If you are in the market for a new ring, you might be wondering which gemstone is better, moissanite or diamond. These two gems are similar but have some key differences. Moissanite is a lab-grown stone, while diamond is an earth-mined stone. The difference between these gems is primarily in their transparency and the quality of light they reflect. Read on to learn more about both gems and their pros and cons.
Among the differences between moissanite and diamond is their clarity, or the presence or absence of defects. Moissanites, on the other hand, are nearly perfect, which makes it easier to choose the center gem. Since diamonds are internally flawless, they are rarer and more expensive. Because diamonds have less visible imperfections, moissanite is easier to choose as the center gem. But diamonds have more flaws than moissanite.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a mineral that is found in the earth’s crust.
Although moissanite exists naturally (although in tiny crystals), customers are more likely to consider manufactured moissanite when comparing moissanite to diamonds. This is a laboratory-created crystalline silicon carbide that is extensively used as a diamond simulant. When it comes to moissanite and moissanite rings for sale, unless you’re looking for rare mineral samples, you’re dealing with the synthetic variety.
Here Are Some Beautiful Moissanite And Diamond Engagement Ring
Kobelli Radiant-cut Moissanite Engagement Ring 3 CTW 14k White Gold
Features
- Kobelli Moissanite and Diamond Engagement Ring with a Large Halo
- Kobelli, The Moissanite center stone, is 9x7mm in size.
- There are more than 50 natural white diamonds mined on Earth (conflict-free)
- Moissanite with a radiant cut and diamonds with a round brilliant cut
- Included is a ring box that is ready for a proposal.
Solid 10k Yellow Gold Round White Diamond Engagement Ring OR Fashion Band Prong Set 3 Stone Shaped Past Present Future Ring (1/6 cttw)
Features
· FREE Elegant Velvet Ring Box Included
· Hassle-Free 30 Day Full 100% Refund Policy
· 10k Gold Guaranteed, Authenticated with a 10k Stamp Pure, Real & Natural Diamonds, Guaranteed
· In the United States, standard shipping is free.
Comparison of Moissanite And Diamond
Price
Perhaps the most significant advantage of moissanite over diamonds is its cost, as moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamonds. “A moissanite gem costs around a tenth of the price of a mined diamond of the same size and quality,” adds O’Connell. “The value of moissanite increases as the carat weight increases.”
Moissanite is the way to go if you want a large carat, white gemstone but don’t want to spend the money on a massive diamond. “A colorless diamond with the highest clarity grade is simply out of reach for many,” adds O’Connell. “There is no reason, in my opinion, to sacrifice overall quality for a lesser diamond.” The price of a lower-quality, smaller diamond is usually more than that of a higher-quality, larger moissanite stone.
Durability
The durability of diamonds is well-known. They are the hardest known mineral and can survive nearly any form of wear and tear, making them excellent for everyday use, particularly in engagement rings. “Diamonds have a higher degree of hardness; therefore, they will be substantially more resistant to abrasions,” JTV’s Kim Kanary adds.
Moissanite, on the other hand, isn’t far behind. “On the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is second only to diamonds,” says O’Connell. “Diamonds are a ten on a scale of one to ten, and moissanite is a 9.25-9.5.”
Brilliance
The brilliance of moissanite and diamonds is the most noticeable distinction. Moissanite has a higher brightness than diamonds in general. “It has more fire and brilliance than any other gemstone, which means it sparkles more,” O’Connell explains. “Moissanite is cut differently than diamonds to enhance the shine because it is double refractive.”
“Moissanite has over double the dispersion value of a diamond,” Kanary continues, “which means it has a higher fire (or exhibition of spectral colors) that is apparent when the stone is rotated.” On the other hand, Diamonds reflect whiter light, creating a rainbow illusion.
Color
Moissanite and diamonds can be colorless or have a little color to them. “Moissanite has typically had a yellowish or greenish hue,” Kanary says. Manufacturers have perfected the production process over time, and you can now purchase colorless moissanite of great quality.”
The hue of a diamond, on the other hand, can vary dramatically. “Diamond color is graded on a D-Z scale, with D being colorless and Z being a light yellow or brown,” she explains (with those beyond Z being fancy color diamonds). As a result, diamonds might be colorless, yellow, pink, blue, green, red, or brown.”
The Prism Effect
Examining the jewelry in bright light is one of the easiest methods to identify the difference between moissanite and diamond. Moissanite has a rainbow dispersion effect, whereas diamonds hold white light, giving the stone a stunning scintillation. When the stone catches the light, it creates a rainbow prism, which is a telltale sign that you’re staring at moissanite. Moissanite’s prismatic or “disco-ball” effect converts more white light into colored light. The rainbow refraction will be more visible the larger the moissanite. The color of our white diamonds in Lightbox’s lab-grown diamonds is near-colorless, resulting in a stunning glitter.
