlikely that it will scratch.
Toughness
However, determining whether moissanite or diamond makes a tougher gem material is difficult. People who sell moissanite may claim moissanite is tougher, while those who sell diamond may claim the opposite.
Moissanite doesn’t have acleavage plane, while diamond does. (This is an internal plane along which a diamond crystal can easily split). This gives a durability advantage to moissanite. However, this doesn’t help establish how hard a moissanite needs to be knocked until it chips or shatters.
The IGS cannot corroborate the following measurements of pressure tolerance in millions of pounds per square inch (PSI) for diamond, moissanite, and cubic zirconia (CZ), another well-known diamond simulant. However, they may give some basis for comparison:
- Diamond: 14.6 PSI
- Moissanite: 7.6 PSI
- CZ: 2.4 PSI
Sources: Does Moissanite Chip Easily?; Moissanite Versus Cubic Zirconia.
If reliable, these figures indicate diamond takes about twice as much pressure to break than moissanite, while moissanite takes three times as much pressure to break than CZ. However, it’s not clear if the measurement for diamond is an average of pressure applied in any direction or if it was taken along its cleavage plane, which would be weaker. (CZ, like moissanite, also lacks a cleavage plane).
Generally, both diamond and moissanite are unlikely to chip or crack, although this is always a possibility and also depends on the type of cut. (For example, princess cuts may chip more easily than rounds). When choosing between these gems, durability isn't a significant factor.
Budget and Size for Moissanite vs. Diamond
Cost is almost always a major factor when choosing an engagement ring. When comparing moissanite vs diamond, moissanite is the clear winner in the price category. Check out the moissanite sizes you can get for the following budgets, compared to diamonds of different color grades.
For simplicity's sake, these are prices for round diamonds, with the highest carat weight in the budget for an eye-clean SI2, excellent-cut diamond from James Allen. These diamond prices represent a bare minimum of eye-clean quality. Moissanite sizes are taken from Brilliant Earth'sSuper Premium moissanite, which is equivalent to a D-E-F diamond color grade.
As you can see, moissanite offers major cost savings. Even spending under $1,000, you can get a stone the size of a one-carat diamond. For a diamond this size, you’d pay at least $3,000, with significant compromises in color and clarity. If you spent that much on a moissanite it would be huge, over 1 cm across!
Even at smaller budgets of $500, the size difference between moissanite and diamond is significant, with a moissanite being 8% larger than a diamond with faint color or 20% larger than a D-E-F diamond.
Natural Origins or Lab-Made Beauty?
Ultimately, the most important factor in your decision on moissanite vs diamond— even more so than cost— will be whether you'd just prefer to have a diamond or a moissanite.
Some consumers prefer diamond for tradition, prestige, or natural origin.Others prefer moissanite for sustainability or ethical reasons, or simply because they can get the aesthetic they desire for less. This is a personal choice with no wrong answers. If you’d prefer a diamond, buy a diamond. If you’d prefer a moissanite, buy a moissanite.
Where to Purchase a Moissanite or Diamond Engagement Ring
If you’ve decided on a diamond, read about diamond quality first to avoid paying more than necessary. Because a diamond is such an expensive and personal purchase, you simply must get a closeup look at how it sparkles before buying. To get the most for your money, we recommend using online dealers like James Allen and Blue Nile. Both provide 360° video of their diamonds and plenty of ring settings to choose from. With their extensive selections of diamonds, you’re sure to find the one that’s best for you.
For moissanite, quality is far less variable, making the shopping experience easier. Charles & Colvard, the original manufacturer of gem-grade moissanite, has hundreds of ring styles to choose from, all available online.
If you just can’t seem to find the right engagement ring style, try contacting the experts at CustomMade. Whether diamond, moissanite, or something else entirely, CustomMade will help you find the perfect center stone for your style and budget and place it in a unique engagement ring you’ll cherish.
Addison Rice
A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison’s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth’s geological processes began in her elementary school’s environmental club. When she isn’t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.
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FAQs
Is diamond more durable than moissanite? ›
“Moissanite is the second hardest to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale,” O'Connell says. “Based on rankings from one to 10, diamonds are a 10 and moissanite is a 9.25-9.5.” Moissanite is a very durable option for an engagement ring stone, especially since the material doesn't scratch easily.
