If you’ve been researching engagement rings or fine jewellery lately, you’ve probably come across Moissanite as a dazzling alternative to Diamonds. At first glance, the two can look almost identical: bright, brilliant, and full of fire. But beneath the sparkle, these stones tell very different stories.
At Serli & Siroan, we’ve guided countless clients through this decision. The fact is: both moissanite and diamond are beautiful, but not for the same reasons.
The Origins
Let’s start with how each stone comes into the world.
Diamonds take millions of years to form in the mantle of the Earth, under vast amounts of heat and pressure. They are all geological wonders, carbon transforming into the hardest natural product. Today, diamonds are available in both natural and synthetic forms, with the same chemical composition and crystal structure.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is of cosmic origin. The first crystals were found by the French scientist Henri Moissan (hence the name) in a meteor crater in 1893. Natural moissanite is extremely uncommon; therefore, modern jewellery incorporates lab-grown silicon carbide.
Brilliance and Sparkle: Similar but Distinct
This is where the eye test gets interesting.
Moissanite and diamond are both very brilliant, but they do not have the same sparkle. Diamonds are brighter, whiter, crisper: flashes of sharp light, which are ancient and old-fashioned.
Moissanite, by contrast, displays more fire: that rainbow-like flash when light hits the surface. Under certain lighting, especially sunlight or spotlights, moissanite can appear more colourful, even “disco-ball” bright to some eyes.
As jewellers, we often say:
- Diamonds give you elegance and subtle fire.
- Moissanite gives you vivid sparkle and high refraction.
Neither is “better”; it all depends on your taste. If you love intense brilliance, moissanite might win your heart. If you prefer understated sophistication, diamond remains unmatched.
Durability: The Test of Time
Durability is also relevant in an engagement ring or family heirloom that has to traverse generations.
The Mohs hardness of diamonds is 10, making it the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. They cannot get scratched or wear out like any other gemstone, which is part of why they’ve become symbols of eternal love.
Moissanite comes in at 9.25, which is still very hard, even harder than sapphire, ruby and nearly any other gem. Although moissanite is a little weaker than diamond, it is still very appropriate for general daily wear.
In practical terms:
- Diamond: It is the hardest, and it retains its polish.
- Moissanite: It is durable and low-maintenance, but can show wear over decades.
Colour and Clarity
High-quality diamonds are graded for colour: from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). At Serli & Siroan, we typically recommend colour grades between D and H for engagement rings to achieve that bright, icy look.
Moissanite doesn’t follow the same colour grading system. Most modern stones are near-colourless, but older versions sometimes display faint yellow or grey undertones. Under certain lighting, moissanite can also show a “double refraction” effect: a subtle doubling of facets visible under magnification.
To the naked eye, both can appear dazzlingly white. But side by side, a trained jeweller can tell the difference.
Ethics and Sourcing
Many clients today want to know that their gemstone aligns with their values.
Serli and Siroan is a proud source of conflict-free, ethically certified diamonds and have both natural and lab-grown options. All of our diamonds are traceable and produced responsibly.
Moissanite is completely man-made and thus provides peace of mind, no mining, little environmental impact, and clear manufacturing. It is a great option for clients who care about sustainability.
Both stones are ethical options, provided that the supplier is ethical.
Price and Value
This is where moissanite proves economical to consumers.
A moissanite of the same size and perceived brilliance can be as much as 80-90% cheaper than a natural diamond. What this implies is that you would have the ability to select a larger rock or a more fancy setting without stretching your finances.
Diamonds, nevertheless, maintain a higher level of market value and resale value, especially natural ones. They are also viewed as being more traditional in regard to engagement rings, indicating rarity and permanence.
Therefore, for long-term investment and classic glory, the standard remains diamonds. Moissanite provides surprising value if you are attracted to glitter, size, and sustainability.
How to Tell Them Apart
Most people can’t distinguish them at a glance, and that’s okay. But jewellers can, using simple techniques:
- Fire Test: Moissanite has more rainbow flashes; diamonds reflect more white light.
- Thermal Conductivity Test: Diamonds disperse heat differently (this is how diamond testers work).
- Refractive Index: Moissanite’s is higher (2.65 vs diamond’s 2.42), meaning more light dispersion.
For clients, though, it often comes down to emotion and personal taste.
FAQs
- Will people be able to tell if my moissanite isn’t a diamond?
Only trained jewellers can tell for sure. To most eyes, moissanite looks stunningly similar. - Does the moissanite lose its glitz with time?
No, moissanite will not cloud or fade, and it will retain its lustre forever. - Does moissanite scratch or chip easily?
It is quite tough, yet not impossible. Carefully taken care of, it will last for decades. - Are lab-grown diamonds and moissanite the same?
No. Lab-grown diamonds are actual diamonds that are produced under controlled conditions. Moissanite is another type of mineral. - What is better with engagement rings?
It is a matter of priorities. Diamonds are traditional and symbolic; moissanite is exquisite and provides high value.
Final Thoughts
In the choice between moissanite and diamond, keep in mind – It is not all about science, but all about feeling. Every stone tells another tale.
- A diamond is the symbol of tradition, rarity, and eternal love.
- A moissanite is contemporary glamour – ethical, affordable, and sparkling.
At Serli and Siroan, we love them both because of what they represent. With our team’s assistance, you can even compare them, side by side, to see and feel the difference yourself.
Explore our diamond and moissanite collections or design your own custom ring at Serli & Siroan.