Moissanite vs Diamond: Which Stone Is Better for You?

Spot the Difference: Moissanite vs Diamond

Before we even think about stepping into any type of ring—be it for a knockout or nuptials—let’s discuss how to distinguish moissanite from diamond. And more importantly, why that matters. After all, choosing the wrong stone for your bling can result in a real draw in your dazzle.

Moissanites are grown to glimmer

Natural diamonds may sparkle like the stars but natural moissanite? It’s actually star-kissed. Discovered in 1893 in the crumbs of a meteorite crash site, moissanite is an extraterrestrial stone made of silicon carbide. Fortunately, a meteor striking the earth is pretty uncommon. Rather unfortunately, this means that natural moissanite is very rare.

In 1996 lab grown moissanite hit the jewelry market. And it quickly became an economical and sparkly alternative to the natural diamond. Its been a long road for the stone since then. But appreciation for the lab grown sparklers is only growing as the population continues to prioritize sustainable and economical diamond options.

Rock hard moissanite vs diamond durability

In terms of hardness, both moissanite and diamond offer a playground for the tough. Moissanite ranks a 9.25 on the Mohs scale while the diamond eeks out at 10.0. But just because your diamond or moissanite engagement ring is hard doesn’t mean it’s invincible. So be sure to take proper care of it and purchase ring insurance. Because, hey, you never know when a meteor might strike.

Will Moissanite Test as a Diamond?

With how similar diamonds and moissanites can appear it’s totally reasonable to wonder if your moissanite engagement ring would pass a diamond test. And surprisingly, yes, it can! But not all the time. See, diamond testers check the validity of stones by measuring its thermal conductivity. Moissanite is only slightly better at conducting heat than diamonds. In fact, it’s so slight that moissanite will read as a diamond for most testers. However, moissanite will not pass a diamond test that is checking how well the stone conducts an electric current. Or if the thermal test has been expertly calibrated.

Diamond: A Better Choice for Pave

Moissanite is often though of as being less expensive than diamonds. And this is true-but only to an extent. In fact, moissanite can actually cost more than diamonds. Thanks to its birth in a lab and lower popularity, labs prioritize bigger stones. This makes sourcing pave moissanite very hard which drives up the price. And if your priority is saving money, you can’t go wrong with a lab diamond wedding band.

Prioritizing Paying Less for a Big Center Stone? Prioritize Moissanite

So yes, moissanite will actually be more expensive than lab grown diamond when looking at pave details. But what if you want to channel your inner movie star with a budget that’s local TV at best? Moissanite is your best friend. A 1.5-carat, lab grown diamond costs 111% more than a moissanite of the same characteristics. Suffice it to say, with moissanite, you can go big.

Craving Color: A Diamond is the Moissanite vs Diamond Winner

When it comes to color, diamonds reign supreme. Both diamonds and moissanite are available in a variety of colors however, moissanite is much more likely to receive its color via coating. This color treatment entails covering the moissanite with an ultra-thin coating of chemicals or plastics to increase its attractiveness. And that coating? It’s not permanent.

Sure, diamonds can fall victim to chemical coating too. But many diamond graders will refuse to grade them. So if you’re looking for color-think diamond. Or, dare we say, any other durable gemstone.

Why Is It Always Moissanite vs Diamond and Not Moissanite AND Diamond?

It’s the 21st century. Let’s focus on collaboration instead of competition. Think-a shiny moissanite with diamonds around it, or a solitaire moissanite engagement ring that’s paired with a bold diamond wedding band. Whether you want a moissanite, a diamond, or something else, we can help you find the best quality stones at ridiculously honest prices. Start the process yourself or reach out to our team directly at hello@frankdarling.com with a bit of info about what you’re looking for and your budget to get started today.