What looks better moissanite or diamond? ›Moissanite disperses light very well and has higher light refraction than Diamond and will appear more brilliant. Additionally, Moissanite is less likely to attract grease or dirt over time than a Diamond due to its crystalline structure which should help keep the 'sparkle' longer between cleanings.
Can jewelers tell the difference between diamonds and moissanite? ›The most effective way to tell Moissanite apart from a diamond is to use a loupe to look through the top, or the crown, of the jewel at an angle. You will see two slightly blurred lines that indicates a double refraction, an inherent quality of Moissanite. Double refraction is easier to see in some shapes than others.
Is diamond or moissanite more expensive? ›Moissanite is a lot cheaper than a diamond. Although this means you can buy a larger stone for your money, it also means that moissanite is far less valuable and ultimately you are buying something worth very little in the long term.
Does moissanite lose its sparkle? ›Unlike softer stones like cubic zirconia (CZ), Moissanite rates a 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite is extremely hard! In fact, it is second only to diamond which rates a 10. Moissanite is so tough that even when dirts and oils start to build up on its surface, it still looks sparkly!
Can moissanite pass diamond tester? ›Yes, some diamond simulants can pass a diamond tester.
For example, moissanite, a man made gem, may pass as a diamond on a standard tester pen. This is because moissanite also has very high thermal conductivity! Other diamond simulants, such as CZ, will not pass the tester.
Moissanite is often compared to diamonds and therefore is often treated as a “fake” diamond or “diamond look-alike” rather than a gemstone in its own right. As it looks very similar and has some similar properties, the use of moissanite in jewellery is discussed as a choice of moissanite vs diamond.
Does moissanite get cloudy? ›Nope. Moissanite does not get cloudy. The stone might get murky from daily wear but it's nothing that won't wash away with a good cleaning. I've got a dirty little confession: one of the reasons I love moissanite is because it stands up to grim better than real diamonds.
Which moissanite cut sparkles the most? ›The traditional cone shaped cut with a rounded top contains 58 facets, which allows for maximum light reflection making it the best cut for brilliance, fire and sparkle.
Does moissanite turn yellow over time? ›If you get the right moissanite jewelry from the right place, you know that they last as long as a diamond does and they'll never turn yellow or any other color.
Which moissanite cut is closest to a diamond? ›
Of all shapes, round cut moissanite most closely resembles a diamond. Round cut stones have very specific facets and proportions, and round moissanite has been able to be cut in a way that causes light to interact with it in almost exactly the same way it does with diamond.
Why are Moissanites so cheap? ›But it's Made in a Lab
But here's the thing, because moissanite is made in a lab, it's sustainable, it's beautiful, and we can double down on the affordability because they cost far less than lab diamonds.
The biggest difference between diamonds and Moissanite is how they sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond – 2.65 vs. 2.69. This means it's better at bending light which makes it extra firey.
Is moissanite worth the money? ›Although moissanites are cheap, they aren't valuable. While we usually don't recommend diamonds as an investment (you'll almost always lose money if you ever decide to sell), they do retain some value over the long term and can be passed down as a precious family heirloom — something you can't do with a moissanite.
Are lab grown diamonds and moissanite the same? ›Is a Lab Diamond the same thing as Moissanite? No. They are completely different minerals, with very different looks and different hardness ratings.
Can you wear moissanite in shower? ›Yes, you can wear your moissanite engagement ring in the shower. On its own, water will not harm your moissanite stone. However, repeated exposure to soap, shampoo and conditioner can create a build-up of oils on the surface of your ring. This can give your stone a filmy appearance, dulling its sparkle.
How long will moissanite last? ›Will Moissanite last forever? Yes it will. Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that is very hard – a 9.25 on the hardness scale! So, just like a Diamond is forever, so too, is Moissanite.
Why does my moissanite look dull? ›Though highly resistant to dirt and grime, oils will slowly build up on the surface of your ring over time. This blocks light from entering your stone and you may notice that the sparkle of your moissanite is slightly dull. This is completely normal and is easily removed – right in the comfort of your own home!
