Moissanite vs. Diamond: A Brilliance Battle for Your Engagement Ring

When it comes to moissanite vs. diamond, we can say that moissanite gems are currently popping up all over the jewelry industry as a colorless diamond alternative. Price, carat, and brilliance are reasons why moissanite is more dazzling than a diamond. Even the flamboyant radiance of moissanite has been likened to a disco ball, which is a perfect compliment.

What is Moissanite?

As per Charles & Colvard's CEO and president, " If moissanite vs diamond, moissanite is a natural mineral called silicon carbide, which is rare and not found in nature large enough to cut into a piece of a one-carat gemstone. Because of this distinction, unlike diamonds,  moissanite used in exquisite jewelry is manufactured in a laboratory.’’

However, moissanite is rather synthesized in a laboratory after being discovered in a meteorite. Moissanite is a newer gemstone when we compare moissanite vs. diamond and has become more popular as a substitute for diamonds, despite having neither the history nor the cultural importance like diamonds. While starting millions of years, diamonds originate deep within the earth's crust as a naturally occurring mineral. The similarities between the two gemstones are there, along with a lot of variances.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

Here are a few character traits that set apart moissanite and diamonds: 

Price

The affordability is a major benefit of moissanite because these stones are far less expensive than diamonds. It is estimated that the price of a moissanite gem is one-eighth that of a mined diamond of the same size and quality. Larger carat weights of moissanite are more desirable and fetch a higher price. In particular, moissanite is the way to go if you want a high-carat white gemstone but don't have the budget for a massive diamond. Because larger, higher-quality moissanite stones are more expensive than smaller, lower-quality diamonds of the same carat weight. A colorless and high-clarity-grade diamond can be unattainable. It’s better to choose a moissanite than to choose a lower-quality diamond when comparing moissanite vs diamond.

Durability 

We know that diamonds are the hardest natural material known to men. They are the most durable of all minerals and the hardest found in nature. Diamonds are the hardest natural material known, with a Mohs hardness grade of 10. As a result, diamonds can only scratch a diamond. Diamonds are so prized because of their extreme hardness. However, moissanite isn't too far behind. When comparing moissanite vs diamond, moissanite is the second hardest gemstone on the Mohs hardness scale. On a scale starting from 1 to 10, diamonds would be at 10, whereas moissanite lies between 9.25 and 9.5.

Brilliance 

When comparing moissanite vs diamond, the most striking distinction is that moissanite is more brilliant. It is known to have more fire and brilliance than any other gemstone, which means it has more sparkles than other jewels. Therefore, moissanite is cut more intensely than diamonds because it has a double-refractive index. Moissanite has twice the dispersion value than diamond, which indicates it possesses higher fire and is visible only when you rotate the stone." Diamonds reflect whiter light, but the result is more of a rainbow effect.

Color

Earlier, the color of moissanite has been described as yellowish or greenish. However, producers have improved their methods, and high-quality colorless moissanite is now available.

However, there is a wide range of diamond colors. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D which is colorless to Z (very yellow). The diamond with the greatest possible color grading would be colorless. An inexperienced eye may not be able to tell the difference in color between grades, hence an expert's standardized grading is provided by a GIA gemstone certificate. Colorless, near-colorless, or very slightly yellow diamonds are the most common diamond color grades found in stores. Not every moissanite stone will be colorless, despite the fact that many vendors market them as a colorless diamond replacement.

Beauty

A well-cut diamond with high clarity will always be more attractive than moissanite because of its naturally superior beauty and purity. Diamonds are more brilliant and shinier when comparing moissanite vs diamond, as diamonds' fire and clarity are unique. The term "fire" is used to describe the rainbow of colors that appear when light strikes a diamond's facets, whereas the term "brilliance" describes the white flashes.

Purchase Considerations

Here are the purchase considerations for these two competing gemstones:

• When comparing moissanite vs diamond, diamonds can be the most popular choice for engagement rings. There are many options available if you're looking for something other than a diamond that has a similar appearance, it can be moissanite.
• In many ways, when moissanite gemstone is not different from shopping for any of the other gemstones. Keep in mind that high-quality moissanite can be too found at an affordable price, so you don't have to choose a stone with flaws in clarity or color.
• Choose a high degree of fire, a lively luster, and polish with minute surface scratches. As always, it's best to do your shopping through an authentic website to maximize your savings.
• Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that can be worn alone or as a complement to other stones, including gemstones like diamonds. It's flexible and simple to experiment with, so it is not hard to find a piece you adore.
• If you're looking for a diamond with a luxurious look, you might be disappointed to learn that moissanite displays more multicolored flashes than white ones. Unfortunately, modern jewelry-cutting processes have made it more difficult to distinguish between gemstones based on their fire and brightness.
• Like laboratory-grown diamonds, man-made moissanite gemstones are optically indistinguishable from their natural gemstone. However, unlike both synthetic and natural diamonds, there is no universally accepted jewelry standard for moissanite engagement rings. Moissanites, unlike diamonds, are not graded for clarity or color.
• The refractive index of moissanite is very high. The refractive index of a gemstone is defined as the ratio of the light's velocity in one medium to that in another. Light travelling through air is equal to the speed of light traveling through a diamond.
• However, moissanite stones may not be for you if you prefer engagement rings with a minimalist aesthetic. Some people, especially those who want to highlight their senses, may find it more overwhelming than all the splendor.

While making a final decision between moissanite vs diamond, it should be based on both preference and cost. Moissanite, while not as rare or costly as diamonds, delivers a similar appearance at a lower price. Choosing between these two gemstones can be difficult because each one is special in its own way.