Diamond vs Moissanite - Explore the Tiny Differences

Moissanite vs. Diamond: What Sets Them Apart?

At first glance, moissanite and diamonds may seem nearly identical, but once you know what to look for, their differences become clear.

From a scientific standpoint, diamonds are composed of pure carbon, making them the hardest natural material on Earth. Moissanite, on the other hand, consists of silicon carbide, renowned for its exceptional durability. While these gemstones may appear similar side by side, their unique properties set them apart in subtle yet significant ways.

If you're torn between choosing a moissanite or a diamond for your engagement ring, read on to explore the key distinctions between these two dazzling stones.

Brilliance and Fire: How Moissanite and Diamond Sparkle

One of the most noticeable differences between moissanite and diamonds lies in their brilliance and fire.

• Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from within the stone.
• Fire is the dispersion of white light into a spectrum of colors, creating a rainbow-like effect.

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it bends and reflects light more dramatically. This results in greater brilliance and intense fire, often displaying a colorful, disco-ball sparkle.

Diamonds, in contrast, exhibit a more traditional kaleidoscope-like sparkle with flashes of white, blue, and gray light. While both stones shine beautifully, the difference becomes more pronounced in larger moissanite stones, where the vibrant rainbow reflections are easier to spot.

Can you tell the difference between the two in the image below? Keep reading to find out the answer at the end of the article!

Color Variations: Subtle Differences in Hue

At first glance, a colorless moissanite and a diamond appear nearly identical. However, when placed side by side, slight variations in hue emerge.

• Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). A true colorless diamond has no traces of other hues.
• Moissanite may have subtle undertones of gray or yellow in certain lighting conditions, though this is usually only noticeable when compared directly with a diamond.

Since moissanite is lab-grown, it can also be customized in various shades, including pink, blue, yellow, green, and more—allowing for greater creative freedom in designing your engagement ring.

Placed side by side, can you spot the difference between a diamond and a moissanite gemstone? Keep reading to see if you're right!

Clarity and Perfection: Natural vs. Lab-Grown Purity

Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of imperfections, known as inclusions, within the gemstone.

• Moissanite is lab-created, resulting in nearly flawless clarity. Most moissanite stones have a VVS1-VVS2 clarity rating, meaning they contain minute inclusions that are almost impossible to detect without magnification.
• Diamonds, often mined, frequently contain natural imperfections. Finding a VVS1-VVS2 clarity diamond can be rare and extremely expensive.

For example, a VVS1-VVS2, 7.5mm (1.50ct) round-cut moissanite costs around $900 AUD, whereas a diamond of the same size and clarity could cost upwards of $8,000 AUD.

This makes moissanite an attractive option for those seeking exceptional clarity without the premium price tag.

Discover Our Premium Moissanite Engagement Rings

At Moissanite London, we specialize in crafting exquisite, ethically sourced moissanite engagement rings. We combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology to deliver stunning, sustainable, and high-quality jewelry.

Moissanite offers a brilliant rainbow sparkle at a fraction of the cost of diamonds—without compromising on beauty or durability. With proper care, your moissanite ring will retain its radiance for a lifetime.