Moissanite vs Diamonds: What Is Moissanite And How Does It Compare To Diamonds?

An engagement ring is an enduring symbol of your bond with your partner—not to mention something you’ll likely wear every day for a long time to come. And with a decision this major, there are a lot of factors to consider during the selection process, from durability and price to the style that suits you. You may have already heard about man-made stones, but are unsure exactly how they differ from their natural counterparts. If you’re interested in a diamond alternative, consider a mineral called moissanite, which stands out thanks to its superior brilliance, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Before you or your partner pop the question, read on to learn more about this lesser-known gem

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is one of the rarest naturally occurring minerals found in nature—it was discovered over a century ago at the site of a meteorite strike in Arizona, and has a very similar look to diamonds. Scientists later developed a thermal growing process to create the silicon carbide crystals that make up moissanite in a lab. This process takes two to three months for the creation of a single gem, which is then cut according to specific angles and proportions to help enhance its brilliance.

Moissanite vs Diamonds

How does moissanite compare to diamonds? Traditional mined diamonds are created from the compression of coal and minerals over hundreds of years, whereas the precious stone moissanite was originally found in miniscule fragments of meteorite. While initially thought to be diamonds, scientists later discovered they were instead composed of silicon carbide. Moissanite is naturally more brilliant than diamonds and has more fire, so not only does the gem look remarkably similar, but it actually out-sparkles diamonds. On top of that, during the lab-creation process, specialists examine each individual stone to determine where its natural cuts lie and use special cutting techniques to enhance its unique fire. Moissanite comes in two colour grades: colourless and near-colourless (which has a slight icy blue tint), and if you’re in the market for a specific look, it’s available in all the same cuts, settings and configurations as diamonds.

Will moissanite last?

Short answer: Yes! Moissanite is second only to diamonds on the hardness scale, meaning it’s nearly as durable and scratch-resistant as its counterpart. Plus, it’s more heat-resistant than a diamond, so it’s highly unlikely the stone would be damaged during routine jewelry repair. Moissanite can be cleaned the same way you’d clean any other fine jewellery: with a non-acid based jewellery cleaner or mild soap and water and a toothbrush.

Is it environmentally friendly?

Since moissanite is developed in a controlled environment, i.e. man-made in a laboratory, there’s no mining necessary. Creating these gems is not harmful to the earth and avoids any issues with conflict trade. Compared with natural gemstones, moissanite’s origins are both traceable and completely eco-friendly, so you can admire your beautiful new bling, and feel good knowing exactly where it comes from. (Flawless Moissanite goes one step further to ensure peace of mind as all our Gold products are made from recycled Gold)

How much does moissanite cost?

Moissanite is not only a smart choice for the earth, but for your wallet as well. While a diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity and other characteristics, moissanite’s cost usually varies only with size and color grade. The lab-created stones are more affordable than both mined and lab-made diamonds, meaning you’ll save a significant amount on similarly sized gems.

You can browse engagement rings in all shapes and sizes on our website, there’s something for every taste and budget.