Your Cart is Empty
Site under development -30% on the General Public Collection / CODE: "ICEVVS " - LIMITED STOCK
Site under development -30% on the General Public Collection / CODE: "ICEVVS " - LIMITED STOCK
To the casual buyer, moissanites and diamonds may seem identical. However, upon closer inspection, these two stones have significant differences. They differ not only in their visual appearance, but also in their value. This article explores the key differences between these stones, both in terms of cost and appearance. We hope this information helps you make an informed choice when purchasing your diamond jewelry.
Moissanite - a gemstone born from the stars!
In 1893, it was discovered by a French scientist named Henri Moissan, who also won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He discovered microscopic particles of the gem that would bear his name in Arizona, in a crater created by a meteorite that had fallen to Earth. He initially thought he had discovered diamonds, but later determined that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide.
Natural moissanite was discovered in the United States and Russia, but the majority of natural moissanite comes from space. Today, moissanite is primarily lab-grown to resemble diamonds, although its composition and visual characteristics differ from those of real diamonds. The hardness, brilliance, and color of these two stones are distinct. Moissanite can be an attractive alternative for those seeking an environmentally friendly stone. However, for those who want the brilliance and authentic value of diamonds, synthetic diamonds are a wise option.
At first glance, moissanites and diamonds may appear similar, but a closer look reveals several notable differences. In addition to their distinct chemical compositions, these two stones differ in their color, transparency, brilliance, and hardness. Moissanite, while very brilliant, has a slightly different hue than diamonds, often with a more vibrant color. Its hardness is also lower than diamonds, although it remains a very durable stone. Furthermore, moissanite's brilliance is unique, with a more pronounced rainbow sparkle than diamonds, which have a more classic white brilliance. These differences make each stone unique, offering buyers a variety of options based on their aesthetic preferences and needs.
It's easy to see why diamonds are the most valuable gemstone today; their history speaks for itself, and they're also the first choice for the vast majority of people looking to purchase wedding jewelry. Moissanite, on the other hand, should be considered if you want to think outside the box. A customer can buy a ring that looks like it costs tens of thousands of dollars for much less, achieving a great visual impact without the budget for a diamond substitute. That leaves plenty of money for your dream honeymoon or a down payment on your forever home.
These two gemstones have a lot in common, including their different origins.
The 4 C's determine the price and value of a gemstone (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat). These elements combine to give the stone its charm and elegance. Diamonds vary greatly in price, value, and quality because they are often natural rather than man-made.
In contrast, most moissanites appear to have the same price, even if the size and shape of the moissanite material – enhanced or not – differ.
Although the price of a diamond and a moissanite varies, it is important to remember that the characteristics, quality, and elegance of diamonds and moissanites are very different. "The value of moissanite increases as the carat weight increases."
Moissanite is the way to go if you want a large-carat white gemstone but don't want to spend the money on a large diamond. A colorless diamond with the highest visibility grade is completely out of reach for many, but that's no excuse to sacrifice overall consistency for a smaller diamond. The price of a small, lower-quality diamond is usually higher than that of a large, higher-quality moissanite diamond.
We've compiled the information in the table below to show the price difference between moissanite and diamond side by side. While prices vary, there's no comparison between the long-term value and true beauty of moissanite and diamond.
Moissanite is approximately 15% lighter than diamonds in terms of weight. Therefore, an accurate price relationship is impossible. Moissanites are valued based on their size in millimeters rather than their carat weight. Below is an approximation of a similar relationship.
|
Size (in carats) |
Diamond price |
Size (equivalent to carat) |
Moissanite price
|
|
0.50 |
€890 |
5mm |
€ 440 |
|
0.63 |
€1280 |
5.5mm |
€510 |
|
0.75 |
€1865 |
6mm |
€571 |
|
1 |
€ 3270 |
6.5mm |
€715 |
In the table above, diamonds of different carat weights are compared to moissanite stones of approximately equal size.
A half-carat diamond costs more than twice as much as a comparably sized moissanite at the lower end. This price ratio increases with size, and a 6.5 mm moissanite stone costs approximately $850, or 80% less than a comparably sized 1-carat diamond.
While moissanites and diamonds may appear to be the same color when viewed from a distance or in poor lighting, there are substantial color variations between the two when viewed up close.
Moissanites are not graded according to the GIA color scale, which ranges from D to Z for diamonds. Moissanites, on the other hand, are not colorless and mimic the color grade K on the GIA color scale for grading diamond color.
Moissanites exhibit yellow and green hues when exposed to these rays. The finer the moissanite, the more visible the yellow, gray, or green hues are. It is generally easy to tell the difference between a diamond and a sapphire at massive cuts.
