Moissanite vs Diamonds: A Buyer’s Guide
Table of Contents
Moissanite vs Diamonds
Choosing between moissanite and diamonds requires some knowledge, knowledge of what you yourself are looking for, and knowledge about the stones themselves. Both stones sparkle and shine, but they have different qualities. We’re going to help you understand the pros and cons of each.
What is Moissanite? Is Moissanite a Diamond?
Moissanite is a gemstone that looks like a diamond, and is made of silicon carbide. This stone was first found in 1893 by Henri Moissan. He discovered it in a meteor crater in Arizona. At first, he thought he had found diamonds. Later, he realized it was a new mineral.
Natural moissanite is very rare. However scientists figured out how to create it in the 1990s. So most moissanite you see in stores is made in labs.
Natural moissanite is very rare. However scientists figured out how to create it in the 1990s. So most moissanite you see in stores is made in labs.
What are Diamonds? (obvious but for the sake of the post we’ll review real quick)
Diamonds are gemstones made of carbon. They form deep in the Earth under high heat and pressure. Diamonds have been prized for thousands of years. They’re known for their hardness and sparkle.
Diamonds can be natural or lab-grown. Natural diamonds are mined from the Earth. Lab-grown diamonds are made by machines that copy the natural process.
Got a question? Are you in the process of creating a custom ring, but aren’t sure which direction to go? Come talk to us for a no-strings chat in our store. We’ll give you all the info you need and guide you in the process, so you can make an educated decision. Just book your meeting here by choosing the best date and time for you, and we’ll see you then.
Comparing Moissanite vs Diamonds
Let’s look at how these moissanite and diamonds stack up in different areas:
Hardness
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth and score a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, while moissanite comes in second with a score of 9.25. That said, both stones are very durable for everyday wear.
Brilliance and Fire
Brilliance is how much a stone sparkles white light, whereas fire is how much it breaks light into rainbow colors. Moissanite has more fire than diamonds and sparkles with more rainbow flashes, while diamonds have more white sparkle.
Color
Diamonds come in many colors, most commonly colorless to light yellow. Colored diamonds can be blue, pink, or other colors, are quite rare, and typically expensive.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is usually colorless, although some may have a slight yellow or gray tint. Colored moissanite is also available, but it’s much less common.
Size and Weight
Moissanite weighs less than diamonds and a 1-carat moissanite will look bigger than a 1-carat diamond. Meaning you get a larger-looking stone for less money with moissanite.
Price
Moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds. A 1-carat moissanite might cost $600, whereas a 1-carat diamond of similar quality could cost $5,000 or more.
Rarity
Natural diamonds are rare, with lab-grown diamonds becoming more common.
Natural moissanite is extremely rare, with almost all moissanite you see in jewelry being lab-created.
Pros and Cons of Moissanite and Diamonds
Moissanite Pros:
- Much cheaper than diamonds
- Very brilliant and fiery
- Durable for daily wear
- Eco-friendly and conflict-free
Moissanite Cons:
- Not a “real” diamond
- May have a slight color tint
- Less valuable as an investment
Diamond Pros:
- Traditional and widely recognized
- Available in many colors
- Very durable
- A valuable investment
Diamond Cons:
- More expensive
- May have ethical concerns if not carefully sourced (ours are indeed ethically sourced)
- Lab-grown options are cheaper but may not hold value
Why Choose Moissanite?
People choose moissanite for several reasons:
- Cost: It’s much cheaper than diamonds. This allows you to get a larger stone for less money.
- Ethical concerns: Moissanite avoids issues related to diamond mining.
- Brilliance: Some people prefer the extra sparkle and fire of moissanite.
- Durability: It’s hard enough for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry.
Why Choose Diamonds?
Diamonds remain popular for these reasons:
- Tradition: Diamonds are the classic choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
- Value: Natural diamonds are a good investment.
- Variety: Diamonds come in more colors and cuts than moissanite.
- Status: Some people prefer the prestige of a “real” diamond. Diamonds are forever, what can we say 🙂
Making Your Choice of Diamonds vs Moissanite
Choosing between moissanite and diamonds depends on your priorities. Consider these questions:
- What’s your budget?
- How much do you care about having a “real” diamond?
- How important is sparkle to you?
- Are you looking for an investment or just a beautiful stone?
There’s no right or wrong choice. Both moissanite and diamonds can make beautiful jewelry. It’s about finding what works best for you.
Caring for Your Stone
Whether you choose moissanite or a diamond, proper care is important. Both stones can last a lifetime with good care. Here are some tips:
- Clean your stone regularly with mild soap and water.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the setting.
- Take off your ring during rough activities.
- Get your jewelry checked by a professional once a year.
The Future of Gemstones
The gemstone market is changing. Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are becoming more popular. They offer affordable and ethical options. But natural diamonds still hold a special place for many people and at some point the market will course correct.
So what’s it gonna be?
Your choice depends on what matters most to you. Consider your budget, style preferences, and ethical concerns. Remember, the most important thing is that you love your jewelry. Whether it’s moissanite or diamond, in the end, just choose the stone that makes you smile when you look at your finger 🙂
FAQ
Moissanite is a gemstone that looks like a diamond, and is made of silicon carbide. This stone was first found in 1893 by Henri Moissan. It has a higher refractive index than diamonds, giving it more brilliance and fire, while being more affordable.
Moissanites are very durable, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale compared to diamonds at 10. This makes them suitable for everyday wear, though slightly less scratch-resistant than diamonds
Moissanites are significantly more affordable than diamonds of similar size and quality. This cost difference allows buyers to get a larger stone or more intricate setting for the same budget
To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to distinguish between moissanite and diamond. However, professionals can identify differences in brilliance and fire, as well as through specialized testing.
I mean, we sell diamonds, so our answer is probably obvious. That said, Moissanite offers durability, brilliance, and affordability. It’s appealing to those seeking an eco-friendly or conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds. You decide.
