Moissanite vs. Diamonds: A Sparkling Showdown

Imagine that: you have met your soulmate but now comes the biggest problem which is choosing just the right ring to propose to your fiancée with. Diamonds and moissanite are usually two contenders that usually end up battling for this position.  Should you go with the classic diamond or go for the modern marvel that is moissanite? Their features differ, therefore catering to differing tastes, different budgets, and ethical considerations.

Diamonds have always been a luxury and timeless symbol, but now, along comes moissanite, a gemstone so brilliant and affordable that the position of diamonds is being challenged.

But what truly distinguishes the two? Are they just two different price categories, or are there deeper moral issues? How do they differ in terms of sparkle and hardness?

Through this article, we're going on an adventure today: a fun, informative ride through the world of gemstones. We will analyze the brilliance of each stone, weigh costs, explore any ethical implications, and ultimately guide you in determining which gem might be the perfect fit for you.

Cost: The Price of Love

When it comes to buying jewelry, the price matters. Here’s how diamonds and moissanite are compared to each other:

• Diamonds: The price tags on diamonds can be jaw-dropping. Natural diamonds usually cost between 20% to 50% more as compared to moissanite stones. The cost of a diamond depends on several factors: carat weight, cut, color grade, and clarity.

• Moissanite: Moissanite, on the other hand, is not expensive at all. It is affordable. You can get a larger stone at a much lower price compared to a diamond, and yet it is similar in terms of visual appeal. That is why most couples can afford bigger or higher-quality stones within budget.

So if you’re on a budget but still want that eye-catching sparkle, moissanite is like finding a hidden treasure in a sea of overpriced gems.

Ethical Considerations: A Gemstone With A Conscience

In today’s world, buyers want to be sustainable in their choices and are concerned about the ethical implications of their purchases. Here is a comparison between diamonds and moissanite:

• Diamonds: The diamond industry has been criticized over issues related to mining diamonds. Concerns like human rights violations and environmental impacts are associated with the mining of diamonds.

• Moissanite: Moissanite, on the other hand, is made in a lab. There is no association with ethical concerns due to mining. In fact, it's environmentally friendly. For those who desire the sparkle but without causing harm, moissanite is great as an ethical choice.

Durability: 

When choosing a gemstone for everyday wear, like an engagement ring, you want something durable.

• Diamonds: Scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale (the measure of mineral hardness), diamonds are incredibly tough. They resist scratches and are ideal for daily wear.

• Moissanite: While slightly softer at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is still one of the hardest gemstones available. It can withstand daily wear without easily scratching or chipping.

Both stones are durable enough for everyday use.

Color and Clarity: The Beauty Spectrum

Color and clarity are the factors that determine the beauty of a gemstone.

Diamonds: Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The clearer and more colorless the diamond is, the greater its value. There are, however, naturally occurring diamonds that have inclusions or blemishes; this affects their clarity.

Moissanite: Moissanites come usually in near-colorless variants, similar to excellent-quality diamonds. Being created in a lab, they can also often have higher clarity levels than a natural diamond, that is, fewer imperfections can be seen.

If you are one of those who prefer clarity above all else, then moissanite may win this round!

Brilliance: The Sparkle Factor

Brilliance is the ability of a gemstone to reflect light. Diamonds and moissanite hold different properties in this category.

• Diamonds: Diamonds are known for their classic sparkle, with a refractive index of about 2.42, which means that they reflect white light very well but can sometimes lack in the colorful flashes known as "fire."

• Moissanite: Moissanite takes brilliance to another level with a refractive index of 2.65. This higher number allows moissanite to reflect more light and produce vibrant colored flashes that can make it appear more dazzling than diamonds.

In fact, moissanite has been described as having "twice the fire" of diamonds. So if you're looking for something like that, moissanite might just be your best bet.

How to Tell Them Apart: The Sneaky Differences

At first glance, it is not easy to differentiate between diamonds and moissanites.

• Visual Inspection: Though both stones shine beautifully under light, moissanites tend to show more colorful flashes compared to diamonds' white light reflections.

• Double Refraction: Moissanites show double refraction—meaning they can appear slightly doubled when viewed through certain angles—something diamonds do not do.

• Professional Testing: For those serious about distinguishing between these gems, professionals use tools like thermal conductivity testers or specialized gemological equipment.

However, if you do not have a plan to become a gemologist, it would be best to follow the advice of experts regarding your decision.

As the moissanite’s popularity increases, we can see many celebrities wearing them. To find out who these celebrities are that follow the moissanite trend, read our article, 'Celebrities and Moissanite Watches: A Rising Trend.

Conclusion

In this showdown between moissanite and diamonds, both gemstones offer separate benefits depending on what you look for in your perfect piece of jewelry. If you want to have the classic look, with a high resale value, and don't mind spending a little more money for that classic diamond look, then you should go ahead and go for the traditional diamond.

However, if you want breathtaking brilliance at a reasonable price while also considering the ethical implications, moissanite might just be your shining star!

At the end of it all, it all comes down to your preference: diamond or moissanite—both are great gemstones.

Whether it's the classic choice of diamond or the modern flair of moissanite, really there is no wrong choice.

FAQ's

1. What is the difference between diamonds and moissanite? 

Ans: The main difference is in their composition and brilliance. Diamonds are natural gemstones, while moissanites are now mostly created in a lab and are known for their higher refractive index, giving them more sparkle and colorful flashes.

2. Are moissanites as durable as diamonds?

Ans: Yes! Moissanites score a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which makes them very hard and thus safe for daily use, although diamonds are slightly more superior at a perfect score of 10.

3. How much do diamonds and moissanite cost?

Ans: Diamonds are usually 20-50% more expensive than the moissanite stones. Moissanite offers a stunning substitute at a much lower price, so larger or finer stones can be bought within a budget.

4. Are diamonds ethically sourced?

Ans: Many diamonds are not ethically sourced, as concerns about unethical mining practices persist. Moissanites are lab-created, so they're generally considered to be a more ethical choice.

5. Can you tell the difference between diamonds and moissanites?

Ans: At first glance, it might be hard to differentiate between the two. Moissanites show double refraction and are said to have a more colorful flash under light than diamonds. Professional testing can provide a solid answer.

6. Do celebrities wear moissanite jewelry?

Ans: Yes! Celebrities now wear moissanite in stylish ways, in many forms of jewelry pieces, such as watch accessories, pendants, and rings, among other products, rather than using conventional diamond jewelry.