Near-colorless diamonds ranging from D to J on the GIA scale will have no yellow or gray tint. Color is one of the characteristics that distinguishes diamonds from other gemstones, and moissanite is hard to mistake for the luminous, natural elegance of a diamond.
Its visibility measures the number of visible flaws and inclusions in the moissanite. Moissanites, like diamonds, are generally imperfect, with slight flaws that are visible under a magnifying glass.
Almost all moissanite sold is graded for clarity on a scale close to those used by the GIA and other grading organizations to measure diamond clarity.
It is important to remember that the clarity grade of a moissanite is not determined by the GIA, AGS, or any other impartial gemological laboratory; rather, the clarity grade (and credential, if the moissanite is sold with one) is often issued with the stone by its producer or seller.
Since moissanites are man-made, unlike natural diamonds, it is extremely rare to find moissanites with clarity grades lower than VS for sale. For all time, the clarity of moissanite is nearly flawless.
Moissanites, like diamonds, come in a variety of shapes and cuts. Moissanites come in a variety of shapes and cuts, including circular, oval, pear, cushion, princess, and radiant cuts. Some moissanites are cut in antique diamond cuts that were common hundreds of years ago.
The round brilliant cut is the most common moissanite cut. The popularity of the brilliant round cut can be attributed to several factors:
* Shine:
The dazzling round cut, like a gemstone, offers the most brilliance and fire. This means that when the stone is exposed to bright light, which hits the stone and reflects off its facets in various ways, the stone sparkles.
* Color :
The best cut to cover color and make a stone appear nearly or completely colorless is the circular brilliant cut. This is beneficial for moissanite because it hides the yellow and green hues that are common in moissanite.
* Versatility:
The brilliant round cut is a very versatile cut that looks perfect in new and vintage engagement rings and other jewelry. Moissanites appear best in cuts that mask the color and highlight the stone's brilliance, such as the princess cut (also known as the "square cut"), oval cut, radiant cut, and marquise cut.
Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, and a diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10 - the highest on the scale.
The Mohs scale is used to determine the hardness, or toughness, of a gemstone. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with one being the softest and ten being the toughest. One of the most visible differences between a moissanite and a diamond is the Mohs scale.
Diamonds, the hardest known gemstones, are extremely strong and durable. They are ideal for casual wear and wedding bands because they resist cracks and other damage that can mar the appearance of softer stones.
The Mohs scale is shown below to give you an idea of the hardness of minerals. Diamonds are harder than other very hard rocks, such as steel and tungsten carbide, as shown in the graph.
Does this mean moissanite irritates skin? It doesn't. Moissanites are more durable than diamonds, although they rank lower on the 9 to 9.5 scale. Only minerals similar to or higher on the scale, such as diamonds and other moissanites, can scratch moissanites.
The Mohs hardness scale:
|
Hardness |
Substance or mineral |
|
>10 |
Nanocrystalline diamond (hyperdiamond, ultrahardfullerite) |
|
10 |
Diamond |
|
9.5–10 |
Boron |
|
9–9.5 |
Moissanite |
|
9 |
Tungsten carbide |
|
8.5 |
Chromium |
|
8 |
Cubic zirconia |
|
7.5–8 |
Emerald |
|
7 |
Quartz |
|
6–7 |
Silicon |
|
6 |
Titanium |
|
5.5 |
Glass |
|
5 |
Apatite (tooth enamel) |
|
4–4.5 |
Steel |
|
4 |
Iron |
| 3.5 |
Platinum |
|
3 |
Copper |
|
2.5–3 |
Gold |
|
2–2.5 |
Halite (rock salt) |
|
2 |
Calcium |
|
1.5 |
Lead |
|
1 |
Talc |
|
0.5–0.6 |
Potassium |
|
0.2–0.3 |
Rubidium |
Brilliance refers to the way light reflects within a gemstone. It is this brilliance that makes diamonds so famous. Light refraction varies from gem to gem and depends on the quality of the cut, but generally, moissanite stands out for its intense brilliance and ability to refract light well. The geometry and composition of moissanite's cut allow it to disperse light spectacularly. However, while its brilliance is particularly scintillating, it does not achieve the same intensity and clarity as a diamond.
You can acquire a moissanite at a fraction of the cost of a natural diamond, but is it really a wise investment? At Emir ICE, we receive this question frequently, especially when it comes to the price of an engagement ring. While moissanite is significantly more affordable than a natural diamond, it does not possess the same long-term value. Unlike a natural diamond, moissanite lacks the authenticity and rarity that give a diamond its lasting value and prestige.
Moissanites sparkle in a certain way; their facets are cut and shaped differently than those of a diamond, resulting in less refraction of white light. While moissanites do provide sparkle, it is not as brilliant or as transparent as that of a diamond.
