Moissanite vs Diamond: 4 Key Differences
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 gemstones that is extremely durable is Moissanite. Let’s compare Diamonds vs Moissanite in color, hardness, brilliance, and price.
- 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.
Moissanites available on the market today are colorless. Moissanites colors equivalent to D, or the two highest tiers on the color scale. All Moissanites and Moissanite engagement rings found on our store are from SHEBADISE collection, which are the highest quality stones available on the market today. They are guaranteed to be D in color and VVS1 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, scores a 10. For reference, rubies and sapphires have an 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 for 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 in between cleanings.
- Moissanite vs Diamond, Price:
Overall, Moissanite is a fraction of the high cost of a Diamond, and this is due to supple 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, Moissanite stones are usually the same price and varies incrementally with the size and shape of the stone.
- Moissanite vs Diamond, The Conclusion:
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.