Diamonds vs. Moissanite
When it comes to fine jewelry, there’s no stone like a diamond.
Its natural shine, durability, and rarity make it one of the go-to choices for engagement rings and other meaningful pieces. With this popularity, technology over time has created a number of stones known as diamond simulants.
As the name suggests, diamond simulants are stones that are created to mimic the look of a diamond
One of the most popular among these simulants is moissanite. Even though it can resemble a diamond at first glance, the two are vastly different in their composition, brilliance, and long-term value. If you're weighing your options between the two, understanding their differences can help you make the right choice.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. While it was first discovered in a meteor crater in the late 1800s, naturally occurring moissanite is super rare. With that being said, pretty much all of the moissanite used in jewelry today is grown in a lab. As a diamond simulant, it’s a stone with a different composition or characteristics from a diamond, but mimics its appearance.
Diamonds vs. Moissanite - Key Differences
Composition and Origins
Diamonds are made up of carbon, along with some trace elements.
Their formation involves being subject to a huge amount of pressure and extremely high temperatures, deep within the Earth, for billions of years.
This awe-inspiring natural process is what makes them unique and gives them intrinsic value.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is grown in laboratories from silicon carbide. While it is beautiful in its own right, because it can be grown on a whim in mass amounts, it does lack the prestige and rarity that comes with natural diamond stones.
Visual Appeal
One of the most noticeable differences between diamonds and moissanite is how they interact with light.
Diamonds show a balanced play of light; that is, they have a balanced mix of white brilliance, colorful fire, and scintillation. This creates a classic sparkle that can be recognized instantly.
Moissanite, on the other hand, tends to display a more intense rainbow-like sparkle thanks to its high refractive index.
Under natural light, this sparkle appears artificial or overly flashy. This becomes especially apparent when compared side by side with a diamond; even untrained eyes can in most cases, instantly tell the difference.
Hardness and Durability
Durability matters. When you're investing in a piece of jewelry that you'll probably wear every day, you want to know that it'll last.
Diamonds are the hardest known material on Earth, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes them excellent choices for pieces that are meant for daily, lifelong wear, like engagement rings.
Moissanite ranks around 9.25 on the Mohs scale. While its durability is definitely comparable to diamonds, it's not quite as resistant to scratching and wear over time.
Value and Value Retention
There's no denying that moissanite is much more affordable upfront. If budget is your primary concern, it offers a diamond-like look at a fraction of the cost.
Keeping this in mind, know that moissanite holds little to no resale value. It's not considered a precious gemstone, and it definitely does not hold its value over time. This is because it’s inherently common. Since moissanite can be produced indefinitely in laboratories, its demand and value really can’t match that of a natural diamond.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite
It's worth noting that lab-grown diamonds are entirely different from moissanite, and this distinction matters if you're comparing options.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They’re 100% identical to mined ones and share the exact same properties chemically, physically, and optically. They're grown in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technology, but they're not simulants. They're genuine diamonds that offer a more affordable alternative to mined stones without sacrificing quality or brilliance.
If you're considering moissanite primarily because of price, a lab-grown diamond might actually be the better middle ground. You get the same beauty, brilliance, and durability as mined diamonds, at a more accessible price point.
Which Stone Should You Choose?
Although moissanite is a diamond simulant, it still does inherently look different than a diamond, and has different characteristics and price points that set it apart.
Choosing between the two, at the end of the day, depends on what matters to you.
If you value meaning, rarity, and long-term value, diamonds can't be matched. They're the classic choice for a reason — they hold their beauty, their worth, and their significance over time.
If affordability is your main concern and you simply want a diamond-like appearance for now, moissanite may suit your needs. Just know that it won't hold its value the way a diamond does, and its sparkle may look different from what you're envisioning.
At SUNSHINE, we understand that gemstones are the heart of your jewelry. Our team takes the time to educate clients on every option — from natural and lab-grown diamonds to simulants like moissanite — to help you make an informed, confident decision that you'll feel good about for years to come.
Visit either our Philly or Media locations and experience the world-class service and jewelry expertise that we have come to be known for.