Moissanites have a higher refractive index than diamonds, which is an indicator of how fast light passes through a substance. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65, compared to 2.42 for diamonds. The refractive index of the two stones is generally very similar.
Gemstones often emit heat, which is the reflection of colored light, or rainbow, in addition to the diamond's characteristic brilliance. Moissanite also reflects light in a rainbow of colors. Moissanite emits a dazzling, substantial color in certain situations and under certain lights, which some people find unpleasant.
When comparing moissanite and a diamond side by side, the difference in brilliance and fire becomes more apparent as the gemstones become larger, especially when viewed up close in certain lighting conditions.
When it comes to diamonds and moissanites, the certification each stone receives can help you resolve any doubts about the value of a lab-grown stone. Each of the tests, such as refractive index, brilliance, color, cut, and clarity, highlights that the results for diamonds and moissanites are exactly the same.
Even diamond industry experts and diamond testers are unable to identify lab-grown and natural products. So, there is no possibility of someone pointing at your Moissanite and saying it is fake. Even if you don't buy a Moissanite yourself, you can be almost certain that it is a diamond. So, with no visible or characteristic difference in the two stones, you can easily choose Moissanite over diamond and have all the perspectives that a diamond would help you portray, but at an economical price.
By comparing the distinctions between a diamond and moissanite, you can see the many advantages that moissanite offers:
The biggest advantage of moissanite over any other naturally mined gemstone is that you know you are wearing ethical jewelry because it was made in a lab.
Due to the harsh environment in which lab-grown moissanite jewelry is made, if a gemstone does not have absolute clarity or visible inclusions or imperfections, it will not be available for purchase.
The brilliance of each stone is a notable contrast when comparing moissanite and diamonds side by side. The high refractive index of this gemstone allows it to produce a superior sparkle that is unmatched by an ordinary diamond.
Some people may turn to cubic zirconia as an alternative to diamonds. But unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite does not cloud over time. In fact, a moissanite stone is said to have a cleaner appearance than a diamond. A diamond's brilliance can be reduced by dirt and oils more quickly than moissanite's.
Moissanite is a rough stone with a high degree of hardness, making it a long-lasting gemstone. A moissanite ring will last from generation to generation if properly cared for.
For many people, moissanite would still be considered a "fake" diamond, lacking the class and reputation associated with precious stones. While you may be enchanted by the stone's chemistry, moissanite jewelry could be looked down upon by some. Others may fear that moissanite will never have the same value as sapphire or diamond as an heirloom. Another problem is that there is a widespread belief that diamonds are a better investment than moissanite, implying that money spent on moissanite is ultimately wasted.
But did you know that diamonds are generally overvalued and lose more than half their value upon purchase? A diamond ring is an investment that loses the most value.
Additionally, you would be surprised to know that Moissanite is also the preferred choice of celebrities and the overall appearance and brilliance of the stone are good enough to be considered a secret diamond. Bindi Irwin (daughter of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin), Penelope Cruze and even Meghan Markle have worn these lab-grown diamonds with great decency and elegance.
In addition, the famous Lady Gaga and Emma Watson have defended lab-grown diamonds by wearing them on different occasions.
Since moissanite only represents about 10% of the price of a diamond, you can save 90% of the money you would have spent on a diamond. You just saved a significant amount of money. Also, keep in mind that you can resell the moissanite for about half the price you paid. Overall, if you're facing budget constraints, want to buy an extra-large cut of the gemstone, or are simply a fan of gemstones with medium brilliance or the whole rainbow that dazzles you, then moissanite might be your priority.
Moissanite and diamond have almost equal optical properties from a conceptual perspective. Both gemstones are transparent and among the hardest gemstones known to man. They are both stunning, can last a lifetime, and are fantastic choices for everyday wear.
If you have good friends who have a professional eye for these things, moissanite can easily pass for a conventional diamond if that's the look and feel you're going for. Regardless, moissanite as a diamond substitute hits all the points mentioned above, making it seem too good to be true, but the fact is, it's all true and it's so beautiful.
Finally, for those who don't want to buy a diamond for legal, environmental, or financial reasons, moissanite is a viable and equally stunning token of affection.
In conclusion, although moissanite is designed to mimic the appearance of a diamond, it is not a natural diamond. So, which of these two stones should you choose? It depends on your personal priorities. If you're looking for a piece of jewelry that will be passed down from generation to generation, like our Solitaire Collection Diamond Engagement Ring and Tapered Band, a natural diamond is arguably the better choice. On the other hand, if price is a crucial factor for you, moissanite is a great alternative. The key is to determine what matters most to you. Whether you choose a diamond or moissanite, you'll have the perfect stone for you.
