The Difference between Moissanite and Diamond

If you're shopping for an engagement ring on a budget, you may have considered ditching traditional diamonds for a moissanite ring. Here, we take a deep dive into what moissanite is, how they compare to diamonds—and why simulated diamonds may actually be the better option.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite has been a steady presence in the jewelry world for some time now. Synthetic moissanite is marketed as a cost-effective diamond simulant. Moissanite is a natural silicon carbide discovered in 1893 by chemist Dr. Henri Moissan.

Moissan made the discovery while collecting rock samples from a crater in Arizona. He initially thought the crystals were diamonds, but upon closer inspection, he discovered that the crystal compositions were different. Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, so the version we see today is a lab-grown colorless moissanite that is cut and polished like a diamond.

Moissanite is an excellent substitute for diamonds, and its appearance is very similar to real diamonds. It is made of silicon carbide, and its craftsmanship mimics the same characteristics of natural diamonds. Moissanite is a diamond simulant because unlike lab-grown diamonds, moissanite and its many crystalline polymorphs occur naturally.

What is the difference between Diamond and Moissanite?

To some, moissanite and diamond may look similar without looking closely, but there are many differences between them, such as brilliance, colour, fire, and value.

Brilliance refers to the appearance of light reflected from the interior of a gemstone. The most obvious difference between diamond and moissanite is their brilliance. Generally speaking, moissanite is brighter than diamond.

Moissanite exhibits a different brilliance than diamonds because of their different facet patterns. The fiery rainbow flash of moissanite is loved by many people, and some people believe that moissanite can produce a "disco ball" effect under strong light, especially sunlight. The larger the moissanite, the more pronounced the difference. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65 – 2.69, which is higher than that of natural diamonds.

A different type of brilliance makes it possible to distinguish moissanite from diamonds. Diamonds reflect light in three different ways. The white light reflected back is called brightness, while the iridescent colors refracted through the diamond are called dispersion. The surface sparkle of a diamond, called scintillation, is the third type of diamond light return. The combination of these three gives diamonds their famous brilliance.

Color

Mined diamonds come in a variety of colors, from ice-white transparent to yellow or gray. Just like snowflakes, no two mined diamonds will be the same. The range of color variation in mined gemstones is due to the environmental factors in which the gemstone naturally grows. The more transparent or white the diamond, the more valuable and desirable it is perceived by consumers.

Moissanite, on the other hand, is derived from space meteorites and is not a gem you would find naturally on Earth. Due to this fact, all moissanite gemstones are laboratory created, as sourcing its natural form in nature is nearly impossible. Moissanite on the market today is colorless. Moissanite colors range from colors equivalent to the D-I range, or the two highest levels on the color scale.

Hardness

Moissanite is a very hard gemstone, but not as hard as diamond. The harder the material, the more difficult it will be to scratch. Also, on the Mohs hardness scale, Moissanite is rated 9.25. That's a good score, higher than any gemstone used in jewelry other than diamonds! Diamond is the hardest known mineral, with a score of 10.

Price

Moissanite is much cheaper than diamond. While this means you can buy bigger stones with your own money, it also means that moissanite is worth a lot less, and you end up buying something that is worth very little in the long run. If you're looking for value, diamonds, while more expensive, have great value because they can be passed on from generation to generation and still retain their value.

Which is better: Moissanite or diamond?

It's all about preference! Choose the stone that suits you. Some people find the "disco ball" effect moissanite creates is too much for them, while others like the fire and price point of moissanite. Others prefer the romantic, classic appeal of diamonds and prefer the extra assurance of hardness.

Moissanite vs Diamond, The Conclusion:

From a logical point of view, moissanite and diamond have almost the same visual characteristics. Both gems are transparent and are the two hardest gems known to man. Both exude incredible beauty that will last a lifetime and are great choices for everyday wear.

At the end of the day, moissanite is a viable and equally beautiful symbol of love for those who don’t want to buy a diamond because of moral, environmental or price concerns.

HER’S Moissanite Rings

HER’S jewelry uses only the shiniest colorless moissanite, created in our own top-notch laboratory (upon request). Among our jewelers and employees, our company has deep collective experience in the manufacture, design and sale of fine jewelry; this is evident when you see and wear our Moissanite jewelry.

We offer our women's rings at the best prices all year round, so you don't need to worry about timing your engagement or anniversary gift with special sales and other shopping gimmicks. Anytime is the best time to celebrate love and life!

When shopping on our site, you can be 100% sure that your order will receive the most care and attention from start to finish. Below, we've selected some of the most recent Moissanite jewelry styles you might like.

Moissanite Radiant Cut Ring

Elegant and refined, this delicate moissanite radiant cut ring elevates your center stone with a sparkling prong setting for a captivating brilliance. Its diamond-set strap deftly directs your eye to a shimmering halo that is subtle yet eye-catching.

3 Stone Moissanite Ring

Show her love and devotion with this sparkling radiant cut 3 stone moissanite ring. Sparkling with bold brilliance, this elegant design showcases a sparkling radiant cut moissanite in the center, while two smaller triangle stones flank the center stone for extra brilliance. All stones shine enough to be worthy of being a symbol of your love.

Emerald Cut Moissanite Ring

The definition of a timeless classic. Elevate your center stone in a luxurious setting with a raised band set with diamonds. Nestled firmly in the six claws, this emerald cut moissanite ring will provide a shimmering glow.

Moissanite Tennis Bracelet

This moissanite tennis bracelet brings instant elegance to your wrist. Wearing it alone, it's an absolute luxury evening classic, and when layered with a watch, it will add an effortless style to your daytime look. The beautiful 925 Sterling Silver Illusion Setting gives Moissanite a magnified look and ensures a remarkable price point. This is our best selling bracelet and it's the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.