Difference Between Moissanite and Diamond A Quick Guide You’ve likely noticed rings that shine with brilliance and thought they were diamonds. But that’s not always the case. Moissanite has appeared at many jewelry counters—and for good reason. It’s bright, clear, and far more affordable. Not possible to remove the adverb.
That’s what I’ll walk you through today. We’ll look at how each one performs under the spotlight, in everyday wear, and when it comes to your budget. I’m not here to pick a winner; I’m here to present the facts in a clear manner so you can decide what feels right for you.
Price isn’t the only difference.
Cost is usually the first thing that grabs attention, and it’s easy to see why. A Moissanite ring can cost up to 90% less than a diamond of similar size and shape. That’s not a small gap—it’s significant. One reason Moissanite is popular now is that people can wear bold pieces without spending a lot.
That said, a lower price doesn’t always mean lower quality. Moissanite isn’t a cheap imitation. It’s a strong gemstone with its own qualities. It reflects light uniquely. It looks warmer in some lights and raises fewer ethical issues. So, you’re not saving money—you’re choosing a different kind of sparkle.
Brilliance: One Shines, the Other Dances
Moissanite produces a fiery effect when viewed in sunlight. This is due to its high “fire”—or dispersion—which causes light to split and refract into a rainbow of colours. The result is a bright, multi-colored sparkle. You can see it best in sunlight or LED light.
If you love studying gemstones or materials, the right tools matter. A good stereo microscope helps you see Moissanite’s brilliance and fire clearly.
Diamonds reflect white light with greater clarity. Their brilliance is more classic and restrained. Some people prefer Moissanite’s colourful flashes, while others favour the more traditional, icy sparkle of a diamond. Neither is better—just different.
Hardness and Everyday Durability
Let’s talk about wear and tear. Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest known natural substance. They don’t scratch easily and can last for generations if properly cared for.
Moissanite, while not quite as hard, ranks at 9.25—still harder than sapphires and rubies. It can handle daily wear without issue. It’s not fragile, and you don’t need to be overly cautious. However, if you’re rough with your jewellery, you might notice minor scratches or some cloudiness over time.
Weight and Feel on the Hand
Weight is a key factor often overlooked, but it’s important. Moissanite is lighter than diamond. You can feel the difference if you compare rings of the same design side by side.
Some people prefer this lighter feel—it makes the ring more comfortable for everyday wear. Diamond lovers often appreciate the extra weight. It adds to the luxurious feel of the piece. The choice depends on your personal habits and style preferences.
Clarity and Natural Flaws
Every natural diamond forms deep inside the Earth. They usually have inclusions, which are tiny flaws. Most high-quality diamonds have few inclusions, but nearly all have some. Lab-grown diamonds and extremely rare ones are exceptions.
Moissanite, especially the lab-created kind commonly found in shops, usually has fewer visible inclusions. That doesn’t mean it’s flawless, but it often appears cleaner to the naked eye, enhancing its sparkle under certain lighting.
Colour Differences You Might Notice
Colour grading plays a bigger role than many realise. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tones). A D-grade diamond looks icy and pure. The further down the scale you go, the warmer the stone appears.
Moissanite doesn’t use the same grading system. Most have a slight yellow, grey, or green tint in bright light. You might not notice it at first glance, but under direct sunlight or a jeweller’s loupe, the hue can become visible. Some love that added warmth, others prefer the crispness of a diamond—it all comes down to personal preference.
Ethical Sourcing and Environmental Concerns
Here’s where things get more serious. Diamonds have a complex history. Conflict diamonds—or “blood diamonds”—have funded violence in certain parts of Africa. While many jewellers now follow strict sourcing practices, some buyers still feel uneasy about purchasing natural diamonds.
Moissanite doesn’t carry that history. It’s almost always lab-grown, meaning minimal environmental damage and fewer human rights concerns. If ethical sourcing matters to you, Moissanite offers peace of mind without requiring deep research into every supplier.
Long-Term Value and Resale Potential
This is where diamonds take the lead. They tend to retain value better over time. While you likely won’t recover the full purchase price, diamonds are still considered valuable and desirable on the resale market.
Moissanite, by contrast, has limited resale value. That doesn’t make it a poor purchase—it just means it’s best viewed as a personal item rather than an investment. If you plan to wear it long-term, the cost savings may outweigh the lack of resale potential.
Customisation and Buying Experience
If you’re designing your own ring or choosing a setting, both stones offer flexibility. Moissanite is available in all the standard cuts—round, oval, princess, cushion, and more—and works well with yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or silver.
The main difference is in the shopping experience. High-end jewellers tend to focus on diamonds, offering a more traditional buying process. Moissanite is often sold online or in independent shops, where the experience might be more modern or informal—but the end result can be just as beautiful.
What Reddit Users Say That Jewellers Don’t
You’ll often find more candid opinions in Reddit threads than in marketing brochures. Many users say Moissanite gives them peace of mind—it’s affordable, so losing or damaging it isn’t a major financial blow.
Others mention how hard it is to tell Moissanite apart from a diamond unless you’re a trained gemologist. Even wedding guests can’t usually tell. Some users do note that Moissanite’s sparkle can be “too much” in bright lighting, but many absolutely love the effect.
A few people still feel diamonds carry more emotional value—symbolic, nostalgic, or traditional. And that’s a valid reason to choose one. But for those who prioritise value and appearance over tradition, Moissanite is an increasingly popular choice—and Reddit shows that more and more buyers are seeing it that way.
Styles and Settings That Work Best
Moissanite tends to look best in round cuts, which enhance its fiery sparkle. This shape maximizes its colorful light dispersion. Diamonds shine in emerald and Asscher cuts. These styles highlight clarity over color.
For a vintage or romantic style, the combination of Moissanite and rose gold creates a beautiful effect. The warmth of the metal softens the gemstone’s vivid sparkle. Diamonds shine with a captivating brilliance in white gold or platinum. Their cool tone adds a crisp, classic touch.
FAQs
Can you tell Moissanite from a diamond with the naked eye?
It’s not possible to remove the adverb. Most people can’t distinguish them without magnification or training.
Does Moissanite lose its shine over time?
No. It maintains its sparkle, but like any gemstone, dirt can collect on it, so you should clean it on a regular basis.
Is Moissanite a fake diamond?
Not at all. It’s a genuine gemstone in its own right—not a diamond.
Which is more ethical to buy—Moissanite or a diamond?
People see moissanite as more ethical. It is lab-grown and free from conflict sourcing.
Can people use Moissanite in engagement rings? Not possible to remove the adverb. It’s durable, attractive, and well-suited to everyday wear.
Final Thoughts
Choosing Moissanite or diamond isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about what matches your values. If you’re drawn to sparkle, savings, and ethics, Moissanite could be perfect. If tradition and long-term value matter more to you, a diamond still holds a special place.
Both are beautiful in their own way. One brings fire, the other brings ice. The key is how it makes you feel each time you wear it. No certificate or grading scale can measure that.