Stone Strength
On the Mohs Hardness Scale, a stone’s strength is rated from zero to ten. Diamonds, especially lab-grown diamonds, are one of the most durable materials in the world, scoring a perfect ten on the durability scale. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25, which means it can withstand daily wear and tear but not being as robust or durable as a natural or lab-grown diamond.
Is Moissanite More Durable Than Diamond?
Hardness
Diamond is the hardest material on the Mohs scale, with a hardness often. A diamond is the only object that can scratch another diamond. Moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone substance, with a hardness of 9.25. It’s unlikely that your moissanite would scratch unless you store it near diamond jewelry.
Toughness
It’s impossible to say whether moissanite or diamond is the tougher gem material. Moissanite sellers may claim that moissanite is harder, whereas diamond sellers may say the contrary.
Moissanite lacks a cleavage plane, whereas diamond has one. (This is a plane within a diamond crystal that can readily split.) Moissanite has an edge in terms of durability because of this. This, however, does not indicate how hard moissanite must be knocked before it chips or shatters.
The following pressure tolerance measurements in millions of pounds per square inch (PSI) for diamond, moissanite, and cubic zirconia (CZ), a well-known diamond simulant, cannot be verified by the IGS.
What is the Best Place to Buy a Moissanite or Diamond Engagement Ring?
First, if you’ve settled on a diamond, learn about diamond quality to prevent overpaying. Because a diamond is such an expensive and personal purchase, you must see it up close and personal before deciding. We advocate using internet dealers like James Allen and the Blue Nile to get the most bang for your buck. Both offer 360° footage of their gems and a large selection of ring settings. With their large collection of diamonds, you’ll be able to choose the perfect one for you.
The grade of moissanite is far less changeable, making buying easier. Hundreds of ring types are available online from Charles & Colvard, the original manufacturer of gem-grade moissanite.
Try contacting the specialists at CustomMade if you can’t seem to discover the appropriate engagement ring style. Whether you choose a diamond, moissanite, or something completely different, CustomMade can help you find the perfect center stone for your style and budget and set it in a one-of-a-kind engagement ring that you’ll treasure.
What are Moissanite’s General Advantages?
When comparing the differences between a diamond and moissanite, you may not realize the various benefits that moissanite offers:
Conflict-Free
The biggest advantage moissanite has over any other naturally mined stone is that you know you’re wearing ethical jewelry because it was manufactured in a lab.
Quality
Because lab-grown moissanite diamonds are made in such a precise atmosphere, they won’t be for sale if a gemstone isn’t flawless or has any visible flaws or defects.
Refractive Index: High
The brilliance of each stone is a distinct difference when comparing moissanite and diamonds side by side. The High Refractive Index of this gem allows it to produce a superb shine that is unrivaled by a regular diamond.
The timeless appearance
Some people may resort to cubic zirconia as an alternative to diamonds. Unlike cubic zirconia, however, moissanite does not become clouded over time. In fact, a moissanite stone will have a cleaner appearance than a diamond, and a diamond’s shine will be reduced by dirt and oils faster than moissanite’s.
Moissanite is a stone that will last for generations.
Moissanite is a hard stone with a high hardness grade, making it a long-lasting gem. A moissanite ring can be passed down through the generations if properly cared for.
What are the Popular Ring Style and Setting for Mossinate and Diamond Engagement rings?
Diamonds are available in various cuts to highlight the stone’s beauty while also complementing your personality. The cut is distinct from the form, which depicts the gemstone’s contour when viewed above. It’s all about symmetry, balance, and bringing out natural beauty while reducing faults. Popular engagement ring cuts include the traditional round-cut, exquisite square-shaped princess cut, sophisticated cushion cut, and vintage-inspired emerald cut.
Moissanite, like diamonds, can be cut in various ways, but round cuts show off the stone’s famed fire and brilliance best. The radiant cut is extremely eye-catching, made specifically for moissanite to give it an attractive rectangular form while increasing its radiance. The princess cut is a traditional method for highlighting the stone’s fire. A more current trilliant cut is another magnificent option, as it not only increases the brilliant quality and adds an edgy, modern edge to the ring.
With so many options, the wearer’s personality and style play a big role in deciding which cut to go.
Conclusion
When comparing diamond vs. moissanite, it’s important to remember that diamonds are naturally found, and moissanite is synthetic. The latter is made from silicon carbide and is used widely as a diamond simulant. While diamonds are rare mineral samples, moissanite is mass-produced as a cheaper alternative. There are some differences between the two stones, but overall, they are not comparable in appearance.
The most common difference between diamond and moissanite is price. Natural diamonds are more expensive, while lab-grown stones are less expensive. Moissanite is a white, sparkly stone that is a cheaper alternative. It is a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers. And with diamonds being so rare and costly, many brides claim they’d rather wear it than a fake.
