Diamonds might be the best choice for engagement rings, but that doesn’t mean they are the only option. If you want something different, you have plenty of choices—including stones that look remarkably similar to diamonds, such as moissanite. 
Moissanite is a synthetic form of carbon that closely mimics diamond (Learn more about: What is Moissanite?). But there’s one major difference — it’s less expensive to produce than real diamonds. So, what does that mean for the consumer? While moissanite is a man-made gem, it can still offer amazing benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between natural diamonds and moissanite:

 

       

Moissanite vs. Diamond

  Moissanite Diamond

Durability

On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, a Moissanite gemstone is a 9, so they are suitable for daily wear.

Diamonds are the hardest known mineral. They have a Mohs hardness scale of 10, making them the

Because of this incredible score, diamonds are very durable and ideal for everyday wear.

Diamonds are a popular choice for engagement ring gems.

Brilliance

Moissanites exhibit a different kind of brilliance than diamonds, which have a uniform faceting pattern.

Many people love the fiery, rainbow flashes of moissanite jewelry, but others feel that its “disco-ball” effect can distract and overwhelm the wearer.

The larger the moissanite, the more likely it is that the difference will be noticeable.

Moissanite, a synthetic gem, is harder and tougher than a natural diamond. With proper care, it will last as long or longer than a natural diamond.

 

Moissanite is a high-quality form of cubic zirconia. It looks just like a diamond.

Diamonds are very important for jewelry because they reflect light in three different ways: they have high brilliance, a wide range of beautiful colors, and even sparkle.

The surface sparkle of a diamond is known as Scintillation. It’s the third type of light reflection in a diamond.

These three are the best of friends. They're the perfect combination, giving diamonds their famous sparkle.

 

Color

While moissanites are labeled as “colorless”, they can still project a yellow or grayish color under certain lighting conditions.

Natural diamonds have a natural, nearly colorless appearance that results in a sparkling white appearance.

Toughness

  • Moissanite: 7.6 PSI
  • Diamond: 14.6 PSI

Price

For the same size from the top view, moissanite is dramatically lower in pricing than diamonds of that size. A moissanite gem generally varies in price only based on size and whether the stone is Premium or Super Premium.

There are different types of diamonds, including natural diamonds and lab-created diamonds.

Lab-created diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds.

Sustainability and Ethics

If you're worried about the social, political, and environmental effects of mining for gemstones, don't sweat it - a lab-grown moissanite engagement ring is ethical, eco-friendly, and sustainable.

This is why the lab-grown gemstone that you see in a real-life diamond engagement ring is not only more beautiful, but it's also sustainable.

Though the Kimberley Process's code of ethics is the industry standard for what is a "conflict-free diamond," there can be loopholes in the system. Guaranteeing a non “blood diamond” means doing research and asking questions

Clarity

Because moissanite is made in a lab, the average clarity level is higher than that of naturally-produced diamonds. It's common to see diamonds with blemishes and inclusions, whereas most moissanite has few obvious internal imperfections.

Sourcing

They're lab-created gemstones, so they are an appealing choice for environmentally conscious people who want something that requires no mining.

 

We go above and beyond the current industry standards to offer both ethical and environmentally responsible diamonds and lab-created diamonds that are ethically grown with minimal environmental impact.

 

 

On the surface, moissanite looks and feels like diamonds and is often confused with diamonds, but they are in fact different than each other.

Both rocks are very hard, have high levels of resistance, have high levels of brilliance, and have a high scale of hardness.

Diamonds have been the most common stone for engagement rings and wedding jewelry for generations but this may very well change in the future.

The jewelry industry is certainly seeing an increase in sales of lab-grown moissanite. There's even been enough of a demand to convince the jewelry industry that lab-grown moissanite is here to stay.

 

 
 

Yes, moissanite looks very similar to a diamond.

It has a similar refractive index to a diamond and the GIA calls it the closest imitation of a diamond, so it should be your first choice.

 

Diamonds are the hardest substances known to man. You can often tell which diamond is better by seeing it side-by-side.

You’ll notice that moissanite and diamond are both brilliant, but moissanite is softer than diamonds.

Diamonds have a distinct sparkle which is a combination of how they reflect light, the colors that refract through it, and the scintillation.

Moissanite has more colors and fire, making quick flashes of rainbow color when you move the stone around.

This disco ball effect can be more pronounced in sunlight.

Larger moissanite is much easier to see than a smaller one, and moissanite is more easily differentiated from a diamond than a smaller diamond.

Because this is so rare and beautiful, some people prefer to stick to moissanite center stones that are under a certain carat weight. That being said, no one but a jeweler or experienced jewelry buyer would likely see a difference. 

 

Moissanite will not fade with time or show signs of color change.

Dirt and grime are the only common elements that can potentially diminish a ring’s shine.

Damage to the surface of a moissanite stone can damage the sparkle, as it would for any gemstone.

 

You should clean your moissanite ring once a week or every 2 weeks depending on how often you wear it.

When you're ready to prepare a ring for cleaning, boil a few drops of liquid dish soap or non-toxic jewelry cleaner into a bowl of warm water.

Air-dry or blot with a paper towel.

 

Since it was discovered in the 19th century, silicon carbide (moissanite) has been grown in the lab since the late 1990s.

Scientists use a combination of pressure and heat to create crystals from silicon and carbon that are identical in structure to natural moissanite.

Creating a gem usually takes several months and requires a lot of work and patience.

 

If you’re looking for moissanite jewelry, a physical jewelry store is a good place to start, since there are many times more jewelers and salespeople there than in any online jewelry store

If you’re looking to buy a moissanite, your best bet is to visit an online retailer like Trendolla Jewelry.

 

Juni 02, 2022 — Chloe Guan

We design for life, create for the world.

Trending Jewelry in 2023