Similarities & Differences: Moissanite vs Diamonds

The Similarities

COLOR:

Moissanites come in the same color categories of diamonds. D-E-F colorless moissanites are the top grade and easily the most popular. If you want something with more warmth and color you can select a near colorless G-H-I color range moissanite.

HARDNESS:

Moissanite is a perfectly suitable center stone for everyday wear. The Mohs Scale of hardness measures the hardness or softness of different minerals on a scale of 1 through 10. Diamonds are the "hardest" of center stone options, topping out at 10 on the Mohs Scale. Moissanite come in right around 9.5 which still makes it a very hard material.

SHAPE:

For standardized shapes like round, square cushion, elongated radiant, emerald cut, asscher and princess, a moissanite and diamond will look quite similar in overall appearance.

RING DESIGN:

Both moissanite and diamond look equally as beautiful in our custom ring designs. As you will notice from our large collection, both center-stones are used frequently in similar ring designs and the outcome is always stunning.

The Differences:

COST:

Moissanite will cost you a fraction of the price of a diamond. A simple moissanite ring can be under $1000 whereas a comparable diamond ring for the same size can be around $6000. Even if you get an intricate ring design with a 3 carat moissanite center, it may cost you $1500, while a comparable diamond ring can easily cost you $30,000 or more!

FIRE & SPARKLE:

The main difference visually between a diamond and a moissanite is that moissanites are about 30% more refractive than a diamond. In simple terms this means that they have more sparkle and the biggest giveaway is that a moissanite will emit more spectral colors (fire). Watch this video comparing diamond to moissanite in various shapes.

CUTTING STYLE:

The inner faceting of the moissanite will appear different than the diamond when viewed up close under magnification. In addition, moissanites are cut deeper than diamonds.