Diamond VS Moissanite

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Is It Worth Choosing Moissanite Over Diamond?
October 8, 2024

Are you torn between moissanite and diamonds? Discover the truth about moissanite and explore its differences and similarities to diamonds through a detailed analysis of their characteristics.

By examining the technical and optical properties of these unique stones, you can gain valuable insights that will enhance your shopping experience and lead to a more satisfying purchase.

Deciding between moissanite and diamond becomes much simpler with our comprehensive guide on "Moissanite vs. Diamonds: Is It Worth Choosing Moissanite Over Diamond?"

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Comparison Benchmarks

Diamond	Moissanite
Extremely Expensive	10x More Affordable
10 on Mohs Scale	9.25 - 9.5 on Mohs Scale
Reflects White Light	Reflects Rainbow Light
Ethically Problematic	No Ethical Concerns
Refractive Index 2.42	Refractive Index 2.65

A thorough comparison of moissanite and diamonds requires time, careful consideration, and technological knowledge to help you select the best stone for your engagement ring or other jewelry. Here are some key factors to consider:

Production

Diamonds and moissanite are produced through different processes and have distinct chemical compositions:

• Composition: Diamonds are composed of pure carbon and form in the Earth's mantle over millions of years. In contrast, moissanite is made of silicon carbide (SiC) with trace elements.
• These variations in chemical makeup account for differences in their physical and optical properties, as well as their crystal structures. While moissanite and diamonds may appear quite similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals their unique qualities.

Availability

Both moissanite and natural diamonds are available in various qualities, carat sizes, and popular shapes, but their sources differ significantly:

• Moissanite: As a lab-grown gemstone, moissanite is produced consistently, ensuring a steady global supply. This availability makes it easy to choose a round brilliant cut loose moissanite stone and customize it into various settings or jewelry.

• Diamonds: Formed deep within the Earth over millions of years, natural diamonds are less predictable in occurrence and can be limited in quantity. Their extraction involves extensive mining processes.

While neither natural diamonds nor lab-grown moissanite are particularly difficult to find, custom-designed pieces or exceptionally rare diamonds may pose challenges. However, opting for lab-grown moissanite is generally more cost-effective than purchasing a natural diamond.

Hardness & Durability

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates the hardness of gems and minerals on the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 to 10. Developed by Friedrich Mohs in 1822, this scale assesses the scratch resistance of various materials.

• Mohs Scale: Diamond is the hardest mineral, rated at 10, while moissanite rates between 9.25 and 9.5. This means that moissanite is slightly less scratch-resistant than diamond but still highly durable.

It’s important to distinguish hardness from toughness. Toughness refers to a gem's ability to withstand impact and resist breaking or chipping. While some gems may be tough, the Mohs scale specifically measures scratch resistance. No material is indestructible; however, both diamonds and moissanite exhibit remarkable durability compared to softer stones like opals or pearls.

By understanding the hardness of gemstones, jewelers can select the appropriate materials for crafting stunning jewelry. Gems with lower hardness ratings, such as opals and pearls, require careful handling. In contrast, faceting is suitable for harder stones like diamond and moissanite, allowing them to withstand everyday wear.

When considering moissanite versus diamond, it’s essential to recognize that both gemstones are exceptionally durable. Moissanite provides durability comparable to that of diamonds, often at a more accessible price point, making it easier to find a stunning piece of jewelry.

Want to dive deeper into the hardness of moissanite? Check out our blog post, Moissanite Hardness: Absolute Rating on Mohs Scale Explained.

Cut

It’s crucial to distinguish between "cut" and "shape." Common shapes include round brilliant cut, marquise cut, princess cut, and baguette. The "cut" refers to the symmetry of the stone.

The cut of a diamond is the most critical factor among the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). According to the GIA, understanding the 4Cs helps consumers grasp a diamond's characteristics, value, and pricing, making the buying and selling process more transparent.

What does cut entail? It includes the dimensions, proportions, and symmetry of the diamond. An excellent cut maximizes the diamond's brilliance and fire, showcasing its inherent beauty. To learn more about the best moissanite cuts, click here.

What defines an excellent or poor cut? A well-cut diamond retains as much of its rough weight as possible, enhancing its visual appeal while minimizing the visibility of imperfections. An excellent cut accentuates the diamond's carat weight, shape, and quality factors, including fire, scintillation, and sparkle.

The Parts of a Cut Stone

Here’s a breakdown of the components involved in a cut stone:

• TABLE: The flat, top portion visible from above. In a round cut, it has a circular shape; for princess cuts, it’s square.
• CROWN: The slanted area between the table and the girdle, near the top of the stone.
• GIRDLE: The circumference of the diamond, acting as the seam where the crown and pavilion meet. Girdles can be faceted or inscribed with serial numbers.
• PAVILION: The lower portion beneath the girdle.
• CULET: The pointed facet at the bottom of the diamond.

To explore more about cut, check out our other blog, The Sparkle Factor: Which Moissanite Cut Sparkles the Most?

Color Varieties

Diamonds come in both white and fancy colors, including green, brown, black, yellow, blue, and pink. Similarly, lab-created moissanite is available in various colors, thanks to trace elements introduced during production. This versatility enhances the appeal of both diamonds and moissanite.

