Diamonds vs Moissanite: What You Need to Know

Although an engagement ring is often set with a diamond, there are other options that can make a ring more affordable and just as beautiful. One of my favorite options is moissanite. Moissanite, originally discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater, is a very rare gem. Therefore, moissanite, as we know it today, is almost exclusively lab-grown. Let’s compare Diamonds vs Moissanite for color, hardness, brilliance, and price:

Is a moissanite diamond a real diamond?

No. Moissanite and diamond are two different gemstones! While they look similar, there are ways to tell them apart. The biggest differences between moissanite vs diamond are amount of sparkle, cost, and reflection.

Diamonds vs Moissanite, Brilliance:

Moissanite is actually more brilliant than a diamond! Brilliance, which refers to a stone’s ability to reflect white light, is a good measure for how much a gemstone will ‘sparkle’. Moissanite’s brilliance is higher than diamond’s due to its higher “refractive index” (Diamond’s is 2.42, whereas Moissanite’s is 2.65). This is a technical term for how much a gemstone bends light. Moissanite bends light a lot, meaning light bounces around more, giving it max sparkle! In addition, moissanite has a higher dispersion than a diamond, too. So, in addition to your moissanite giving off more white sparkle, it will actually reflect more colored sparkle (“fire”), too. In fact, your moissanite will look like a firework next to a diamond.

Bonus! Because moissanite contains some silicon, it is also less likely to attract grease or dirt than a diamond. That means a moissanite will sparkle more in between cleanings, too.

Does Moissanite lose its sparkle?

No! Moissanite stays super sparkly for its whole life. Because of its superior hardness and great refractive index, Moissanite stands the test of time. Unlike a CZ (a less beautiful diamond simulant), you never have to worry about Moissanite becoming dull, losing its brilliance, or getting foggy. It will be beautiful and bright forever!

Can you tell moissanite from diamond?

Yes, if you look closely. Moissanite’s extra bling and extra reflection can separate it from diamond. While diamonds have equal amounts of white and rainbow sparkle, Moissanite’s rainbow sparkle exceeds its white brilliance. Moissanite’s unique double refraction can also separate it from diamond, if you know what to look for:

Diamonds vs Moissanite, Reflection:

Diamond is singly refractive, whereas Moissanite is doubly refractive. This means that if you look through the side of a Moissanite, you may see double! In Forever One, this feature is not noticeable unless you know to look for it, and look very closely. Other doubly refractive gems include sapphire, alexandrite, and tanzanite.

Diamonds vs Moissanite, Color:

Both moissanite and diamond can be colorless or near-colorless. The amount of color a moissanite has depends upon the type of moissanite. Classic moissanite, the first moissanite that man created, is a greenish-yellow hue. It’s not very pretty, and Do Amore does not sell it. In fact, many feel that classic moissanite’s color is similar to a GIA-certified K-color diamond (quite yellow). On the other hand, Forever One Moissanite can be colorless or near colorless! Forever One Colorless has the color of a GIA-certified E-color diamond. Forever One Near Colorless has the color of a GIA-certified I-color diamond. Both of these gems are gorgeous, come in a variety of sizes, and make perfect engagement stones.

Is Forever Brilliant Moissanite the same as Forever One?

No. Forever Brilliant was near colorless, Forever One can be colorless! Have you been looking around and seeing “Forever Brilliant” Moissanite mentioned? Wondering what is Forever Brilliant Moissanite is? Forever Brilliant was Charles & Colvard’s first attempt at a colorless-looking Moissanite. However, because the technology wasn’t as great back then, it turned out near colorless. As a result, when Charles & Colvard developed Colorless Moissanite (what everyone really wanted to begin with), they called it Forever One.

Forever One vs Forever Brilliant Moissanite

Colorless Forever One Moissanite is widely thought to be more beautiful than near colorless Forever Brilliant was. So, we highly recommend choosing a crisp and icy Forever One colorless for your engagement ring! However, if you’re looking for the warmth of a near colorless, Do Amore can special order a Forever One Near Colorless for you, too!

Hot Tip: Classic & Near-colorless moissanite is still sold by numerous jewelers. So, to make sure you don’t get stuck with a yellow-green classic moissanite or only a near-colorless stone, demand Forever One Colorless!

VIEW OUR FOREVER ONE MOISSANITE COLLECTION>

Which Moissanite is most like diamond?

Forever One Colorless Hearts & Arrows looks most like a diamond as it’s cut to show even white and rainbow sparkle! Non Hearts & Arrows Moissanite will show more rainbow sparkle than white. Hearts & Arrows Moissanite is only faceted in round and cushion shapes, currently. Other shapes that look more similar to diamond include emerald and asscher, as these shapes do not truly “sparkle”, and instead have more of a sheen.

Moissanite vs Diamond, Hardness:

Moissanite is a very hard gem, but not quite as hard as diamond. The harder a material, the more difficult it is to scratch. And, on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, moissanite is rated as a 9.25. This is a great score, and higher than any gemstone used in jewelry besides diamonds! Diamonds, which are the hardest known mineral, score a 10.

Moissanite ring care

Can I wear Moissanite ring everyday?

Yes! Moissanite’s great hardness makes it an ideal ring to wear everyday! At a 9.25 hardness, it stands up to wear and tear extremely well, making it a great engagement ring choice. Also, Moissanite’s mineral makeup means that it resists oil and dirt better than a diamond.

Does Moissanite break easily?

Moissanite resists chipping and breaking better than diamond. Diamond, when struck against something hard, can sheer off in the direction of its crystal growth (this is called “cleaving”). Moissanite, on the other hand, does not break in its crystal direction, as its cleavage in “indistinct”. This means that while a Moissanite can still be chipped, it is less prone to large breaks than diamond is.

Can moissanite get scratched?

Yes, but only by the rare things harder than it, like diamonds and certain abrasive cleaners. However, that’s about all that can scratch a moissanite! Most other gems and surfaces, such as sapphire or granite, are softer than Moissanite and cannot cause scratches. Because Moissanite is a 9.25 on the hardness scale, and diamond is a 10, diamond can scratch moissanite.

Moissanite vs Diamond, Price:

Overall, moissanite is a fraction of the cost of a diamond. Also, while a diamond’s price varies based on cut, clarity, and other individual characteristics, moissanite varies only with type and size. Below is a table comparing our pricing for a GIA-certified round diamond (with I-color and VS2 clarity), a classic moissanite stone (not colorless), a near-colorless moissanite stone, and Forever One colorless moissanite stone.

Is Moissanite worth buying?

For those who want a big blingy look for a reasonable price, yes! Many of our customers choose Moissanite over diamond when they want a great ring look, but also want to buy a house. Moissanite is a great option for couples on a budget, those looking for a man-made option for sustainable reasons, or those who simply do not feel the need to spend a lot on a ring. We have thousands of very happy moissanite customers!

Diamond vs Moissanite, The Conclusion:

While moissanite does not replicate the look of a diamond exactly, it is a beautiful, durable, white stone! So, it’s a viable option for those not wanting to purchase a diamond. Colored stones, like sapphires (which also come in white!), are beautiful options as well. As a result, there are many ways we can help couples create a stunning ring without paying for the higher cost of a diamond.

To pair an engagement ring with a moissanite, find your favorite engagement ring here, then choose “Pair with Moissanite.”

Can you help me choose between Diamond vs Moissanite?

Of course! Do Amore is proud to be knowledgeable in conflict-free diamonds, moissanite, and other stone options so please feel free to contact us with any questions. Feel free to ask for me personally (my name is Krish)!