Moissanite vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Your Jewelry?
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An honest comparison to help you make the right decision.
If you've been shopping for fine jewelry recently, you've almost certainly encountered moissanite. Once a niche alternative, it's become genuinely mainstream - and for good reason. But how does it actually compare to diamond?
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC). First discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater, natural moissanite is extraordinarily rare; virtually all moissanite sold today is lab-created. Lab-created doesn't mean fake - moissanite is a real gemstone with its own distinct chemical composition and crystal structure.
Appearance: Can You Tell the Difference?
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamond (2.42), which means it bends light more dramatically and produces exceptional brilliance. Side by side with an untrained eye, moissanite and diamond are nearly indistinguishable. Even gemologists use specialized equipment to tell them apart.
Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
Diamond scores a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite scores 9.25 - making it the second hardest gemstone commonly used in jewelry, harder than sapphire, ruby, and all other popular gemstones. For engagement rings, tennis bracelets, or any piece worn daily, moissanite is an excellent choice.
Value: The Real Comparison
| Stone | 1-carat equivalent price | Appearance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond (D/VS1) | ,000-,000+ | Excellent | Excellent (10) |
| Moissanite (D/VVS1) | - | Excellent | Excellent (9.25) |
| Cubic Zirconia | - | Good (when new) | Fair (8-8.5) |
That's a price difference of 10-20x for a stone that looks nearly identical to most observers.
Ethics and Environmental Impact
Lab-created moissanite requires no mining. It's produced in controlled facilities with a significantly smaller environmental footprint than diamond mining. For buyers who care about sustainability and ethical sourcing, this is a compelling advantage.
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia: Don't Confuse Them
Moissanite is NOT cubic zirconia. CZ looks brilliant when new but tends to scratch, cloud, and lose its sparkle within a few years. Moissanite maintains its optical properties indefinitely - it won't cloud or scratch under normal conditions.
Our Moissanite Collection
At CC Fashion Jewellery, our moissanite pieces use D-VVS1 grade stones - the highest clarity and color grade - set in S925 sterling silver with gold or white gold plating.
- Moissanite Tennis Bracelet - 3mm D-VVS1 stones in a classic prong setting
- Moissanite Tennis Necklace - Available in 2mm through 6mm stone sizes
- Moissanite Engagement Ring - 0.5ct D color in a classic solitaire setting
Explore our S925 sterling silver moissanite collection and see for yourself.