Moissanite Color Chart:

• Color Grading Scale: Diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z. Moissanite sellers have adopted this grading system, mirroring that of white diamonds. Here’s a brief breakdown:
  • D-F: Colorless (D is extremely rare and valuable)
  • G-H: Near colorless
  • I-J: Near colorless
  • K-M: Faint color
  • N-R: Very faint color
  • S-Z: Light color

Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of internal growth characteristics and external blemishes that naturally occur during a diamond’s formation under extreme pressure.

• FLAWLESS (FL): Completely free of inclusions or blemishes visible under 10X magnification. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and highly valuable, typically commanding higher prices.

• INTERNALLY FLAWLESS (IF): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10X magnification. Minor blemishes do not affect appearance; IF diamonds are also expensive.

• VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (VVS1-VVS2): Very tiny inclusions difficult to detect under 10X magnification. These diamonds exhibit exceptional clarity, with inclusions often hidden behind facets.

• VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (VS1-VS2): Inclusions visible under 10X magnification with minimal impact on appearance. VS1-VS2 clarity diamonds are ideal for those seeking quality without the premium price of VVS.

• SLIGHTLY INCLUDED (SI1-SI2): Inclusions noticeable under 10X magnification, offering good value for their clarity grade.

• INCLUDED (I1-I2-I3): Inclusions readily apparent under 10X magnification, making these diamonds budget-friendly. I3 clarity diamonds often have visible inclusions to the naked eye and are typically more affordable.

For further insights into moissanite jewelry, visit our blog post, What is Moissanite Jewelry? An In-Depth Look.

Carat Weight

Carat Weight: The carat weight of a diamond determines its value, alongside other quality factors for diamonds, colored stones, moissanite, and other gems.

When comparing the carat weight of diamonds and moissanite, several factors come into play. Larger carat weights are particularly rare, and the limited supply of natural diamonds contributes to their higher price and value.

Certificates

Are you in search of moissanite or diamond jewelry that comes with certification? Both moissanite and diamonds often include certificates that provide detailed information about their quality characteristics.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America): GIA is the most widely recognized laboratory for evaluating gemstones and diamonds. They specialize in identifying man-made stones, enhancements, treatments, and various aspects of loose stones and jewelry. A GIA grading report reveals technical details about each unique piece submitted for evaluation, including the diamond's 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) and additional information like fluorescence.

IGI (International Gemological Institute): As stated on their official website, IGI grades the widest variety of gemstones and jewelry globally. Renowned for their expertise in diamonds and colored gemstones, IGI is equally trusted for grading pearls, exotic carvings, fine jewelry pieces, and modern synthetics and simulants.

PGGL (Professional Gem Laboratories): PGGL is a third-party gem lab that specializes in certification services for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and other gemstones. They offer a range of moissanite grading services for retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and consumers. Leaders in the moissanite market, as well as reputable wholesalers and e-commerce retailers, utilize PGGL's grading services.

GRA (Global Gemological Research Association): GRA has established itself as a trusted source for trade professionals worldwide, relying on their assessments and certifications to ensure the authenticity and quality of gemstones, particularly moissanite. Interested in learning more? Check out our blog, How to Determine If a GRA Moissanite Report is Fake.

Independent Labs: Independent laboratories provide certificates for various types of jewelry, not just diamonds and natural gemstones. Researching these companies before ordering a report can help you determine their legitimacy.

Thermal Conductivity

What is thermal conductivity? According to IGI, thermal conductivity is defined as the ratio of heat flow through a material to the temperature difference across it. Various diamond testers are available, each with unique attributes, including heat, electricity, or a combination of both.

Thermal Conductivity Testers: These testers measure how quickly a material conducts heat, helping to identify whether a gemstone is a diamond. While they are inexpensive and easy to use, they may not always be accurate, as some diamond simulants also conduct heat. Additional tests can help identify stones and diamonds.

According to The Voice UK, moissanite has a thermal conductivity that is 25% greater than diamonds (3.42 vs. 2.86), double the fire dispersion (0.104 vs. 0.044), and 16% greater luster (20.4 vs. 18).

Thermal and Electrical Properties: Diamonds' ability to retain heat energy and conduct electricity makes them valuable in various industries. Scientists appreciate diamonds for their closed-shell electron structure, making them resistant to damage from humidity and acidity, ideal for advanced electronics like spintronics.

Corrosion Resistance

Which is more corrosion-resistant: diamonds or moissanite? Both diamonds and moissanite exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance, ensuring durability and longevity in engagement rings, wedding bands, chains, pendants, custom jewelry, and more.

Why are moissanite and diamonds corrosion-resistant? Their high hardness on the Mohs scale contributes to their durability, helping them resist chipping and abrasion.

Chemical Properties: According to the website Diamonds Are Evil, diamonds possess incredibly strong chemical bonds, making them unique in their composition. This resistance helps them withstand heat and other elements that could potentially damage the stone.

