When my best friend got engaged last summer, she flashed a ring so brilliant I nearly dropped my flat white. “It’s moissanite,” she said casually, and I—thinking she’d mispronounced something—just smiled and nodded.
But later that night, curiosity got the better of me. I started Googling. Moissanite? Isn’t that just… a fake diamond? Turns out, it’s not fake at all. It’s its own gemstone, with a backstory as dazzling as its sparkle. And if you’ve ever found yourself comparing moissanite vs diamond, you’re not alone.
Over the last few years, moissanite’s quietly stepped out of the shadows and onto the fingers of brides, influencers, and even a few celebrities. And honestly? The debate between moissanite and diamond has become one of the most fascinating conversations in modern jewellery — not just about beauty, but about ethics, science, and what “value” really means.
So, what exactly is moissanite?
You might not know this, but moissanite was first discovered in a meteor crater back in the 1890s by a French scientist named Henri Moissan (hence the name). The tiny crystals he found weren’t diamonds — they were silicon carbide, a rare mineral that literally came from space.
Natural moissanite is so scarce that what we see in jewellery today is created in labs. It’s a man-made gemstone, but not a “fake” diamond. It’s its own thing — a scientifically engineered jewel designed to mimic some of diamond’s best qualities, while shining a little differently in its own right.
Moissanite vs Diamond: The Look
Let’s get to what most people really care about first — how it looks. At first glance, moissanite can easily pass for a diamond. It’s bright, clear, and full of fire. But if you look closely (or catch it in direct sunlight), you’ll notice moissanite has a slightly more colourful sparkle — flashes of rainbow hues rather than diamond’s crisp white light. Some people absolutely love this disco-ball effect; others prefer the classic, icy brilliance of a diamond.
In terms of hardness, diamonds are still the toughest substance on Earth — scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite comes in close at 9.25, which means it’s incredibly durable and perfect for everyday wear. Unless you’re in the habit of slamming your ring into brick walls, you probably won’t notice any difference in how well it holds up.
The Price Factor — and Why It’s Not Just About Cost
Here’s where moissanite really makes people sit up. A moissanite stone of the same size and cut as a diamond can cost a fraction of the price — sometimes up to 80% less. That’s not a typo.
For many couples, this price difference opens up possibilities: a larger stone, a custom design, or even putting the savings toward a honeymoon. But it’s not just about saving money. It’s about priorities.
Some people simply don’t feel comfortable spending tens of thousands of dollars on a stone, especially when a near-identical alternative exists. And for others, the appeal is ethical — moissanite doesn’t come with the same environmental or humanitarian concerns historically associated with mined diamonds.
If you’re curious to see a more detailed breakdown of how the two compare in brilliance, durability, and ethics, this guide on moissanite vs diamond offers a genuinely balanced overview. It’s worth a read before you make up your mind.
What About Man Made Diamonds?
Now, before we go any further, let’s clear up a common confusion: moissanite is not the same as a man made diamond. Man made diamonds — also known as lab-grown or synthetic diamonds — are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. They’re real diamonds, just created in a lab rather than mined from the earth.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is a different gemstone entirely. It looks similar, yes, but it’s made of silicon carbide, not carbon.
So if you’re someone who loves the idea of a diamond but wants a sustainable or ethical option, man made diamonds might be your sweet spot. If you’re open to something a little more unique, moissanite could be your gem.
And if you’re unsure how to tell what’s what — well, it’s not as easy as you’d think. There are some useful guides out there that explain how to identify real vs fake stones, including this article about man made diamonds that goes through a few clever tests jewellers use.
The Ethics and Sustainability Conversation
Here’s something I didn’t expect when I started researching: the emotional side of gemstones is changing. For decades, owning a diamond ring was seen as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. But younger generations — especially here in Australia — are questioning where those diamonds come from, and what their true cost is.
Mining, even under ethical frameworks, can still leave environmental scars. Lab-grown options like moissanite and man made diamonds, meanwhile, sidestep a lot of those issues. They’re produced with minimal environmental disruption, often in facilities powered by renewable energy.
For couples who care about sustainability, that peace of mind is priceless. You’re not just buying a ring — you’re making a statement about your values.
The Emotional Element (Because Let’s Be Real — This Matters)
I’ve spoken to quite a few jewellers and newly-engaged couples while writing this, and something that kept coming up was emotion. Some people just feel differently when they know their stone is “real” — mined from the earth, billions of years old, formed under intense heat and pressure. There’s a romanticism to that story that’s hard to replicate.
Others, though, find the story of a lab-created stone even more meaningful. It’s modern, forward-thinking, and symbolises progress — a love that embraces technology, sustainability, and a bit of rebellion against tradition.
Both are valid. And that’s the beauty of it.
A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 9.25 |
| Brilliance | White sparkle | Rainbow fire |
| Origin | Natural or lab-grown | Lab-created |
| Ethical Impact | Can vary | Generally low |
| Price (1 carat) | $$$$ | $ |
| Longevity | Timeless | Equally durable |
What’s interesting is how close these two come in performance. The main differences are aesthetic — and emotional.
Choosing Between Them
If you’re on the fence, here’s something to consider: think about how you want your jewellery to make you feel.
If you love tradition, heritage, and the timeless prestige that comes with owning a diamond, go for it — especially if you opt for a responsibly sourced or lab-grown one.
If you want something equally beautiful, more affordable, and ethically clean, moissanite’s a brilliant choice (literally).
And if you’re torn between the two, you might not have to choose. Many modern jewellers are now mixing gemstones — moissanite accents around a central diamond, or vice versa — to get the best of both worlds.
A Few Personal Thoughts
When I finally saw moissanite and diamond rings side by side at a jeweller’s in Paddington, I was honestly stunned. Under the showroom lights, it was almost impossible to tell which was which.
But more than that, I was struck by how personal the decision is. We often frame it as a “which is better” question, when really, it’s about what feels right for you — your budget, your values, your aesthetic.
The jewellery world’s moving toward inclusivity and choice. No more rigid “rules.” And that’s something worth celebrating.
The Future of Sparkle
It’s funny — a few decades ago, suggesting anything other than a diamond for an engagement ring might’ve raised eyebrows. Now, it’s part of a bigger cultural shift toward conscious consumption and individuality.
Moissanite’s rise isn’t about replacing diamonds; it’s about expanding the conversation. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless pull of a diamond or the ethical allure of moissanite, you’ve got options — and they’re all beautiful in their own way.
So next time you’re scrolling through engagement ring inspo, don’t skip over the word “moissanite.” You might just find it’s the sparkle you’ve been looking for all along.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a gemstone is just one part of the story. The meaning you attach to it — the memories, the people, the milestones — that’s what gives it value.
Whether it’s a diamond born deep within the earth or a moissanite crafted in a lab, what matters most is how it makes you feel when the light hits it just right. And honestly? That’s a kind of brilliance no chart can measure.
