Moissanite vs. Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

Moissanite vs. Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

Debating moissanite vs diamond for your engagement ring?

Learn how they compare in beauty, durability, and price and pick the gem that’s best for you.

Diamonds might reign supreme in the world of engagement rings, but they certainly aren’t the only gemstone option out there.

If you want something different, you have plenty of choices, including stones that look remarkably similar to diamonds, such as moissanite.

When it comes to engagement ring stones, there's a lot to consider.

In the moissanite vs diamond debate, we'll look at three main factors: beauty, durability, and price.

Ultimately, the best choice for your engagement ring is the gem that you prefer.

Learn more about moissanite and why so many are opting for a moissanite engagement ring, and why others prefer a more expensive diamond.

Moissanite's close resemblance to diamond makes it a popular choice for engagement rings.

LULU DIAMONDS® Custom Made.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite deposits are extremely rare on Earth. Technically, it’s a precious gemstone that comes from space. This brilliant stone was initially discovered by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Henri Moissan back in 1893, amongst the remnants of an ancient meteor crater in Arizona. 

This remarkable diamond-like stone displayed superior brilliance, fire, luster, and hardness. Due to the rarity of natural moissanite, there’s no way to collect enough to form a single piece of jewelry. Even scouring natural moissanite stone deposits in areas like Wyoming and Russia couldn’t yield enough material to make a set of earrings. 

However, while researching to answer questions regarding what moissanite is, science was able to create a moissanite stone using a laboratory and an artisan's touch. Years of research, testing, and errors eventually lead scientists to artificially create a moissanite diamond from silicon carbide formed as a single crystal. This lavish gemstone is now available to those who want to buy a conflict-free and environmentally friendly alternative to a diamond. 

History of Moissanite

Dr. Henri Moissan discovered a new crystal at the impact site of a meteor in 1893. However, at the time he mistakenly believed that he had come across diamonds due to their similar visual appearance. 

A decade later, in 1904, under the examining eye of a chemist, it was soon proven that Moissan’s find was compositionally different from diamonds, having been formed of silicon carbide. Dr. Moissan would later win the 1906 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in isolating fluorine from its compounds in 1886, an endeavor that saw him poisoned several times. 

After Moissan’s initial discovery, moissanite would make few appearances outside of meteor craters. In fact, it would take half a century for the next natural moissanite deposit to be found.

Due to the lack of naturally occurring moissanite, its use as a decorative gemstone was impractical. However, this wouldn’t stop scientists from developing a method to create this wondrous diamond-like stone in a controlled environment. The 1980s saw the first creation of a lab-grown moissanite jewel. The brilliance and luster would outshine a traditional diamond while providing a conflict-free alternative at a fraction of the price. 

This lab-grown jewel is not supposed to be a synthetic diamond, as it is expertly cut and crafted to bring out its own extraordinary properties. 

These jewels are created through a safely guarded patented thermal growing process. Moissanite can be cultivated to deliver a near-colorless jewel or a select number of colored shades such as yellow, green, and gray.

As technology has advanced, so has the quality of moissanite. Under extreme monitoring, each stone is completely free from the types of foreign materials that are sometimes found in naturally mined gemstones. This allows the outcome of each moissanite diamond to be predetermined.

General Benefits of Moissanite

When comparing the differences between a diamond vs moissanite, you might be unaware of the many advantages that lend themselves to moissanite:

Conflict-Free

The greatest benefit that moissanite has over any other naturally mined gem is that, since it’s been created in a laboratory, you know that you’re wearing ethical jewelry. 

Quality

Thanks to the meticulous environment that lab-grown moissanite jewels are produced in, if a gemstone isn’t the perfect clarity or has any form of obvious inclusions or blemishes, it won’t be available for sale.

High Refractive Index

A clear difference when performing a moissanite vs diamond side by sideis the brilliance of each gem. Due to this jewel’s High Refractive Index, it can create a superior sparkle, unmatched by a standard diamond.

Timeless Appearance

For those looking for alternatives to a diamond, some may turn to cubic zirconia. However, unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite doesn’t develop a cloudy appearance over time. In fact, a moissanite jewel will maintain a cleaner look over a diamond. Dirt and oils will reduce the luster of a diamond faster than moissanite. 

Moissanite will Last Through the Generations

With superior hardness ratings, moissanite makes for a stunning yet durable jewel. Proper care will allow a moissanite ring to be passed down through your family for years to come.

Moissanite vs Diamond: The Bottom Line

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.

LULU DIAMONDS® Moissanite

At LULU DIAMONDS® , we pride ourselves on using the most brilliant and colorless.

Amongst our jewelers and staff, our company features a deep history of collective experience in fine jewelry manufacturing, design, and sales; which will be evident the moment you see and wear our Moissanite jewelry. 

All of our Moissanite rings, solitaires, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and other items use only the highest industry standard 14k / 18k yellow, white, and rose gold.

Even better, the rings available can be completely customized with a center stone like an emerald, diamond, sapphire, or ruby.

Of course, you can also design all-new styles custom to your unique preferences.

Our collection of men’s and women’s rings is always available at the best possible price.

As a result, you don’t have to time your engagement or anniversary gift around holiday sales and other special promotions.

At LULU DIAMONDS® we believe anytime is the perfect time for celebrating your love and life!

You can be 100% confident when shopping on our online store that your order will receive the utmost care and attention from start to finish.