Today we are diving into the sparkling world of moissanite pendants and diamond pendants. Pendants are these little ornaments that give your everyday outfit an oomph! 

While there are many gemstones to choose from for your pendant, the front runners stay the same—At one corner we have our old reigning champion Diamond, and on the other, we have the underdog Moissanite. But let's not forget this is not a battle of which one is the best; it’s about which one is best for YOU & YOUR style!

In this article, we will explore the sparkling details of moissanite pendants and diamond pendants, comparing their brilliance, durability, price, and even their ethical sourcing.

Reigning Champion: Diamond

When you think of diamonds, you think of the timeless sparkle. Have you ever wondered, though, what precisely makes this gem so unique?

Let's get into it:

• Hardness: Diamonds are known for their hardness, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. This means they're incredibly resistant to scratching, making them ideal for everyday wear.

• Brilliance: Diamonds have a unique ability to reflect light, creating that signature sparkle we all know and love. The brilliance of a diamond is greatly influenced by its cutting.

• Colour: While colourless diamonds are the most prized, they can also be found in a rainbow of hues, from blue and pink to yellow and green. These coloured diamonds, known as fancy diamonds, are incredibly rare and valuable.

• Clarity: Most diamonds have some degree of inclusions. Clarity means that these flaws are not present.

• Sourcing: Diamonds are sourced from mines. There may be major social and environmental effects from diamond mining. Lab-grown diamonds are an alternative.

The Underdog: Moissanite

Now let’s talk about Moissanite, the sparking underdog that has been gaining popularity for a few years. They are on the path to become the future to the jewellery industry, to gain a deeper insight Read our blog, Why Moissanite Pendants Are the Future of Hip-Hop Jewelry? But first you must be wondering: What exactly is this gem, and why does everyone seem to be obsessed with it? Here is why–

• Composition: Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide. However, natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so almost all moissanite used in jewellery is lab-created.

• Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, often exceeding that of diamonds. Its higher refractive index (2.65 compared to a diamond's 2.42) means it bends light way more, resulting in a dazzling display of sparkle.

• Durability: Moissanite is a durable gemstone, scoring a 9.25 on the Mohs scale. While not as hard as a diamond, it's still highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear.

• Colour: Moissanite can be created to be colourless or near-colourless. It can also be made into different shades.

• Clarity: Because moissanite is lab-created, it can be made free of impurities.

• Sourcing: Moissanite is sustainably grown in controlled laboratories by skilled professionals.

Pendant Design: Choose the ideal style

Now that we know our basics on both the diamond and moissanite as a gem, let's talk about style. After all, the setting is as important as the stone.

• Solitaire Pendants: A single, stunning stone takes centre stage in this classic design. Solitaire moissanite pendants are timeless and elegant, perfect for showcasing the brilliance of a moissanite pendants or diamond.

• Halo Pendants: A halo of smaller stones surrounds the centre stone, creating a beautiful effect and making the centre stone appear larger. Halo pendants add extra glamour to any outfit.

• Bail Styles: The bail is the part of the pendant that connects it to the moissanite pendants necklace chain. There are many different bail styles to choose from, including simple bails, decorative bails, and hidden bails. The bail style can significantly impact the overall look of the pendant.

• Cross Pendants: Adorned with moissanite or diamond, these designs feature the shape of a cross to symbolise faith.

You can take inspiration from your favourite celebrities while choosing the perfect pendant style for yourself. Check out our article, Top 10 Best Moissanite Pendants for Rappers & Hip Hop Lovers, and get inspiration for your next purchase.

Custom Moissanite Pendants

Customised pendants are all the rage! Here are a few popular designs for you to choose from:

• Moissanite Custom Name Pendants: Name pendants appeal to various preferences and styles. From getting your name pendant to your significant other, the choice is yours.

• Moissanite Initial Pendants: These pendants feature a single letter, giving them a personalised touch. This design is commonly worn alone or layered with other necklaces for a stylish look.

• Moissanite Number Pendants: Shaped like numbers, these moissanite  pendants are popular jewellery. This design often features a birthdate or a lucky number, making them meaningful.

• Pendants with Unique Shapes: These moissanite pendants are often crafted in various shapes, such as animals, chess pieces, or a more intricate design. People who prefer a more distinct and unique look often go with this style.

• Moissanite Logo Pendants: Logo pendants often feature a brand name or any meaningful symbol.

