Moissanita vs Diamante Differences, Cost & Durability

A shopper comparing moissanite to diamond is likely asking herself just how different the stones would look when set in a particular ring and worn every day

The answer isn’t simply a matter of the price tag, because both moissanite and diamond have optical, mineralogical, and industrial differences besides the simple matter of cost.

Both are acceptable for use in an engagement ring or other fine jewelry, but each has its own advantages based on the buyer’s needs.

The Difference Can Be Seen Under Certain Lights

Diamonds and moissanite stones may appear similar at a distance, or if both are small, but they reflect light in characteristically different ways. Diamond is generally known for exhibiting excellent contrast between dark and light areas, while moissanite possesses more white “fire” due to its greater refractive index.

The overall impression is different, and both types of stone can be seen as more attractive depending on the observer’s taste.

Larger stones or those viewed under the particular spotlighting used in jewelry stores can make the difference easier to see

For this reason, shopping for an engagement ring in different lights (as opposed to comparing photos online) can help ensure that the sheen and sparkle are as desired.

Hardness Determines Scratch Resistance, but Both Are Good Choices for Every Day Wear

Diamond scores highest on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness at 10, and moissanite scores a very close 9.25. This means that the latter is also highly resistant to scratches, abrasions, and other damage, and is thus perfectly acceptable for everyday wear.

However, buyers should not be misled into believing that either material is indestructible, since even a small impact applied to the right angle can crack any gemstone.

The shape of the setting also plays a role in the stone’s safety, and a full bezel or channel setting offers far better protection than a prong setting.

• A woman who leads an active lifestyle may wish to avoid prongs
• A man who is used to working with his hands will find that any setting can be cleaned and inspected regularly for signs of damage

Price Determines Size and Design Options

The primary way in which the price affects the choice between moissanita vs diamante is obvious: for the same budget, a moissanite stone appears larger than a diamond.

Diamond buyers should be prepared to pay more for larger sizes, and for higher quality of cut, color, clarity, and so on, since all of these factors determine the price. On the other hand, a moissanite buyer has more options if the overall size and shape of the ring are more important than the material.

It’s worth noting that the same diamond may sell for very different prices depending on its:

• cut
• carat weight
• color
• clarity
• shape
• origin
• and whether or not it’s certified

Similarly, a buyer who wants the appearance of a diamond but cannot afford a natural stone may consider lab grown diamonds since the difference between natural and artificial is primarily in the source material.

The choice between moissanite and diamond (as well as other gem materials) should be made by comparing the finished rings, not the bare stones, since metal, setting, and other details will also contribute to overall value. For the same reason, moissanite rings with simpler settings may be chosen on a slightly higher budget in favor of a colored metal.

Diamond and Moissanite are Made From Entirely Different Materials

As its name suggests, moissanite is primarily silicon carbide.

Diamond is made up of carbon atoms in a crystalline structure.

This difference is important for classifying the gem materials, since moissanite should not be considered a variety of diamond or vice versa. On the other hand, lab created diamond is exactly what the name suggests: a naturally occurring mineral which has been produced in a controlled environment instead of being mined from the earth.

As another point of clarification, this difference between natural and artificial diamonds does not exist for moissanite. The reason why moissanite and diamond are often grouped together is that they:

• possess different optical properties
• have a similar appearance
• are frequently used in fashion jewelry

A shopper who is considering moissanita vs diamante is more likely to be comparing three options at once, since lab created diamonds often sell for less than natural ones without any difference in atomic structure.

Cut Often Has More Impact on Appearance Than Weight

The appeal of a heavier center stone may be undermined by a poor setting or proportions, since rings which are out of round appear narrower from certain angles and wider from others. It’s important to ask about the quality of the cut, particularly for the purpose of maximizing sparkle.

For diamonds, the choice between round and oval shapes is especially important, since the round brilliant cut has been specifically designed to reflect as much light as possible. Other shapes require additional analysis from the shopper, since elongated stones have a more dramatic appearance when viewed from the top. The same principle applies to moissanite, but buyers should be aware that the density of the material differs: millimeters are a more accurate measure of visual size than carats.

The shape of the center stone also affects the way in which it is set, since step cuts like emerald cuts have fewer facets and require a different approach to securing the stone within the setting.

Certification Standards Have Different Requirements for Each Material

Diamond buyers are accustomed to perusing grading papers in order to choose a center stone with the right balance of:

• carat weight
• clarity
• color
• cut

to fit within a particular budget.

However, two stones which appear to have identical specs may look very different in reality, because the optical performance depends on the interaction between the gem material and the facets.

Moissanite certificates contain considerably less information, since this gem material is not yet classified as seriously as diamond is.

Before making an engagement ring purchase of either material, it’s a good idea to ask the jeweler to explain what information has been verified and documented. A separate discussion should concern the type of setting and its impact on the longevity and appearance of the ring.

The Metal and Setting Should Suit the Lifestyle of the Buyer

The choice of the gem material is only the beginning of the engagement ring selection process, because the lifetime value of the ring is determined by its setting just as much. In fact, the choice between moissanita vs diamante may turn on very practical considerations, such as the ease of maintenance.

A woman who prefers simple, understated jewelry may want to avoid prongs in favor of a channel or flush basket setting which will reduce the risk of chipping or scratching the center stone.

By contrast, a man who is used to working with his hands may want to choose a four- or six-pronged solitaire in order to maximize the light which enters the table of the center stone. Similarly, a buyer who wants to wear her wedding band as well as an engagement ring should ask whether the two bands will interfere with each other, especially at the base of the solitaire.

The metal choice also determines the appearance of the ring, since:

• white metals or yellow gold create contrasting visuals with a near-colorless diamond or moissanite center
• buyers should try different settings and metals in order to find the best combination
• choosing between moissanite and diamond becomes more of a matter of style than substance

In general, the best engagement rings are the ones which maximize the appearance and lifetime value of the center stone. This principle equally applies to moissanite, which can be enhanced by choosing a proper setting and inspecting the gem material for any imperfections.