{"id":266,"date":"2022-04-16T09:17:37","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T09:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allthingsjewelryy.com\/?p=266"},"modified":"2022-10-02T06:34:08","modified_gmt":"2022-10-02T06:34:08","slug":"moissanite-vs-diamond-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allthingsjewelryy.com\/moissanite-vs-diamond-which-is-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Moissanite vs Diamond: Which is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re shopping for an engagement ring, you\u2019re likely considering which gemstone is best for you. More than likely, it\u2019s come down to moissanite vs diamond! Which one is best for you? And how different from each other are they anyway? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both moissanite<\/a> and diamonds are beautiful, brilliant stones that make a great addition to any jewelry collection, but they each have unique features that set them apart. Some people may not see a visual difference, but trust us when we say there is a big difference! Luckily for you, we\u2019ve got everything you need to know right here. So, let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Moissanite vs Diamond: Side-by-Side<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the specifics of each gem\u2019s characteristics, let\u2019s look at a side-by-side to compare the two:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features<\/strong><\/td>Moissanite<\/strong><\/td>Diamond<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Composition<\/td>Silicon carbide<\/td>Carbon <\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/td>Lab-generated <\/td>Rare earth mineral<\/td><\/tr>
Durability<\/td>Scores a 9.25 on the Mohs Scale<\/td>Scores a 10 on the Mohs Scale<\/td><\/tr>
Color<\/td>Typically has a yellow or green hue<\/td>Color may vary<\/td><\/tr>
Brilliance<\/td>Higher light refraction<\/td>Lower light refraction<\/td><\/tr>
Weight <\/td>About 15% less than a diamond of the same size<\/td>200 mg per carat<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/td>Based on size and premium rating<\/td>Based on the 4C\u2019s (carat, cut, color, and clarity)<\/td><\/tr>
How to Clean<\/td>A solution of soap and water<\/td>A solution of soap and water<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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What is the Difference Between Moissanite vs. Diamond?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although moissanite and diamond may look similar at first glance, there are actually some significant differences between the two materials, and it’s important to understand these differences when comparing them. Now that we\u2019ve gone over the basic differences, we can get into more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The composition of both gems is actually very similar, but while diamond is pure carbon, moissanite is a crystal made from silicon carbide, which is a natural, but rare mineral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural diamonds are created by heating and pressurizing carbon particles deep within the Earth\u2019s crust. Carbon particles crystallize during this process over a period of many years to form the diamond gems that we know and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moissanite, on the other hand, is composed of silicon carbide, but the process in creating the gem is very similar to that of a diamond. Moissanite also goes through a process of heat and pressure. However, today this process is achieved over a period of hours in a lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diamonds are natural to Earth, meaning most diamonds on the market today were mined and then formed into their desired shape. Some can be lab-created, but the creation process will generally use a natural diamond base to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people love the diamond for its natural and unique properties, and as a finite material, it has the appeal of originality to add to its popularity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moissanite was originally discovered within a meteorite that landed on Earth in 1893, but any source of moissanite that was found was not nearly enough to use in pieces of jewelry. Because of this, today\u2019s moissanite is grown in labs and mass-produced to replicate the exact material delivered from space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mohs Scale of Hardness is rated out of 10, with the hardest mineral currently known \u2013 the diamond \u2013 being a 10 on the scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moissanite, while still relatively tough, rates slightly lower than a diamond at a 9.25. It should be said, however, that moissanite is one of the most durable materials known, rating higher than any other mineral other than diamond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Naturally-mined diamonds come in a range of colors such as white, yellow, and pink. However, the most common and most desirable diamond is the white, or clear, diamond, typically used in engagement rings for its beauty and prestige.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given that moissanite used in jewelry is lab-generated, the color stays pretty consistent. Moissanite are clear for the most part, however, due to their composition, they tend to give off a slight green or yellow hue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brilliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brilliance and radiance are factors that are very important when considering gemstones, especially for diamond and moissanite. Brilliance is a term used to describe how well a gem can reflect light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While both diamond and moissanite have high-refraction levels, moissanite actually reflects light better than a diamond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moissanite has twice the rate of refraction than diamonds do, and because of its structure it is less likely to attract grease and dirt. This means that moissanite appears brighter, giving off a sort of rainbow effect, where diamond reflects more white light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you might not feel the difference between each gem, moissanite is approximately 15% lighter than a diamond of the same size<\/a> \u2013 this means that a 1-carat moissanite would be larger than a 1-carat diamond, which may or may not affect how you decide on your next piece of jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although moissanite and diamonds seem very similar in a lot of aspects, the value of each gem is drastically different. As some of you probably know, the price of a diamond is based on the 4C\u2019s: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. Moissanite is based on size and premium rating, only. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moissanite gems are sold at a fraction of the price of diamonds, and there are a couple of reasons for this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Demand<\/strong>: The demand for diamonds is significantly higher than that of moissanite because people still prefer them for engagement rings and other similar pieces. This makes diamonds more expensive on the market<\/li>
  2. Status<\/strong>: Many people hold moissanite in lesser regard than diamond because it\u2019s lab-generated. The status of a finite item will always be higher than something that can be mass-produced, making moissanite less desirable and less expensive.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Cleaning Methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Both moissanite and diamond gems resist dirt and grease, but if you find them looking a little cloudy, you can clean them using the same soap and water method. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All you need is a bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap. Soak the gems and rub away any dirt using a soft cloth, rinse with clean water and dry. Behold your newly sparkling gem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \ud83d\udca1 Cleaning, Not Showering: Although they can be cleaned using soap and water, avoid showering with diamonds<\/a> or moissanite. They can become damaged over time by exposure to soaps, body oils, and grime from showering.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moissanite vs Lab Diamond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    For many people, moissanite and lab diamonds are indistinguishable. Both are excellent choices for engagement rings and other jewelry, and each has unique benefits. However, there are some key differences between these two stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moissanite is a type of silicon carbide that was first discovered in a meteor crater. It is extremely hard and durable, making it ideal for use in jewelry. Although moissanite is already significantly cheaper than diamonds, it is also cheaper than lab diamonds, which are created in a laboratory during a process to pressurize carbon atoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lab diamonds are made from carbon, just like natural diamonds, and have the same physical properties. But, because they\u2019re created in a controlled environment, the impurities that show up in natural diamonds aren\u2019t present, and the mass-production of lab diamonds adds to a more affordable price than natural diamonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \ud83d\udca1<\/strong> Key Tip: The main thing to understand when comparing moissanite and lab diamonds is that lab diamonds are exactly the same as any natural diamond \u2013 the only difference being that they are less expensive and purer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Should You Choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now that we\u2019ve outlined some of the main differences between moissanite and diamond, the next step is to decide which gem is best for you. To help you decide, we\u2019ve compiled a short list about the pros and cons of each gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moissanite<\/h3>\n\n\n
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    \"\"
    Moissanite engagment ring<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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    buy on Lily Arkwright<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n