Moissanite or Diamond?
Moissanite is often referred to as the best diamond alternative, because of its uncanny similarities to a diamond. If you were to ask the average person to differentiate between a moissanite and a diamond, they might not be able to. However, you should know the distinct differences between a moissanite versus a diamond, especially in regards to the visual and compositional properties of these two stones. Below we discuss everything you need to know to compare a diamond versus a moissanite, and decide what the right option is for you.
Stone Origins
Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by scientist, Dr Henri Moissan Dr Moissan. He was examining rock samples from a meteor crater. At first, he mistakenly identified the gemstones as diamonds. It wasn’t until 1904 that Dr Moissan realised the rock samples were not diamonds, they were in fact silicon carbide which we now know as moissanite.
Today, naturally occurring moissanite is exceptionally rare, and therefore all moissanite on the market is lab created in controlled conditions.
At The Moissanite Company, we are committed to an ethical now and future - meaning we don’t support the use of mined diamonds. Full stop. Instead, upon request, we are able to create your beautiful dream ring with a laboratory diamond.
Chemical Makeup
A moissanite stone is silicon carbide - SiC and a diamond is carbon - C.
Top Cultured Diamond - Bottom Moissanite
Refractive Index (Brilliance)
Brilliance is the term generally used to describe the white light return, which is the foundation of a stone’s brightness and sparkle. A moissanites brilliance is classified as 2.65-2.69. A diamond's brilliance is classified at 2.42. Our skilled jewellers also manipulate the precise cutting of the stone, ensuring the faceting of the stone optimises the white light return of your moissanite stone.
Fire
Fire is simply the coloured or rainbow sparkle that you can see when the stone is exposed to light. The higher fire dispersion of a moissanite is one of the ways it can be distinguished between a diamond. Fire dispersion of a moissanite stone is 0.104. The fire dispersion of a diamond is 0.044.
Durability (Mohs Scale)
On the Mohs Scale, a moissanite is a 9.25. This means it is an extremely durable stone, one of the hardest materials on earth and this makes moissanite engagement rings 100% suitable for everyday wear. A diamond is classified as a 10 on the mohs scale.
Colour
Our moissanite is in the DEF colour range. Being a bespoke jeweller, we can custom order champagne coloured moissanite to emulate the look of champagne diamonds, as well as grey and black moissanite upon request.
Diamonds come in various colour ranges however, the most ideal is colourless, within the ‘DEF’ range. Diamonds in this colour range have a bright white appearance. It is worth noting that the more colourless a diamond is, the more expensive it will be. Scroll further below for a price comparison between a moissanite and diamond.
Clarity
Clarity grade refers to the number of imperfections that a stone has. These are referred to as inclusions. Our moissanite has a clarity grading of VVS1 - which is ‘very slightly’ included. These inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
The ideal clarity for diamonds is within the same range of VVS1-VVS2. However, due to the way diamonds are naturally formed and mined, having few to no inclusions in the diamond means the price of the diamond is significantly higher.
Pricing
There is no doubt that moissanite is a more affordable option in comparison to diamonds. Below is a pricing comparison guide of what you can expect to pay for a moissanite versus diamond.
|
Carat Weight |
0.5 |
0.75 |
1 |
1.5 |
2 |
2.5 |
3 |
|
Moissanite Average Cost |
$1,560.00 |
$1,899.00 |
$2,170.00 |
$2,470.00 |
$2,810.00 |
$2,980.00 |
$3,140.00 |
|
Diamond Average Cost |
$2,515.00 |
$4,250.00 |
$13,025.00 |
$26,270.00 |
$57,845.00 |
$90,350.00 |
$122,8500.00 |
Sourcing
Moissanite stones are lab created in a sustainable, controlled environment where we can manage best practices and ensure we are leaving as little carbon footprint as possible. Unfortunately, natural diamonds are often mined in unethical ways. Not only does this significantly impact our diminishing environment, but it places millions of innocent people in harm’s way. The industry is known for its unspeakable tragedies associated with ‘blood’ or ‘conflict’ diamonds. The use of diamonds ends in the tragic result of bloodshed, loss of life, and shocking human rights abuses – from sexual abuse to the use of child soldiers.
Is Moissanite Real?
As we have discussed, Moissanite is its very own unique gemstone and should never be considered a 'fake diamond', or a Moissanite diamond. Consider it to be in a class of its own as an affordable, durable, sparkly and most importantly beautiful gemstone.
Our Promise
Here at The Moissanite Company, we value your love story. Based in Brisbane, Australia, we utilise the highest quality Moissanite and pair this with impeccable craftsmanship to bring your forever ring to life. We pride ourselves on being Bespoke, Ethical and Affordable. We also commit to a sustainable ‘now’ and ‘future’. We are on a mission to positively influence the jewellery industry, and provide customers with the sparkle they desire, at a price they can afford, with the environment front of mind, always! Here at the Moissanite Company, we plant a tree for every ring sold, by donating to Trillion Trees - an Australian organisation that is dedicated to improving our mother earth. Get in touch today to receive a no-obligation quote from one of our jewellery experts.
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