Diamond vs Moissanite: What's The Difference

What is the Difference Between Diamond and Moissanite?

At a glance, diamond and moissanite can appear quite similar, especially to the untrained eye. However, there are several key differences between the two, including: colour, brilliance, fire, and overall value. In this article, we explore the characteristics of both stones and why diamonds are often considered worth the higher price.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a nearly colourless gemstone that resembles a diamond in appearance, but the similarities end there. Unlike diamonds, which are composed of carbon, moissanite is made from pure silicon carbide - a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely rare in nature.

It was first discovered in 1893 by the French scientist Henri Moissan, who found it while analysing rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. Due to its rarity, natural moistanite is not viable for use in jewellery. Instead, laboratories create today's moissanite, making it more accessible and affordable while maintaining its striking visual appeal.

Moissanite vs Diamond: The Main Differences

While moissanite and diamond may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in various aspects, including colour, fire, brilliance, hardness, clarity, and price.

Colour

Moissanite and diamonds differ notably in colour. Moissanite is not colourless, and unlike diamonds, it is not graded on a formal colour scale. Diamonds are assessed using the GIA colour grading scale, from D (colourless) to Z (light colour). Moissanite typically resembles a K-colour diamond, placing it in the ‘faint colour’ category rather than ‘colourless’ or ‘near colourless’.

Smaller moissanite stones may appear more colourless, but many exhibit yellow, grey, or green undertones, depending on the lighting. This makes it relatively easy to distinguish moissanite from diamonds under close inspection.

Hardness

Diamonds are renowned as the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Moissanite is also a durable gemstone, rating 9.25 on the scale - harder than other gemstones commonly used in jewellery but still softer than diamonds.

Brilliance

Brilliance refers to the amount of white light reflected from a gemstone, creating its sparkle. Diamonds, particularly those with ideal cuts, offer exceptional brilliance due to the way they are faceted to maximise light reflection.

Moissanite is cut differently, which affects the way it handles light. Although moissanite is highly refractive and does sparkle, its brilliance is less crisp and often more colourful with flashes of rainbow-like light—referred to as "fire." This more intense fire can be less desirable to those who prefer the classic sparkle of a diamond.

Clarity

Clarity assesses the presence of internal or external imperfections within a gemstone. As moissanite is lab-created, it generally has fewer inclusions and blemishes than natural diamonds, which commonly feature natural imperfections. Consequently, moissanite often appears clearer, although the uniqueness of a diamond’s natural formation adds to its character and value.

Price

One of the most significant differences between moissanite and diamonds is cost. Moissanite is considerably more affordable, allowing for larger stones at a lower price. However, it does not hold value in the same way diamonds do.

While diamonds require a greater initial investment, they are widely regarded as a long-term asset. Their lasting value and timeless appeal make them ideal heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations.

Can Moissanite Be Considered a Diamond?

No, moissanite cannot be considered a diamond. Although they may appear similar at first glance, the two gemstones are fundamentally different in both composition and appearance. Diamonds are formed naturally over millions of years and are composed of carbon, whereas moissanite is made from silicon carbide and created in a laboratory. Moissanite has a distinct, more artificial-looking brilliance and does not hold the same value or prestige as a diamond.

Why Choose Moissanite?

Some people opt for moissanite because it offers a diamond-like appearance at a much lower cost. For those seeking a visually striking yet budget-friendly piece of jewellery, moissanite can be an appealing option. However, when it comes to significant and sentimental purchases - such as engagement rings - many still prefer diamonds for their enduring value and deeper symbolic meaning.

Why Are Diamonds Preferred Over Moissanite?

Diamonds are widely preferred over moissanite due to their rarity, natural origin, and timeless appeal. Formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions of years, each diamond is entirely unique. Their natural beauty, coupled with a long-standing association with love and commitment, has made diamonds the traditional choice for engagement rings. A diamond’s ability to retain its value also makes it a lasting investment and cherished heirloom.