Diamonds and moissanite may both be stunning, but they are quite different in composition and characteristics. Diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, are made of carbon and are the hardest known natural material, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite, on the other hand, is made of silicon carbide and ranks slightly lower in hardness at 9.25 — still highly durable and perfect for daily wear.
In terms of appearance, diamonds reflect light in a classic way, offering brilliance that is elegant and subtle. Moissanite, however, tends to have more fire — which means it reflects light with a rainbow-like sparkle that some find more vibrant, while others may find it slightly too flashy. When it comes to color, diamonds are graded from colorless to fancy hues, whereas moissanite is typically near-colorless but may show slight yellow or grayish tones under certain lights.
One of the biggest differences is the price. Moissanite is significantly more affordable — often costing a fraction of what a diamond of similar size would. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers or those looking for ethical alternatives. Speaking of ethics, moissanite is always lab-created, making it an eco-friendly option. Diamonds, especially lab-grown ones, have also become more sustainable in recent years, though natural diamonds still carry environmental and ethical concerns depending on sourcing.
Lastly, diamonds tend to retain better resale value due to their prestige and global demand, whereas moissanite is considered a personal-value purchase with limited resale potential.
