Moissanite vs Diamond: Which is Right for You?

Which is Right for You?

Moissanite vs Diamond

Moissanite vs diamond - whilst the two gemstones look similar they have some key differences that set them apart. From their durability, to the sparkle they emit, understanding where these two beautiful stones differ will help you to choose the perfect gem for your next jewelry investment. We dive into the features of both stones, compare them directly, and help answer the question of which is better.

5 Characteristics of Diamonds

Diamonds are more well-known compared to moissanite. Diamond jewelry has long been used as a symbol of love and devotion within a relationship, particularly for engagement rings. There are many features of both mined and lab grown diamonds that have led them to the success they see today:

Color - Diamonds range in color from colorless to shades of yellow. Typically colorless diamonds tend to be what people are drawn to.
Clarity - A diamond's clarity refers to how many inclusions or blemishes are within a stone, the less there are, the more valuable the gem is.
Cut - The diamond cut is one of its most important features, as the way it is polished hugely impacts the brilliance and fire of the stone. The brilliance is how much light a diamond returns, so the better this is, the more sparkly your stone!
Carat - A diamond carat is simply the weight of the precious gemstone.
Hardness - Diamonds are the hardest known gemstone, scoring a full 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means they are extremely resistant to scratches and won't be worn down overtime. This everlasting feature is part of the reason they are used to showcase an undying dedication to your partner.

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What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Diamonds historically have been mined, and with that has come both environmental and humanitarian issues. In more recent years, lab grown diamonds have grown in popularity. These are stones grown in a lab from a single diamond seed.

Lab grown diamonds are identical in make up to traditional mined diamonds, with all the same benefits. They are often however a more sustainable and ethical option.

3 Characteristics of Moissanite

Moissanite can look very similar to diamonds, but they have their own unique features that differ the two.

Sparkle - If you're looking for gemstone jewelry with a sparkle, moissanite has a high refractive index of between 2.65-2.69, meaning it's extra sparkly.
Durability - Moissanites score 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making them quite durable (but not quite as hard as diamonds).
Rarity - Moissanites were first discovered in 1893 by Dr. Henri Moissan who was examining samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. To begin with he believed the stones to be diamonds, but later in 1904 identified them as silicon carbide - a very rare mineral that comes to earth in meteors. Due to this, modern moissanites are commonly created in a lab.

How Diamonds & Moissanite Differ FAQS

We’ve broken down the key differences between moissanite and diamond to help guide you to the stone that fits your aesthetic.

Comparing diamonds vs moissanite side by side for durability, the diamond comes out on top scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale. With moissanite scoring 9.25 meaning it is slightly softer than a diamond, but still quite durable. If you want an everyday piece of jewelry, such as a glittering gold ring, or a sentimental pendant necklace, then diamond is the ultimate choice of stone for a long-lasting keepsake.

Both diamonds and moissanite are known for their intense sparkles which are down to their natural brilliance. Here the moissanite has more brilliance due to having a higher refractive index of 2.65-2.69 compared to diamond’s 2.42. The cut of the stone also helps to achieve the fire, this is the range of colors emitted back to the eye from the stone. The brilliance and cut of moissanite mean it reflects a rainbow color, whereas diamonds have a white light that is reflected. So if you’re looking for a colorless sparkle from a set of earrings, diamond studs are the perfect choice.

The color of both diamonds and moissanite can vary greatly. Diamond color is graded from D to Z, with D being colorless and Z being yellow. Moissanite can also be graded on the same scale, with the lower end being colored either yellow or green. When purchasing any diamond or moissanite jewelry, the jewelry will often say what grade of color you’re buying. When it comes down to it, the color you choose for your stone is personal preference.

When it comes to comparing clarity in diamonds vs moissanite, we are looking at the inclusions they have. Lab grown diamonds and moissanite tend to have little to no inclusions due to the manner in which they are made, whereas mined diamonds are more likely to have small blemishes. These inclusions tend to be unidentifiable to the human eye however.

How stones are sourced tends to be one of the biggest factors in choosing between stones. Here are the key facts about the sourcing of diamonds and moissanite: Mined Diamonds - Traditional diamonds come from mining in areas where they are formed. When choosing a mined diamond it’s important to understand where it comes from. We only use ethically sourced mined diamonds to ensure you’re getting quality, whilst ensuring the workers are well treated. Lab Grown Diamonds - Our lab grown diamonds are created using 100% renewable energy and take as little as 3 weeks to make each stone. Meaning you can enjoy a set of diamond hoop earrings even sooner! Moissanite - Due to the rarity of natural moissanite, it is most commonly lab grown. This process is however very lengthy with each stone taking 2-3 months to be created.

Diamonds or Moissanite

Which Should I Choose?

Whilst both diamonds and moissanite have great features, those who are after a higher quality and classic stone should choose diamonds. With the growing popularity of lab grown diamonds, there's never been a better time to treat yourself to a new diamond tennis bracelet, or diamond pendant to grow your jewelry collection.

The durability of diamonds mean they will last you a lifetime, whilst the cut provides an elegant white fire and sparkling brilliance that will elevate any look.

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