Everything You Need to Know About Moissanites

So lately you’ve discovered moissanite --- the magical yet mysterious stone from meteorites that’s environmentally friendly, socially responsible, as beautiful as a diamond, but costs dramatically less.

 

So what’s the catch here?

You search through the internet for proof that it’s too good to be true. You’ll go through pages after pages on wedding forums where bride after bride claims no downsides, #noregrets, and that moissanite most definitely does pass for a diamond.

Do you want the real deal? Talk to a jeweler. Luckily, you’re in the right place.

Before we dive into a side-by-side comparison of moissanite vs diamond, let’s chat all about moissanite and the important things you need to know about this diamond alternative.

What is moissanite?

True story: the man who first discovered moissanite, Henri Moissan, actually thought the stone he’d found was a diamond at first sight. So, when it comes to moissanite vs diamond, these two stones look very similar.

Moissanite is actually a very rare substance, and typically was sourced and gathered from meteorites (so, like super rare!)

 

That said, nowadays moissanite is mostly lab-grown, which is much more sustainable than mining for stone, as you would with traditional diamonds.

What is the difference between moissanite and diamonds?

Now that we’ve known the essentials of moissanite and what makes the stone so special, let’s jump into the side-by-side comparison of moissanite and diamond, so you can make your stone choice with confidence. or you could check another article Moissanite vs. Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

 

Moissanite vs Diamond - Price

The price is probably one of the best differences between moissanite and diamond. Moissanites are drastically cheaper when compared to diamonds.

A 1.0-carat moissanite is nearly 4 times less expensive than a 1.0-carat natural diamond, and they can be, if not more, just as beautiful. What’s great is that the greater the carat size, the better the price you get with moissanite.

That said, when comparing a 3.0-carat natural diamond with a 3.0-carat moissanite, the diamond would cost over $25K. Whereas the moissanite price would be a little under $3k.

Does the comparison sound too good to be true? Maybe not. Here’s why. A large part of why diamonds are priced so high is because of the diamond industry‘s extremely tight control on the distribution of diamonds.

Contrary to popular thinking, diamonds are a pretty commonly found natural stone. But the diamond industry deliberately limits supply to drive up demand and create the impression of rarity.

That being said, moissanite doesn’t have this same industry-wide artificial supply limit. This means you can get an incandescent, brilliant, large stone for a fraction of the price of a natural diamond. It’s a win.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Durability

Diamonds are best famous for their durability, which is why they’re commonly used in engagement/wedding scenarios symbolizing everlasting love. But what about moissanite? Compared to diamonds, is moissanite durable as well?

Yes, moissanite is durable, but not quite as durable as a diamond. On the Mohs scale, diamond ranks a 10, while moissanite ranks 9.25 – 9.5.

So when it comes to diamond vs moissanite durability, there isn’t too much of a difference.

One of the reasons Henri Moissan thought the moissanite he found was a diamond was not only because the stone looked like a diamond, but also because of how strong and durable it was.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Color

They look pretty similar, but there are some slight color differences. Like diamonds, moissanite can come in all kinds of colors and can be rated on a color scale.

When most people think of the color of moissanite, they think of a clear stone. But do you know that you can get moissanite in other colors, like gray, green, pink, blue, purple, and more?

If you’ve been interested in a colorful diamond but want a more sustainable option, colorful moissanite will be a beautiful alternative.

 

Moissanite vs Diamond: Sparkle and Brilliance

Sparkle sparkle baby! When comparing brilliance and sparkle, this is where we see moissanite truly shine ( literally! ).

Moissanites are most famous for their sparkly almost rainbow-like reflection when the light hits them.

Technically, the refractive index of moissanite is higher than that of the diamond. So when your moissanite stone hits with light, it SHINES.

On the other hand, diamonds have a lower refractive index than moissanite, which means they don’t quite sparkle as intensely. And the light color they reflect is more white and gray than the rainbow effect of moissanite.

When choosing between the two, do you prefer a gem with lots of twinkle and shine? If so, the moissanite will be a better fit. If you like a more tamed yet still beautiful shine, diamonds it is!

 

Moissanite vs Diamond: Clarity

When we talk about clarity, we’re looking at things like blemishes and inclusions in the stone. Generally speaking, the higher the clarity, the higher the price.

What’s interesting about moissanite vs diamond is that you could end up getting less expensive moissanite with higher clarity for a lower price. When it comes to clarity, we think moissanite is the winner here.

What is the difference between moissanite and lab-grown diamond?

Moissanite and lab diamonds look very similar, but there are some differences.

Moissanite is more brilliant and gives off a more intense shine when light hits. It also tends to give off a rainbow-like fire, while diamonds give off a more white and gray tone.

Both have a beautiful shine and brilliance, but diamonds are more muted, whereas moissanite is more colorful and vibrant.

Moissanite and lab diamonds offer a more sustainable option with a lower price than a mined diamond. Moissanite jewelry is mostly lab-created, and as the name implies, same with lab diamonds!

Lab diamonds are diamonds (duh), so they have the same material hardness and durability as a traditional diamond.

When it comes to moissanite and lab diamonds, we think it’s up to personal preference in color and brilliance. They have different looks, but from a price point, they both cost less than a natural diamond.

The price of a lab diamond is about half of the price of a natural diamond. And as we mentioned earlier, a 1.0-carat moissanite stone can cost you 4 times less than a 1.0-carat natural diamond.

Both lab diamonds and moissanite are great deals, but from a price point, moissanite is hands-down the best.

 

Is moissanite lab-created?

Yes and no! Natural moissanite is very rare, that’s why it isn’t typically used in jewelry.

Moissanite used to make jewelry is usually lab-grown. We actually think this is one of the coolest things about moissanite!

Because moissanite is lab-created, there isn’t the same mining impact on the earth, making this a much more sustainable option than mined diamonds. It also means there is much more control over how the moissanite looks vs diamonds, where you are dependent on what the earth provides you with.

In addition to their environmental impact, we also know that not all diamonds are sourced ethically. So lab-created moissanite is a wonderful diamond alternative for the conscious couple.

Does moissanite last?

Yes, and we can thank moissanite’s durability for that!

With gemstones like emeralds, you have to be more careful when you wear them. On the other hand, moissanite’s durability means it can handle a bit more.

Like diamonds, moissanite can be used in industrial settings because of how strong it is.

Is moissanite ethical?

In fact, it is one of the most ethical stones, as all moissanite stones on the market are now grown in laboratories. This means that it involves no mining and has a minimal environmental impact, which makes it an even more endearing choice.

We love that moissanite has become a diamond-like option for couples who want the look of a diamond without the environmental and ethical implications that come from some diamonds.

 

Why should you get a moissanite ring?

If you're looking for an engagement ring that's as sparkly as a diamond for daily wear but doesn't want to cost you three months' salary, a moissanite ring will be your best choice. Larger stones can be found for the same price, and you can save some cash that can go towards wedding planning instead!

 

Where can you get a moissanite ring online?

With moissanite becoming such a popular stone for wedding rings, we’re seeing so many jewelers offering it online. Some of our recommended places to buy moissanite engagement rings such as Etsy, Charles and Colvard, Bestbrilliance, and Felicegals.

Could you recommend some moissanite engagement rings?   

Ready to find your perfect moissanite ring match? celebrated moments with 2000+ newlyweds, Check out our selection of 400+ bridal sets for you to explore.

Could you design a unique moissanite ring for me?     

Of course! If you’ve read through this article and felt excited about all the benefits of a moissanite engagement ring, contact us and tell us what your dream ring looks like, we'll make your dream come true!