Things to consider in choosing the suitable stone for you.
Choosing a stone for your engagement or wedding ring may feel overwhelming, especially knowing there are so many options. This guide will talk you through the moissanite vs. diamond debate and help you consider important aspects like price, durability, and beauty.
What is Moissanite?
Most people know that moissanite is a gemstone, but beyond that, they’re generally unfamiliar with this material. As a result, it’s common to have questions when first encountering moissanite jewelry. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about moissanite, and their answers:
How is moissanite made?
Moissanite crystals occur in nature as scarce minerals, but scientists can create them in laboratories through chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This process grows the gem’s crystals molecule by molecule in an ultra-high temperature and low-pressure environment.
Is moissanite a diamond?
No, although synthetic moissanite looks very similar to diamonds. Both gems are made of crystalline carbon, and both exhibit the same crystal structure with a hardness of 9½ on the Mohs scale. However, they have different chemical formulas and different refractive indices. They also have slightly different densities and much lower specific gravities.
Can you tell the difference between diamonds and moissanite?
Both diamonds and synthetic moissanite look like clear stones without color to the naked eye. The only way to tell them apart without using special equipment is to look for signs of thermal conduct.
Which then is More Beautiful? Moissanite or Diamond?
When comparing moissanite vs. diamond, you’ll find that the debate often focuses on the beauty of each stone.
Moissanite is a convincing diamond simulant. It’s only distinguishable by industry experts who use specialized tools. However, there are some subtle differences in the beauty that consumers may notice, such as:
- Moissanite has more brilliance (light reflecting off the surface) than diamonds.
- Diamonds have more fire (rainbow-colored flashes of light) than moissanite.
- Moissanites have a slight greenish cast under fluorescent lighting.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Is one tougher than the other?
Diamond is the hardest material on the Mohs scale, a ten. Diamond can scratch any other gemstone, such as ruby or sapphire.
Moissanite is the second-hardest gem material, at a nine-and-a-quarter rating on the Mohs scale. Moissanite is made from silicon carbide, while diamond is made from carbon.
It’s nearly impossible to determine whether moissanite or diamond is more challenging because they are made of different materials with different crystal structures. However, it’s safe to say that moissanite doesn’t have a cleavage plane like diamond does, which means it will stand up against more wear and tear than diamond.
However, IGS gave some basis for comparison:
- Diamond: 14.6 PSI
- Moissanite: 7.6 PSI
- CZ: 2.4 PSI
Moissanite vs. Diamond: The Cost Comparison
If you’re on a budget and are looking for the best value possible, moissanite is the clear winner. For a fraction of the cost, moissanite can give you a larger stone with comparable color and clarity to a diamond.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamond because it’s not as rare. It also doesn’t have the same history of desirability for engagement rings as diamonds do, so it has a lower resale value even though it looks very similar.
That said, if you’re thinking about resale value when choosing an engagement or wedding ring, well… I don’t know what to tell you. I hope that day never comes!
And there you have it; we hope that this will help you make a sound decision in choosing the suitable stone for your wedding or engagement ring.
If you are looking for a legit online jewelry store where you can find both diamond and moissanite rings, check ACC Jewelers! They are offering 15% OFF until February 15.
But if you feel uncomfortable deciding on your own which jewelry to buy or if you still have questions about diamond and moissanite that you can’t shake off your head, you can always reach out to us, and we will provide you with the help you need, just click the button below.