Diamond vs moissanite engagement rings is one of the most common choices people compare, and the short answer is that diamonds give a brilliant white sparkle, while moissanite gives more colourful sparkle at a lower price.
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant decisions that a person can make in their lifetime. It's a symbol of love and commitment that will be cherished for many years to come. In this article, we will compare diamonds and moissanite and determine which one shines brighter in terms of brilliance, fire, and overall sparkle.
Key Takeaways
- Fire: moissanite offers colourful sparkle, known as "fire", that diamonds do not match.
- Brilliance: diamonds provide a fiery white light with intense brilliance.
- Hardness: diamond scores 10 on the Mohs scale and moissanite scores 9.25.
- Price: moissanite is the clear winner on price.
- Our range: we use Charles & Colvard® Moissanite, and we also offer lab grown diamonds.
Diamond vs Moissanite Engagement Rings at a Glance
This table puts the two stones side by side on the points covered in this article.
| Point | Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle | Classic, brilliant white light | Colourful flashes of rainbow colours |
| Fire | Less colourful sparkle | Unique "fire" from its dispersion properties |
| Mohs hardness | 10 out of 10 | 9.25, a close second |
| Price | Higher | The clear winner on price |
| Where it comes from | Natural, or lab grown | Created in a lab |
| Tradition | Long associated with engagement rings | A modern alternative |
Fire: Which Stone Offers More Colorful Sparkle?
Moissanite offers a unique sparkle that is not present in diamonds. This unique sparkle is known as "fire." Moissanite's dispersion properties allow it to disperse light in such a way that creates colourful sparkles that diamonds do not match.
Ultimately, when choosing between diamonds and Moissanite, it comes down to personal preference. Do you prioritise the intense sparkle that diamonds offer, or do you prefer the colourful sparkles that Moissanite produces?
Overall Sparkle: Which Stone Looks More Dazzling?
Both diamonds and Moissanite catch the light in unique ways, with diamonds providing a fiery white light, and Moissanite displaying more colourful sparkles. Which stone is more dazzling depends on what you're looking for in a gemstone.
- Choose a diamond if: you're after the classic, brilliant white sparkle. With its high refractive index, diamonds are known for their intense brilliance, making them ideal for special occasions.
- Choose moissanite if: you appreciate more colourful and playful sparkle. Moissanite's unique properties allow it to display flashes of rainbow colours, giving it a unique and vibrant look.
Durability: How Do Diamonds and Moissanite Hold Up Over Time?
It's common knowledge that diamonds are among the hardest gemstones, but how does Moissanite measure up in terms of durability? For daily wear and tear, both diamonds and Moissanite are tough enough to withstand daily wear.
On moissanite hardness vs diamond, it's true that diamonds are the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale with a score of 10, while Moissanite comes in at a close second with a score of 9.25. This means that Moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond and can withstand day-to-day wear without showing signs of wear and tear.
| Stone | Mohs score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | The hardest mineral on the Mohs scale |
| Moissanite | 9.25 | A close second, and almost as hard as a diamond |
While Moissanite is durable and resistant to scratches, it has a slightly lower hardness rating than a diamond. However, if you're looking for a stone that can withstand everyday use and still look great for years to come, Moissanite is a strong contender.
Price: Which Stone is More Affordable?
On price, Moissanite is the clear winner. Diamond prices can vary greatly based on factors such as cut, clarity, and carat weight, so it is worth asking for a quote on the exact ring you have in mind.
- Lower cost: moissanite is created in a lab, so the supply is more controlled and the stones are less rare than diamonds.
- Diamond prices vary: they depend on factors such as cut, clarity, and carat weight.
- Sentimental value: for some, the cultural significance of a diamond outweighs the saving.
This difference in price can make Moissanite an attractive option for those who want a beautiful and durable stone without breaking the bank. Additionally, because Moissanite is created in a lab, the supply is more controlled and the stones are less rare than diamonds, contributing to their lower cost.
However, the price difference between diamonds and Moissanite may not always be the deciding factor. For some, the sentimental value and cultural significance of a diamond may outweigh the cost savings of a moissanite stone.
Our Moissanite and Lab Grown Options
If you are weighing up diamond vs moissanite engagement rings, here is what we offer. Every ring is handcrafted by us in Perth, and we use recycled gold.
- Moissanite: we use Charles & Colvard® Moissanite. See our moissanite engagement rings.
- Certification: we provide certification for any stone over 0.50ct.
- Warranty: Charles & Colvard® also provide a limited lifetime warranty on their gemstones.
- Lab grown diamonds: see our lab diamond engagement rings for a diamond that is made in a lab.
Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between diamonds and Moissanite, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
- Choose moissanite if: you're looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing durability or brilliance. Its strong resistance to scratches makes it a lasting option for jewellery.
- Choose a diamond if: cultural significance and tradition are important factors to you. Diamonds have long been associated with engagement rings and symbolise love, commitment, and longevity.
- Consider the ethics: Moissanite is generally considered a more eco-friendly and conflict-free alternative to diamonds, and there are also ethical options such as lab grown diamond engagement rings.
The environmental impact and ethical implications of your choice also matter. Please do your own research and choose a reputable source for both options. You can read more about how we work in our guide to ethical engagement rings, or see how gemstones are graded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shines brighter, a diamond or moissanite?
Diamonds provide a fiery white light with intense brilliance, while moissanite displays more colourful sparkles. Moissanite's dispersion properties create a unique sparkle known as "fire". Which shines brighter depends on whether you prefer classic white sparkle or colourful, playful sparkle.
How hard is moissanite compared with a diamond?
Diamond is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale with a score of 10. Moissanite comes in at a close second with a score of 9.25, so it is almost as hard as a diamond and can withstand day-to-day wear without showing signs of wear and tear.
Is moissanite cheaper than a diamond?
Yes, moissanite is the clear winner on price. Because it is created in a lab, the supply is more controlled and the stones are less rare than diamonds, which contributes to the lower cost. Call or email us to talk through your budget.
Is moissanite a real stone?
Moissanite is made from silicon carbide crystals. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, but it can be successfully recreated in the lab. A lab grown moissanite may look like a diamond, but its composition, durability, brilliance and colour are distinctly different.
Which is more ethical, a diamond or moissanite?
Moissanite is generally considered a more eco-friendly and conflict-free alternative to diamonds. There are also ethical options such as lab grown diamonds. Whichever you choose, we suggest choosing a reputable source and asking where the stone comes from. We are happy to talk it through with you.
Find Your Ring
Whichever stone you choose, it will be a symbol of your love and commitment. So go forth and choose the stone that speaks to you, knowing that it will shine bright for years to come.
Browse our engagement rings or ask about a custom ring. Every order comes with free express shipping and a lifetime warranty. Call us on +61 8 6323 8494 or email info@vinnyandcharles.com.
