Moissanite vs. Diamond
Benefits of Moissanite
Mining Free
Moissanite is lab created with minimal
envirnmental impact
Value
Moissanite is less expensive per carat than
many other gemstones.
Durability
Moissanite gemstones are a 9.25 on the
Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are
suitable for everyday wear.
What is Moissanite?
Our Moissanite gemstones trace their origin to the stars. Discovered in 1893 by the renowned French scientist Henri Moissan, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, these gems emerged from microscopic particles found in an Arizona crater formed by a meteorite. Initially mistaken for diamonds, Moissan later identified the crystals as silicon carbide.
Given the extreme rarity of natural moissanite, today's gems are meticulously crafted in laboratories. Through years of refinement and innovation, the synthesis of the particles discovered by Moissan has resulted in the creation of one of the world's most dazzling gemstones.
While often referred to as a diamond simulant, Moissanite is engineered to provide the illusion of diamond similarity, yet it possesses distinct compositional and visual characteristics. The durability, brilliance, and color of Moissanite set it apart. Although both diamonds and moissanites share excellent thermal conductivity, their unique qualities make each gemstone an exquisite choice in its own right.
Moissanite Vs. Diamond
Moissanite
Diamond
Durability
In the realm of gemstones, the Mohs Scale of Hardness serves as the benchmark for evaluating a gem's resistance to surface scratching.
Durability
In the realm of gemstones, the Mohs Scale of Hardness serves as the benchmark for evaluating a gem's resistance to surface scratching.
Moissanite
Scoring an impressive 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, our Moissanite gemstones are well-suited for daily wear, showcasing exceptional durability.
Diamond
With a perfect score of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds stand as the hardest known mineral. This exceptional hardness translates to remarkable durability, making diamonds an ideal choice for daily wear. This enduring quality contributes significantly to their popularity as the preferred center gemstone for engagement rings.
Brilliance
Brilliance pertains to the captivating play of light reflecting from within the gem's interior, defining its visual allure.
Brilliance
Brilliance pertains to the captivating play of light reflecting from within the gem's interior, defining its visual allure.
Moissanite
Moissanites showcase a unique brilliance compared to diamonds due to their distinct faceting pattern. The mesmerizing, vibrant flashes of rainbow hues emitted by moissanites are adored by some, while others note that the heightened brilliance may create a "discoball" effect, particularly in sunlight. The size of the moissanite plays a role in the perceptibility of this difference. Notably, moissanite boasts a refractive index ranging from 2.65 to 2.69, surpassing that of a natural diamond.
Diamond
A different type of brilliance is what makes it possible to distinguish a moissanitefrom a diamond. Diamonds reflect light in three different ways. The white lightreflected back is referred to as brilliance, while the rainbow of colors refractedthrough the diamond is referred to as dispersion. The surface sparkle of a diamond,known as scintillation, is a third type of diamond light return. The combination ofthese three gives diamonds their famous sparkle.
Color
Color
Color is the natural color or lack of color visible within the gemstone.
Color is the natural color or lack of color visible within the gemstone.
Moissanite
Even though moissanites are categorized as "colorless," it's worth noting that these gems may exhibit a subtle yellow or grayish undertone under specific lighting conditions. As a general rule, the prominence of color becomes more apparent with larger moissanite stones.
Diamond
A colorless diamond, be it natural or lab-created, possesses a pristine body color devoid of any traces of yellow, brown, or grey. This inherent absence of color contributes to its dazzling, bright white appearance.
Price
Price
Moissanite
When comparing the same size from a top view, moissanites stand out for their significantly lower pricing compared to diamonds of equivalent size. The pricing of moissanite gems is generally influenced by size, with distinctions between Premium and Super Premium stones being the primary factors.
Diamond
The pricing of natural diamonds and lab-created diamonds fluctuates depending on factors such as shape, carat, cut, color, and clarity. Notably, lab-created diamonds present a more budget-friendly option compared to their natural counterparts.
Sourcing
Sourcing
Moissanite
As lab-created gemstones, moissanites emerge as an attractive choice for those with eco-conscious preferences, offering a sustainable option devoid of any mining impact.
Diamond
Our commitment surpasses industry norms, providing Beyond Conflict Free™ Diamonds chosen for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins. Additionally, we offer lab-created diamonds grown with a focus on ethical practices and minimal environmental impact, ensuring a responsible and elegant choice.
The Origins of Moissanite
Crafted in controlled environments through advanced technology, moissanites eliminate the need for mining, ensuring a traceable and eco-friendly origin. In comparison to natural gemstones, lab-created moissanites boast a smaller carbon footprint and reduce environmental impact. Opting for fine jewelry made with moissanites and recycled metals reflects a conscious and responsible choice.
Selecting a Moissanite
Unlike diamonds, which adhere to the 4 C's scale (Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat), moissanites focus primarily on color grading. The cut and clarity grades remain consistent across various qualities of moissanites. At Brilliant Earth, we present Premium and Super Premium moissanites. Premium moissanites, akin to a G or H on the 4 C's color scale, are nearly colorless, while Super Premium moissanites fall within the D-F range, showcasing a colorless brilliance.
When contemplating a moissanite, a common consideration is its compatibility with natural diamond accents. Rest assured, moissanites complement beautifully when set alongside diamond accents. The captivating image above illustrates an oval moissanite nestled in a diamond-accented three-stone setting, embodying a harmonious blend of elegance and brilliance.
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Lab Created Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds offer a cost-effective alternative to their naturally mined counterparts, often presenting savings of approximately 30% for diamonds of comparable size and quality. Distinguishing themselves from moissanite, lab-created diamonds share identical physical, chemical, and optical properties with mined diamonds. This includes the coveted attributes of sparkle, fire, and scintillation. Moreover, they align seamlessly with eco-conscious choices, eliminating the need for mining and providing an appealing option for those seeking an environmentally friendly gemstone.
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Dazzling Settings
Discovering an engagement ring within your budget is made exquisite by choosing a smaller center diamond and enhancing its visual allure with an intricate setting. Smaller accent diamonds, being more budget-friendly than larger center diamonds, allow for the creation of a stunning look without breaking the bank. A stellar choice is the halo engagement ring, where the center gem is elegantly encircled by sparkling diamond accents, creating the illusion of a larger center stone. Alternatively, a three-stone setting features one smaller gem on each side of the center diamond, adding both elegance and affordability to your selection.
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Moissanites FAQ
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