Moissanite vs Diamond: Which Gem Should You Choose?

Did you say you were looking for a moissanite diamond? This means you are a true researcher and are eager to learn everything you need to know before making a purchase. Let’s check out what a moissanite vs diamond actually is. First of all, what are moissanites?

What is Moissanite?

Did you know that Moissanite is a natural stone—although when found in nature, the crystal sizes are miniscule. So they are never suitable for Moissanite jewelry.

The Moissanite gemstone we know about from jewelry stores is a manufactured stone created in a laboratory. As such, moissanite is a created stone that looks a lot like a diamond. But there are differences that will help you distinguish between the two once you know what to look for. Diamonds differ in that they are naturally occurring gems found in the earth. Moissanite diamonds, as some people call them, are clear sparkling stones that were created in a laboratory. It enjoys popularity with some consumers because it can mimic a diamond at first glance.

But upon deep inspection, moissanite diamonds cannot replicate the appearance of a diamond nor the appeal of these natural gemstones. Moissanites are created to be all alike with regard to their color and clarity, and they do look like mirror images of each other. Diamond vs moissanite—the eternal conundrum.

What is a Diamond?

On the other hand, each diamond is unique because it was formed deep within the earth. Even its inclusions are important as tell-tale signs of its genuine, natural origin. Because of its natural origin, diamonds will always be considered rare.

Appearance and Sparkle

One of its most alluring traits is the diamond’s ability to sparkle brilliantly—even far across a room. This makes diamonds superior to Moissanite, which can be readily seen as a created stone. This is why couples more often select genuine diamonds for their engagement rings. The elegance and traditional beauty of diamonds are unmatched.

We’ve all heard the debates of diamond vs Moissanite and wondered if it is as good as a real diamond. Let’s learn more. You will form your own conclusions about this and decide if Moissanite rings vs diamond rings win the comparison. Knowledge is power, right?

Hardness and Durability

How hard is Moissanite? While no stone can ever compare to diamond’s durability—which measures a full 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Moissanite has a pretty impressive hardness rating, though—it’s 9.25 on the Mohs scale.

Moissanite is certainly a durable option for shoppers, and as a gemstone, it always costs far less than natural diamonds. Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning that they are nature’s most durable material. Diamonds resist scratching and breakage—making them ideal for bridal jewelry which is worn daily for one’s entire life. Later on, they can become cherished heirloom pieces to pass down to loved ones.

Read more about Precious gemstones.

Price and Value

When shopping, it won’t be long before you discover that Moissanite stones are a fraction of the price of a real diamond. That makes a difference for some customers, of course. Budget is always a concern with newly engaged couples.

But the shopper should be aware that diamonds hold their value. Over time some diamonds even increase their value during a resale. So this makes diamonds more attractive in the long run.

So far, we’ve seen a lot of pros and cons to both Moissanite and diamonds. So, what do you think is the smart choice? Moissanite or diamonds? Let’s look into other things like the Moissanite vs Diamond shine among other traits.

By now, you’re surely making your own list of pros and cons against what you want in a diamond vs Moissanite, aren’t you?

The Emotional and Symbolic Value of Diamonds

We can all agree that bridal jewelry has a lot of emotions attached to them. They represent more than just beautiful jewelry; they are part of our collective cultural experience. They also have come to symbolize commitment and are certainly objects of luxury for the couple.

While Moissanite does look lovely, the prestige of owning a genuine earth-mined diamond is unmistakable. The valuable treasure of a natural diamond is something to be proud of when you designate it to be inherited by a loved one after you’re gone. A natural diamond maintains its unique traits and like-new sparkle due to its hardness. Your diamond has great sentimental value, and when the time comes, it can be passed down to many generations as their stories continue.

Pros and Cons Table Moissanite vs Diamond Chart

Moissanite

• Lower price-point for loose stones and jewelry
• Created stones look exactly alike, some display a slightly yellow tinge
• Dispersion is higher, resulting in a rainbow sparkle effect, which is telling that it’s a created stone
• Durable for jewelry application
• No resale value

Diamond

• Prices are related to the 4Cs—cut, clarity, carat weight, and color; making their value universally understood and calculable.
• Natural diamonds are earth-mined and rare.
• The diamond may increase in value over time—but it holds its resale value when trading up or even selling it.
• Diamonds sparkle with the highly desirable white light, which is coveted with genuine diamonds.
• The hardest known natural substance on earth—ranking a Mohs scale of 10

FAQs

Why is a diamond better than Moissanite for an engagement ring?

Diamonds hold their resale value and often increase in value over time. Since they are a natural material, their value can be easily calculated.

How long do diamonds last compared to Moissanite?

Diamonds really are forever, as the old De Beers saying goes. They will outlast its owner, whereas Moissanite may experience diminished beauty over time. In that regard, there’s no comparison between diamonds vs Moissanite.

Does Moissanite sparkle as much as a diamond?

Moissanite has a different type of sparkle, exhibiting the typical ‘rainbow effect’ which is pretty, but reveals it not to be an authentic diamond. The Moissanite sparkle, while very beautiful is also a tell-tale sign of it being a manufactured product. This is something some couples don’t like.

Can Moissanite match the brilliance of a diamond?

Collectors say that nothing can compare to the extraordinary brilliance of well-cut diamonds. It shimmers and sparkles completely differently than created gemstones and that is what attracts consumers to the gemstone.

Is Moissanite as valuable as a diamond?

No, Moissanites are created stones which cost much less than diamonds, and henceforth are not considered valuable. Their cost varies, but often the price of Moissanite compared to diamond is about 2/3 less than a real earth mined diamond.

Why do diamonds hold more value over time?

Since diamonds are a rare natural stone, they hold their value over time, like other precious rarities. They can be valued according to published price charts for natural diamonds. Moissanites do not have that type of comparison for value.

Are diamonds more durable than Moissanite?

Yes, diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs scale while Moissanite’s hardness is rated 9.25 A diamond can scratch a moissanite stone, since it is definitely harder.

Is Moissanite a good choice for daily wear?

While Moissanite is slightly less durable than natural diamonds, it is suitable for daily wear.

Does Moissanite have the same cultural value as diamonds?

No, a Moissanite stone is appreciated for its beauty, but it will never have the same cultural significance as an earth mined diamond which is a rare occurrence. It is also a relatively new manufactured product, whereas diamonds have been cherished for centuries and have a very well established system of measuring its worth.

Why do people choose diamonds over Moissanite?

Even though diamonds cost more than Moissanite, after careful consideration, most couples chose genuine diamonds for their beauty and long term value. Also the symbolism of a rare natural beauty parallels most couples feelings about their commitment to one another.

Conclusion

The study of both Moissanites vs Diamonds is interesting to learn about. Both have pros and cons. And in the end, only the couple can make their own decision as to which stone is the right gemstone for them. When price is the main factor over everything else, the couple may gravitate to Moissanite.

But with all the facts laid out, the ultimate wise decision should go to natural diamonds. They provide a true luxury product—and one of value and rarity. Moissanite is lovely but displays that tell-tale rainbow effect when it sparkles. That lets everyone know the stone is manufactured in a lab.

Diamonds, on the other hand, exhibit the classic pure white sparkle that only a brilliant diamond can do. Diamonds are timeless, and their elegance is enduring—past fads and trends. This high-value stone also has a great deal of sentimentality attached to it—something that only a rare, natural gem can do. The diamond has a solid trade-in or trade-up value over time. And some diamonds have tremendous increases in value as time goes by. For the long term —a diamond is your best option.