If you've been shopping for fine jewelry lately, you've probably come across moissanite — and wondered how it stacks up against a diamond. The short answer: moissanite is a stunning, ethical, and budget-friendly alternative that holds its own in brilliance and durability. But the full story is even more interesting.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater in Arizona. The natural form is incredibly rare, so virtually all moissanite sold today is lab-created — making it a sustainable, conflict-free choice without sacrificing beauty.
Brilliance & Sparkle
Here's where moissanite surprises most people: it actually has more fire and brilliance than a diamond. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65–2.69, compared to a diamond's 2.42. In plain terms, moissanite throws more rainbow-colored light (fire) and catches the eye from across the room. If you love a stone that commands attention, moissanite delivers.
Hardness & Durability
Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the hardest natural substance on Earth. Moissanite scores a 9.25, making it the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry. For everyday wear, including engagement rings and stacking rings, moissanite is exceptionally durable and scratch-resistant.
Color
High-quality moissanite, like our GRA-certified D-color VVS1 stones, is virtually colorless — identical in appearance to a top-grade diamond. Lower-quality moissanite can show a slight yellow or gray tint in certain lighting, which is why certification matters.
Price
This is where moissanite truly shines (pun intended). A 1-carat diamond can cost $4,000–$10,000+. A comparable moissanite? A fraction of that — without any visual compromise. This means you can go bigger, go bolder, and still stay within budget.
Ethics & Sustainability
Lab-created moissanite is inherently conflict-free and has a significantly lower environmental footprint than mined diamonds. For the conscious luxury shopper, it's an easy choice.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a diamond if tradition, resale value, and the prestige of a natural stone matter most to you. Choose moissanite if you want maximum brilliance, ethical sourcing, and the freedom to go larger for less. Either way, you deserve a stone that makes you feel extraordinary.
Shop Our Moissanite Collection
All of our moissanite pieces are GRA-certified and set in S925 sterling silver or gold-plated settings. Explore a few of our favorites:
- MARA 2CT D-Color VVS1 Engagement Ring — a showstopping solitaire
- Moira Moissanite Necklace — effortless everyday elegance
- SHAI 5-Piece Stacking Ring Set — mix, match, and layer
- Veronica Multi Circle Ring — modern and architectural
Browse the full Moissanite Jewelry collection to find your perfect piece.