Why do lab grown diamonds test as moissanite? ›Thus, the vast majority of lab-grown diamonds will not test as Moissanite because they lack electrical conductivity. There's one small exception here: "Type IIb" lab-grown diamonds, because "Type IIb" lab-grown diamonds contain Boron impurities.
Does moissanite show on xray? ›Moissanite has virtually the same heat conductivity that's why it will show up as diamond on a pen tester. More advanced Xray table testers can differentiate moissanite from natural diamonds however these machines are very big and expensive and are generally not geared towards consumers.
Will moissanite cut glass? ›
Moissanite stones are not exactly as hard as a diamond, coming in a 9.25, but that's still plenty hard enough to cut glass and pass the last century's diamond test. In fact, that score makes moissanite the second hardest gemstone, just shy of diamond.
Can people tell I have a moissanite ring? ›Diamond or moissanite? Only a trained eye can tell. Armed only with the naked eye, the best way to see the difference is to have a comparably sized diamond and to compare side-by-side. You'll notice that moissanite and diamonds have different brilliance.
What size moissanite is best? ›Stone size is entirely personal choice, completely individual to the wearer. As a guide, typically 1.0ct & 1.5ct are most popular for brilliant round cut moissanite engagement ring.
What shape moissanite is best? ›The moissanite round brilliant cut is a favorite because of its classic, timeless appeal. It has many facets that reflect lots of light for an amazing sparkle. This is one cut that will never go out of style.
Why is my moissanite not shiny? ›Cleaning a Moissanite Ring
Cleaning is necessary for the gemstones to shine and sparkle and its fire to remain. Moissanite tends to get dull from the oil from soaps, cosmetics, skin, and your activities throughout the day. Grease and oil can have much of an impact on them but nothing a quick cleaning can't fix!
Durability. Moissanite gemstones are a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are suitable for everyday wear.
What stone looks most like a real diamond? ›Moissanites or white sapphires are most comparable to a diamond. While there are visible differences, these gems will look the closest to a diamond while offering a more affordable price. These stones are also high on the Mohs scale of relative hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear.
What are the grades of moissanite? ›There are three grades of moissanite available today: colorless (D-E-F range), near-colorless (G-H-I range) and with faint hues of color (J-K range). Does moissanite have inclusions? Yes. Moissanite can have needle-like inclusions that can be seen under 10x magnification.
Which moissanite cut has the least fire? ›Harro moissanites show slightly less fire than Charles and Colvard. Keep in mind people love Charles and Colvard because of how much fire they show. Diamonds do show fire but not quite as much as Charles and Colvard which is why some of our clients prefer Harro.
What is a forever one Moissanite? ›Moissanite is a lab made gemstone with more sparkle than a diamond! It is one of the hardest diamond alternatives on the market, making it a great engagement ring choice. It is also the only diamond alternative that actually passes a “diamond tester” test!
Does Moissanite crack easily? ›
Moissanite Is Less Susceptible To Chips And Cracks Than Diamonds. The harder a gem is, the more scratch-resistant it is, but the more brittle and susceptible to impact damage it is. While moissanite is extremely scratch-resistant, being rated a 9.25, it can potentially be susceptible to damage from an impact.
Can moissanite be polished? ›Alternatively, we recommend polishing your moissanite jewelry with a liquid like Weiman's Jewelry Cleaner by soaking the jewelry for up to 30 minutes. Rinse, dry, and buff with a soft clean cloth to shine!
Can you smash Moissanite? ›Just like Diamond saws, Moissanite saws are commonly used to cut and slice other materials. This means Moissanite is extremely durable and can withstand the occasional blunt force or hand smashing experienced in daily wear.
Does a crushed ice moissanite look more like a diamond? ›In short, a crushed ice oval moissanite more closely resembles a brilliant cut oval diamond, the most common type of oval diamond.
What is the best artificial diamond to buy? ›Arguably the best faux diamond in existence, moissanite comprises silicon carbide, which means it is almost of the same hardness as a natural diamond. It also has reasonable colorlessness, although the glow is far more colorful than what you would see in a real diamond.
