Moissanite vs. Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

While diamonds are a beautiful option for any engagement ring, they’re far from the only stone you should consider. In recent years, colored gems have popped up as an emerging trend, with more soon-to-be newlyweds selecting a sapphire, emerald, morganite, or aquamarine jewel. However, if you have your heart set on a diamond—but are searching for something that saves you a bit of money without sacrificing quality or beauty, you may want to consider a moissanite.

Moissanite gems have risen in popularity, thanks to their durable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly qualities. Yet even if you’re impressed by all that such a jewel has to offer, you may still be unsure as to whether a moissanite is really the best choice for you and your forever ring. When weighing a moissanite versus a diamond, which one should you choose? Can the former truly compete with the latter in terms of quality and look? Will a moissanite hold up after many years of wear and tear? And even though it’s at a lower price point than a diamond, is it ultimately worth the cost?

Here, we tapped several experts to help explain everything you need to know. Keep reading to find out the differences between moissanite stones and diamonds, and how to know what the best option for you truly is.

What Is Moissanite?

“Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide, which is very rare and can’t be found in nature large enough to be cut into even a one-carat gemstone,” explains Don O’Connell, the president and CEO of Charles & Colvard, the original creator of moissanite. Due to the rarity of silicon carbide, the moissanite you find in jewelry is created in a lab, which contribute’s to the stone’s affordability.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Is More Expensive?

Since they’re created in a lab and not naturally formed, moissanite stones are cheaper than diamonds. “A moissanite gem is approximately one-tenth the cost of a mined diamond of equal size and quality,” O’Connell says. “The value of moissanite is greater with larger carat weights.”

You may be surprised to learn that even large, high-quality moissanite stones can often be less expensive than low-quality diamonds. “For many, a colorless diamond with the highest clarity grade is completely unattainable,” O’Connell says. “In my opinion, there is no reason to compromise overall quality with a lesser diamond.” Purchasing a moissanite engagement ring is often the solution to getting your dream stone.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Is More Durable?

It’s no secret: Diamonds are known for their durability. As the hardest naturally-occurring mineral, they can withstand a lot. “On the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds are given the highest rating of 10,” says Grace Lee, a jewelry designer. “As it follows, diamonds are the only thing that can scratch a diamond. This hardness is just one of the reasons diamonds are highly valued.” Yet even though it’s comprised of a different mineral, moissanite is also incredibly resilient. “Moissanite is the second hardest to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale,” O’Connell says. “Based on rankings from one to 10, diamonds are a 10 and moissanite is a 9.25-9.5.”

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Is More Beautiful?

While beauty is ultimately subjective, here, the experts break down how moissanite gems and diamonds compare in brilliance and color.

Brilliance 

It’s the most obvious difference between a moissanite and a diamond: their brilliance. “[Moissanite] has more fire and brilliance than any other gemstone, meaning it has more sparkle,” O’Connell says. “Because moissanite is double refractive, it is cut differently than diamonds to enhance the sparkle.”

“Moissanite has over twice the dispersion value of a diamond, which means that it has a greater fire (or display of spectral colors) that is visible when you rotate the stone,” says Kim Kanary, a certified diamontologist. As a result, moissanite gives off a rainbow-like effect, while diamonds reflect a whiter light.

Color 

“Diamond color is graded on a scale from D, which is colorless, and increases in yellowish color to Z,” Lee says. “In essence, the highest color grade would be a diamond that has no color.” In contrast, moissanite, typically has a yellowish or greenish tint, Kanary says. However, even though some brands, such as Charles & Colvard, do offer colorless options, most are constantly trying to perfect the stone to make it more colorless.

Moissanite Gemstone Shopping Considerations

While shopping for moissanite isn’t necessarily a unique experience, there are a few things to keep in mind. “The most important aspect to remember is that you can find high-quality moissanite for a reasonable price, so don’t settle for a stone that has visible imperfections in clarity or color,” Kanary says. “While moissanite can have inclusions, you should be able to find a stone that is eye-clean.”

But how can you tell if a stone is high quality? “Look for that high degree of fire, a bright luster, and a good polish with very minimal surface scratches,” Kanary says. And make sure to only consider options from a trusted retailer. However, ultimately, moissanite looks stunning in any setting–and pairs well with accent jewels. This versatility means that finding a piece you love shouldn’t be difficult.