While the center stone of an engagement ring is often a diamond in the United States, there are other options that can make an engagement ring just as beautiful. Another clear gemstone that is extremely durable is Moissanite. With that that in mind, let’s compare diamonds vs moissanite by color, hardness, brilliance, and price.
* Can you tell which one is the Moissanite and which two are the diamonds? (Hint: It's one of the round stones)
Moissanite vs Diamond: Color:
Mined diamonds come in a variety of colors ranging from icy-white clear to yellow or gray hues. Like snowflakes, no two mined diamonds will be the same. A mined gemstone's range of color variation is due to environmental factors the gemstone was naturally growing in. The more clear or white a diamond appears, the more valuable and desirable it is considered to consumers.
Moissanite, on the other hand, originates from space meteorites and is not a gem you find naturally on Earth. Due to this fact, all Moissanite gems are lab-created because sourcing its natural form is nearly impossible in nature. Since new Moissanites are grown in labs, the environment the gemstone grows in can be controlled and regulated for the most consistent and best production results.
Moissanites available on the market today are colorless. Moissanites range from colors equivalent to D-I range, or the two highest tiers on the color scale. All Moissanites and Moissanite engagement rings found on our website are from Charles and Colvard's Forever One collection, which are the highest quality stones available on the market today. They are guaranteed to be DEF in color and VS2 clarity or better.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Hardness
The harder a material, the more difficult it is to scratch or chip. While no gemstone is indestructible, some gemstones are slightly harder and more durable for daily wear. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, Moissanite is rated as a 9.5 out of 10, which is higher than any gemstone used in jewelry besides Diamond itself. Diamonds are the hardest known mineral, scoring a 10. For durability reference, rubies and sapphires have a Mohs score of 9, and emeralds have a score of 7.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Brilliance
Brilliance, which refers to the gemstone's ability to reflect white light, is a good measure of how much ‘sparkle and fire’ a gem has. Brilliance relies on the gemstone's refraction. 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.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Price
Overall, Moissanite is a fraction of the high cost of a Diamond. This is primarily due to supply and demand since Diamonds are still fairly popular in the US for engagement rings. While a Diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity, carat, and other individual characteristics like setting. Moissanite stones are usually the same price and will vary incrementally with the size and shape of the stone.
So...What is Moissanite Exactly?
Moissanite deposits are extremely rare on Earth. Technically, it’s a precious gemstone that comes from space. This brilliant stone was initially discovered by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan back in 1893, amongst the remnants of an ancient meteor crater in Arizona.
This remarkable diamond-like stone displayed superior brilliance, fire, luster, and hardness. Due to the rarity of natural moissanite, there’s no way to collect enough to form a single piece of jewelry. Even scouring natural moissanite stone deposits in areas like Wyoming and Russia couldn’t yield enough material to make a set of earrings.
However, while researching to answer questions regarding what moissanite is, science was able to create a moissanite stone using a laboratory and an artisan's touch. Years of research, testing, and errors eventually lead scientists to artificially create a moissanite diamond from silicon carbide formed as a single crystal. This lavish gemstone is now available to those who want to buy a conflict-free and environmentally friendly alternative to a diamond.
Some may believe moissanite to be a “fake diamond”. While a comparison will show some similarities, there are notable differences (as we covered above).
History of Moissanite
Dr. Henri Moissan discovered a new crystal at the impact site of a meteor in 1893. However, at the time he mistakenly believed that he had come across diamonds due to their similar visual appearance.
A decade later, in 1904, under the examining eye of a chemist, it was soon proven that Moissan’s find was compositionally different from diamonds, having been formed of silicon carbide. Dr. Moissan would later win the 1906 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in isolating fluorine from its compounds in 1886, an endeavor that saw him poisoned several times.
After Moissan’s initial discovery, moissanite would make few appearances outside of meteor craters. In fact, it would take half a century for the next natural moissanite deposit to be found.
Due to the lack of naturally occurring moissanite, its use as a decorative gemstone was impractical. However, this wouldn’t stop scientists from developing a method to create this wondrous diamond-like stone in a controlled environment. The 1980s saw the first creation of a lab-grown moissanite jewel. The brilliance and luster would outshine a traditional diamond while providing a conflict-free alternative at a fraction of the price.
This lab-grown jewel is not supposed to be a synthetic diamond, as it is expertly cut and crafted to bring out its own extraordinary properties.
These jewels are created through a safely guarded patented thermal growing process. Moissanite can be cultivated to deliver a near-colorless jewel or a select number of colored shades such as yellow, green, and gray.
As technology has advanced, so has the quality of moissanite. Under extreme monitoring, each stone is completely free from the types of foreign materials that are sometimes found in naturally mined gemstones. This allows the outcome of each moissanite diamond to be predetermined.
Our Best Selling Rings
At Gema&Co, we strive to provide a superior alternative to diamonds. In our pursuit of excellence, these moissanite engagement rings are our most popular conflict-free and environmentally friendly choices.
The Round Pavé
The Round Pavé features a delicate and elegant round solitaire set amongst a pavé moissanite adorned band.
The Oval Solitaire
The Oval Solitaire is set with four prongs and a beautiful band that can be worn with luxury every day.
The Round Solitaire
The Round Solitaire is the quintessential ring for those looking to declare their love. Graceful and stylish, this moissanite ring is a focal piece that you’ll be delighted to show off.
General Benefits of Moissanite
When comparing the differences between a diamond vs moissanite, you might be unaware of the many advantages that lend themselves to moissanite:
Conflict-Free
The greatest benefit that moissanite has over any other naturally mined gem is that, since it’s been created in a laboratory, you know that you’re wearing ethical jewelry.
Quality
Thanks to the meticulous environment that lab-grown moissanite jewels are produced in, if a gemstone isn’t the perfect clarity or has any form of obvious inclusions or blemishes, it won’t be available for sale.
High Refractive Index
A clear difference when performing a moissanite vs diamond side by side is the brilliance of each gem. Due to this jewel’s High Refractive Index, it can create a superior sparkle, unmatched by a standard diamond.
Timeless Appearance
For those looking for alternatives to a diamond, some may turn to cubic zirconia. However, unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite doesn’t develop a cloudy appearance over time. In fact, a moissanite jewel will maintain a cleaner look over a diamond. Dirt and oils will reduce the luster of a diamond faster than moissanite.
Moissanite will Last Through the Generations
With superior hardness ratings, moissanite makes for a stunning yet durable jewel. Proper care will allow a moissanite ring to be passed down through your family for years to come.
Moissanite vs Diamond: The Bottom Line
From a logical point of view Moissanite and Diamond have nearly identical visual characteristics. Both gemstones are clear and are two of the hardest gemstones known to man. Both exude incredible beauty, will last a lifetime, and are excellent options for everyday wear.
At the end of the day, Moissanites is a viable and equivalently beautiful symbol of love for those not wanting to purchase a Diamond due to ethical, environmental, or price concerns.
Gema&Co Moissanite Rings
At Gema&Co, we pride ourselves on using the most brilliant and colorless Charles & Colvard Forever One stones. In addition, we have our own premier lab-created Moissanite. (Note - this option is only available upon request.)
Amongst our jewelers and staff, our company features a deep history of collective experience in fine jewelry manufacturing, design, and sales; which will be evident the moment you see and wear our Moissanite jewelry. All of our Moissanite rings, solitaires, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and other items use only the highest industry standard 14k / 18k yellow, white, and rose gold mixtures.
Even better, the rings available can be completely customized with a center stone like an emerald, diamond, sapphire, or ruby. Of course, you can also design all-new styles custom to your unique preferences (please visit our bespoke page for additional details).
Our collection of men’s and women’s rings is always available at the best possible price. As a result, you don’t have to time your engagement or anniversary gift around holiday sales and other special promotions. At Gema&Co, we believe anytime is the perfect time for celebrating your love and life!
You can be 100% confident when shopping on our online store that your order will receive the utmost care and attention from start to finish.