Why is diamond more expensive than moissanite? ›Fortunately, Moissanite's lower price point is not reflective of its quality. The lower price point is simply a reflection of supply and demand in the engagement ring industry. While we are seeing a shift toward using other gemstones for engagement rings, over 90% of couples are still choosing Diamonds.
Why are people getting moissanite rings? ›Today, moissanite is sought after for its resemblance to diamonds as well as its unique sparkle. Beyond their diamond-like appearance, moissanites are known for their fiery brilliance, uncompromised durability and attractive price, making them an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings.
Does moissanite scratch easily? ›Is moissanite resistant to scratching? Yes. Moissanite is durable, tough and extremely resistant to scratching and abrasion. With a hardness of 9.25-9.50, moissanite is harder than all other gemstones except diamond.
Why is diamond more expensive than moissanite? ›Because diamonds are mostly natural rather than artificial, they can vary hugely in price, value and quality. On the other hand, most moissanites tend to cost the same price, except when two stones differ in size and type of moissanite material—enhanced or unenhanced.
Do moissanite rings look fake? ›Does Moissanite Look Like a Diamond? Yes, moissanite looks very similar to a diamond. It's near-colorless, has a similar refractive index to a diamond and the GIA deems moissanite the closest diamond imitation.
What can damage moissanite? ›
In addition to running the risk of losing your beautiful piece, chlorine and salt water can damage precious metals. Gemstones are exposed to many different elements when you wear them. Because of this, an organic build-up or “film” can occurs on near-colorless gemstones such as moissanite.
What is the highest quality moissanite? ›As the world's most brilliant gem®, Forever One™ moissanite outshines all the rest. As unique as you are, Forever One embodies beauty and elegance in its own way. This incredible white gemstone is full of fire and perfect for those who want the highest quality responsibly sourced gemstones at an accessible price.
Can you wear moissanite in shower? ›Yes, you can wear your moissanite engagement ring in the shower. On its own, water will not harm your moissanite stone. However, repeated exposure to soap, shampoo and conditioner can create a build-up of oils on the surface of your ring. This can give your stone a filmy appearance, dulling its sparkle.
Why does my moissanite look cloudy? ›The only thing that can effect the look of your Moissanite is oils and dirt that can build up on the surface. Often this can block light from shining through the stone making them look cloudy.
Why do jewelers have moissanite? ›Moissanite is the most popular diamond simulant on the market today. It's fantastically sparkly, hard as a rock, and so much more affordable than diamonds. It's diamond-like enough that our customers complain about not being able to tell the difference.
Which moissanite cut is closest to a diamond? ›Of all shapes, round cut moissanite most closely resembles a diamond. Round cut stones have very specific facets and proportions, and round moissanite has been able to be cut in a way that causes light to interact with it in almost exactly the same way it does with diamond.
Why is moissanite so cheap now? ›Fortunately, Moissanite's lower price point is not reflective of its quality. The lower price point is simply a reflection of supply and demand in the engagement ring industry. While we are seeing a shift toward using other gemstones for engagement rings, over 90% of couples are still choosing Diamonds.
Will moissanite last forever? ›Will Moissanite last forever? Yes it will. Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that is very hard – a 9.25 on the hardness scale! So, just like a Diamond is forever, so too, is Moissanite.
Does moissanite have resale value? ›Diamond jewelry resells at roughly 25%-35% of its retail value. Moissanite retail value is also much higher than its resale value but the news here is somewhat better, moissanite can be resold for 50%-60% of its purchase cost.
Which moissanite cut sparkles the most? ›The traditional cone shaped cut with a rounded top contains 58 facets, which allows for maximum light reflection making it the best cut for brilliance, fire and sparkle.
Is moissanite OK for an engagement ring? ›
Moissanite is Durable
This hardness makes it an ideal choice for an engagement ring as you're going to be wearing your engagement ring everyday. Diamonds are still the most durable stone on the market however, ranking a 10 on the Mohs Scale.
Moissanites or white sapphires are most comparable to a diamond. While there are visible differences, these gems will look the closest to a diamond while offering a more affordable price. These stones are also high on the Mohs scale of relative hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear.