Moissanite vs Diamond

What’s the Difference? Which Is Right for You?

If you love the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond but want something more affordable and ethically sourced, you’ve likely come across Moissanite. At first glance, moissanite and diamonds look incredibly similar—both deliver stunning shine, clarity, and durability. But when you look closer, there are key differences that matter when choosing the perfect stone for your jewelry.

Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, earrings, or a statement necklace, this guide will help you decide: Moissanite or Diamond?

What Is a Diamond?

Diamonds are natural gemstones formed deep within the Earth over billions of years under extreme heat and pressure. They are known for:

✅ unmatched hardness
✅ timeless value and prestige
✅ natural rarity

Diamonds can also be lab-grown, offering the same physical and chemical structure as mined diamonds but at a lower price and with a more ethical sourcing process.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite was originally discovered in a meteor crater and is now created in laboratories using advanced technology. Today, it’s one of the most popular diamond alternatives because it offers:

✅ exceptional brilliance
✅ affordability
✅ ethical and environmentally friendly production

Moissanite is not a diamond, but visually it can appear even more sparkly.

Sparkle & Brilliance

One of the biggest visual differences comes down to light performance.

Moissanite

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it bends light more. This creates:

✨ more sparkle
🌈 fiery rainbow flashes
💎 a brighter, more noticeable appearance

Diamond

Diamonds offer:

✨ sharp, white brilliance
💎 classic, elegant sparkle
🌟 less rainbow fire than moissanite

If you love bold sparkle, moissanite stands out. If you prefer a more subtle, traditional shine, diamonds are the classic choice.

Durability & Everyday Wear

Both stones are extremely durable and suitable for daily jewelry.

Diamond Hardness

Diamond: 10 on the Mohs scale
✔ the hardest natural material on Earth
✔ extremely scratch-resistant

Moissanite Hardness

Moissanite: 9.25–9.5 on the Mohs scale
✔ highly durable
✔ excellent for everyday wear
✔ almost as hard as diamond

In real-life use, both hold up beautifully.

Price Comparison

This is one of the biggest differences.

Diamonds

Natural diamonds are expensive due to rarity and mining costs.
Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable but still priced higher than moissanite.

Moissanite

Moissanite offers:

💰 70–90% lower cost than diamonds
💰 larger stones for the same budget
💰 luxury look without the luxury price tag

If you want maximum sparkle and size without overspending, moissanite is the smarter choice.

Ethics & Sustainability

Many shoppers today consider ethical sourcing important.

Moissanite

✅ lab-created
✅ minimal environmental impact
✅ conflict-free

Diamonds

Natural diamonds may involve:
❌ mining concerns
❌ environmental impact
❌ ethical sourcing issues

Lab-grown diamonds improve this, but moissanite remains the most ethical option.

Value & Resale

Diamonds—especially natural ones—traditionally hold more resale value due to rarity and demand.

Moissanite does not have the same resale value, but it offers exceptional value upfront.