Moissanite vs Diamond: Everything You Need to Know

There is a lot of traction for moissanite as jewellery in the UK, with many proclaiming it as the new sustainable alternative to our traditional natural diamonds. Indeed, the moissanite vs diamond debate has been prevalent since the discovery of this unique gemstone, and thanks to the gemstone’s brilliance, affordability and environmental sustainability, moissanite slowly became a notable alternative to diamonds, even giving their lab-grown counterparts a run for their money.  

In this article, we will explore what moissanite is, how it differs from our regular diamonds, and the myriad advantages and disadvantages that these gemstones possess so that you can make the right decision when it comes to choosing the stone for your engagement and wedding rings.

What Is Moissanite? 

To comprehend the ongoing debate between moissanite and diamonds in the UK's jewellery industry, it's crucial to first understand the nature of moissanite. To put it in technical terms, moissanite is a diamond simulant, a silicon-carbide material in its purest form when compared to our carbon-based diamonds. Visually, it looks similar to diamonds at first glance and was first discovered in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan. It is worth mentioning that the world's first moissanite came from a meteor crater in Arizona, and as a result of its rarity, the moissanite used today in jewellery comes exclusively from the laboratories.  

Yes, moissanite is a lab-grown product much like the lab-grown diamonds we have. However, both of them are made from entirely different raw materials. Moissanite is very popular among jewellery enthusiasts because of its sustainability and the ethical sourcing standards that many people appreciate. It is a remarkable option for a truly gorgeous ring, and the price factor itself makes it a better deal for wedding bands and engagement rings.

You may understand that moissanite itself is not a diamond but an alternative only, an entirely different entity that shares no elements with our naturally occurring diamonds. As a result of this, despite being visually similar, there are many differing characteristics that moissanite has which set it apart. The notable ones are listed below:  

• Colour: Moissanite itself cannot be graded on the basis of colour, like diamonds. However, it can be graded based on its proximity to being colourless. An internationally recognised standard has three grades for moissanites: grade 1, which is colourless; grade 2, which is near colourless; and grade 3, which has a faint colour. 

• Sparkle: Diamonds have a tremendous degree of refraction, and this attribute is strongly evident in diamonds that are perfectly cut. However, moissanite has an even stronger sparkle compared to the diamonds and shines more. To an expert's eye, the degree of sparkle is noticeable, but to an untrained eye, there won't be much difference between the two. 

• Hardness: Diamond ranks number one when it comes to hardness, but moissanite is close, making it the second-hardest gemstone on the market.  

It's hard to tell the difference between a moissanite piece and a diamond ring, and only a trained jeweller can notice the subtle differences between the two.

Distinct Advantages of Moissanite Over Regular Diamonds 

Moissanite offers a plethora of advantages over regular naturally occurring diamonds, and it is because of these key benefits that they are a popular alternative in the UK’s diamond market.  

1. Affordable: The moissanite’s affordability is probably one of its biggest benefits when compared to diamonds, with natural diamonds of the same weight as a moissanite having an exorbitant price tag. Customers can get a high-quality moissanite piece without burning a hole in their wallet. The ideal moissanite gemstone can be grown in the lab, ensuring a high standard in colour, cut, and quality. The same cannot be said for diamonds, unfortunately, unless they are of the lab-grown variety.

2. Ethically Sourced: There’s no mining activity involved in the procurement of moissanite, as every single one is grown in the lab. So customers do not have to worry about buying conflict products or materials sourced unethically, as moissanite gemstones are as ethical as they come. When it comes to being environmentally and ethically responsible, moissanite stones are indeed a step ahead of natural diamonds.
    

3. Durable: Moissanite stones are highly durable, being only a few points below diamonds, and they are perfect for everyday wear. This means that you are getting a highly durable gemstone at a fraction of the cost that has roughly the same brilliance and sparkle as that of diamonds. And because they are lab-grown, they can even be made free of impurities as well.  

But what are the disadvantages of moissanites that have impeded their popularity in the UK? To start with, moissanite stones offer very little when it comes to colour variations, and the lack of diversity in colour means a lack of variety in products. This limits their market demand.

Another huge impediment that moissanite faces is its resale value, with moissanite stones not being as investment-worthy as their naturally occurring counterparts. Furthermore, people love the prestige and uniqueness of a diamond that has taken millions of years to shape itself into the perfect piece that it is now. A moissanite stone grown in a lab does not offer the same level of cultural impact and symbolism.

What Should You Go For?   

A moissanite stone would be a great choice if you're new to the market and want a more affordable option for a wedding band or an engagement ring for your fiancée. At a low price, you can enjoy a stone that is durable and brilliant while still offering a unique touch of elegance without being drab. You get to bask in the fact that the stone you possess is completely conflict-free, and you will be one step ahead in being sustainable and proactive when it comes to protecting the environment. 

However, the cultural juggernaut that the naturally occurring diamonds are a part of cannot be ignored, and despite being a lot more expensive, gemstones still reign supreme in the jewellery industry for a reason. So, if you don't have an issue with spending a lot of money on something that will surely be a beneficial investment in the future, then diamonds will be an excellent choice for you.

If you are still having a hard time in the moissanite vs diamond debate and cannot find the right stone that suits your price and preference, then give us a call at Eternity Jewels, and our expert advisors can help you pick the best choice depending on your budget and personal goals!