Moissanite, composed of silicon carbide, is highly stable and resistant to chemical reactions with acids, bases, and other corrosive substances. It maintains its brilliance and integrity over time, even in environments with potentially damaging chemicals.

Suitable for Jewelry: The corrosion resistance of diamonds and moissanite makes them excellent choices for fine jewelry. Both can withstand exposure to cleaning products, lotions, shampoos, oils, soaps, and cosmetics without losing their luster or reacting adversely, allowing them to retain their dazzling beauty and durability.

Variety of Jewelry

Worried about limited options for custom-made jewelry with moissanite? Fear not! Here are some ideas:

• Engagement Rings: Moissanite's popularity has surged over the last decade, often set in engagement rings crafted from gold, platinum, and silver. With various price points available, moissanite can easily fulfill your dream of a bold and glamorous look.

• Stacking Rings/Wedding Bands: Dreaming of an eternity ring but concerned about the cost? Moissanite eternity bands offer all the elegance of diamond eternity rings without the hefty price tag. Thanks to its uniform quality, a moissanite eternity ring provides a harmonious balance of fire and sparkle.

• Custom-Made Jewelry: As demand for moissanite grows, more jewelers are learning how to work with it. Choosing a jeweler experienced in setting moissanite increases your chances of creating the perfect engagement ring and other bespoke jewelry.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which is better for an engagement ring? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, style, budget, and other considerations. Moissanite, a high-quality and durable simulant of natural diamonds, offers endless possibilities in fine jewelry.

Want to learn more about natural versus man-made moissanite? Check out our blog, Is Moissanite Man-Made or Natural? Get to Know the Truth!

Price

Affordability: Moissanite provides a more budget-friendly alternative to diamonds of comparable size and quality, allowing you to achieve your desired look without compromising on size or style.

Demand: Diamonds maintain a higher demand for engagement rings and fine jewelry due to their long-standing reputation as the traditional choice. This constant demand inflates the cost of natural, earth-mined diamonds, making them a more expensive option.

Rarity and Availability: Diamonds are sourced and mined from the earth, whereas moissanite is typically lab-grown. The rarity, labor, and natural occurrence of diamonds contribute to their higher prices compared to engineered moissanite.

Origins: The production of moissanite is less complex than mining and extracting natural diamonds, making various qualities and carat weights of moissanite more accessible to a wider audience without the high price tag associated with larger carat diamonds.

Investment Value

Natural, earth-mined diamonds generally retain a higher value over time, boasting greater resale potential than moissanite. The rarity and cultural significance of diamonds contribute to their perceived value and appreciation potential.

Moissanite, while a stunning and more affordable lab-grown alternative, is not as rare or valuable as natural diamonds. Although it can be evaluated for insurance purposes, it will not carry the same value as a natural diamond. A professional certificate for moissanite can facilitate resale, especially in cases of loss, theft, or destruction. While a resale market for moissanite exists, it is less common than for diamonds and natural gemstones.

Ethical Considerations

Consider the following factors regarding the ethics and sustainability of diamonds and moissanite:

• Ethical Sourcing: When comparing moissanite and diamonds, moissanite has an advantage as it is created in controlled laboratory environments, eliminating the ethical concerns associated with mining, such as human rights violations and environmental damage.

• Conflict-Free: Moissanite is conflict-free since it is synthesized in a lab. It is not associated with regions known for unethical practices often linked to diamond sourcing and extraction. While conflict-free diamonds are available, there is no guarantee of their status without proper verification.

• Sustainability: The production of moissanite requires resources and energy for technology and workforce but has a far lower environmental impact compared to mining natural diamonds and colored gemstones.

Can diamonds be sustainable? According to Brides.com, sustainable diamonds can be sourced ethically, created using environmentally-friendly techniques, or recycled and reused. Methods for incorporating sustainable diamonds include reusing heirloom diamonds or choosing lab-grown diamonds, which share the same origin as lab-grown moissanite.

Can Moissanite Be Compared to Diamond?

Here’s how moissanite and diamonds stack up:

• Origin: Natural moissanite was discovered in Arizona in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, while Charles & Colvard pioneered synthetic moissanite production in the 1990s. This innovation introduced lab-grown moissanite to the market, providing a brilliant, high-quality, and sustainable alternative to natural diamonds and mined gemstones.

• Brilliance and Fire: Did you know that moissanite is the most brilliant stone on earth? Its refractive index ranges from 2.648 to 2.691, with a dispersion of 0.104, allowing it to separate white light into its spectral colors. This, combined with its adamantine luster and noticeable double refraction, gives moissanite a stunning appearance, while diamonds exude a classic sparkle and elegance.

• Thermal Conductivity: Can moissanite pass the diamond tester? As mentioned earlier, thermal conductivity testers assess how quickly a material conducts heat, often used to determine if a gemstone is a diamond or its simulant. While moissanite can pass some diamond testers, it's important to use the correct methods for gemstone identification.

Conclusion

So, diamond or moissanite—what's the better option? Here are a few key points covered in this article:

• Hardness: Moissanite ranks among the hardest gemstones available, though diamonds are slightly harder. Moissanite's durability ensures it can withstand daily activities, maintaining its brilliance with proper care. Its hardness makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, custom