• Moissanite Hip Hop Pendants: With their luxurious appeal, hip-hop pendants help you stand out. For a more affordable option, a lot of people go for moissanite hip hop pendants. For more information, check out our article, ‘The Ultimate Guide to Custom Moissanite Pendants for Hip-Hop Jewelry Lovers.’

• Moissanite Iced Out Pendants: Iced-out pendants are perfect for those who love a bold and flashy look. These moissanite pendants are usually encrusted with small stones entirely for maximum shine and luxury.

Getting a custom pendant has become easier as now many brands offer custom moissanite pendant options to their customers at a reasonable price.

Making the Choice: Which Pendant is Right for You?

So, now we have weighed the pros and cons and talked about the qualities of the stone and the style. Now comes the moment of truth: which pendant is right for you?

• Budget: This is often the deciding factor for many customers. Moissanite pendants offer a similar look to diamond pendants at a fraction of the cost. If you're on a tight budget, moissanite is an excellent choice. Cheap moissanite pendants are available in a variety of styles.

• Ethical Concerns: If you're concerned about the environmental and social impact of diamond mining, moissanite is a great alternative. Lab-created moissanite is sustainably grown and conflict-free.

• Personal Style: Ultimately, the best pendant is the one that you love the most. Consider your personal style and choose a pendant that reflects your personality. You can even design a custom moissanite pendant.

This is just the comparison between diamonds and moissanite, but there are many gemstones out there; moissanite, the underdog, seems to be the next big player, but if you want to know more on its comparison with other gemstones, give a visit to our blog Moissanite vs. Other Gemstones: Why It's Perfect for Hip Hop Chains & Pendants?

Conclusion

Here is it, your ultimate guide to moissanite vs. diamond pendants. Whether you choose a dazzling diamond or a sparkling moissanite, remember that the most important thing is to choose a pendant that you love and that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

So go ahead, embrace your inner sparkle, and let your pendant shine! 

FAQ's

1. What exactly is moissanite, and is it just a "fake diamond?"

Ans: Let us clear up this misconception right away! Moissanite is not an imitation of a diamond or a "fake diamond." It's a unique gemstone, with its own distinct properties. While it may resemble a diamond, especially to the untrained eye, it's made of silicon carbide, while diamonds are pure carbon. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, originally discovered in meteorites, which is why the moissanite used in jewellery today is lab-created. This lab creation not only makes it accessible but also ensures ethical sourcing, a big plus for many shoppers.

2. What is “brilliance" and "fire?" What do these terms mean, and how do moissanite and diamonds compare?

Ans: These terms refer to how gemstones interact with light, creating that dazzling sparkle we all love.

• Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from the stone.

• Fire refers to the colourful flashes of light—those rainbow sparkles you see.

Moissanite generally exhibits more fire than diamonds. This means you'll see more of those colourful flashes in a moissanite pendant. Moissanite also tends to be slightly more brilliant than diamonds because moissanite has a higher refractive index. However, the cut of the diamond also affects the light, as diamonds with certain angles will show more fire than most modern diamonds.

3. How durable is moissanite? Can you wear it every day?

Ans: Durability is key, especially for a piece you intend to wear daily. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Moissanite isn't quite as hard, but it still scores a very respectable 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This means it's highly resistant to scratching, making it perfectly suitable for everyday wear.

4. Can people be able to tell that my pendant is not a diamond?

Ans: This is a common concern! To the average person, it's unlikely they'll be able to tell the difference between a high-quality moissanite and a diamond without specialized equipment. Jewellery experts typically need a moissanite tester and a jeweller's loupe to tell the difference. Moissanite tends to have more fire, but most people won't notice this unless they're specifically looking for it. If you love your pendant, that's all that matters.

5. Is moissanite a good option?

Ans: Absolutely! Moissanite is significantly more affordable than diamonds. You can get a much larger, higher-quality moissanite stone for the same price as a smaller diamond. This makes moissanite an excellent choice if you're looking to maximise sparkle without breaking the bank. Plus, with the money you save, you can invest in a beautiful setting or even purchase multiple pendants!

6. Is moissanite a more ethical choice than diamonds?

Ans: Yes, generally speaking, moissanite is considered a more ethical choice. Because almost all moissanite is lab-created, there are no concerns about conflict mining or unethical labour practices. You can be confident that your moissanite pendant is conflict-free and environmentally responsible. While lab-grown diamonds are also an ethical alternative, moissanite offers an additional layer of assurance due to its exclusively lab-created nature.