Yes, I may or may not have made the most controversial statement in the jewellery world. And if you are here, the outrage has worked in my favour, and I 'clickbaited' you into reading about this curious gemstone. Stay with me so I may redeem myself and explore the differences between diamonds and moissanites.
I am always learning new things about this business, and when I wanted to start my own bridal collection of engagement rings and wedding bands, I had no choice but to learn more about the preferred gemstone for those getting engaged. This does not mean that I believe people should only get engaged with a diamond, but it is undeniably the most common gemstone for engagements.
The Discovery of Moissanite
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. At first, he mistakenly identified the crystals as diamonds due to their brilliance and hardness. However, upon closer examination, he realized they were composed of silicon carbide, an entirely different mineral. Because of its extraterrestrial origins, moissanite was initially incredibly rare and unavailable for jewellery. It wasn’t until scientists developed a way to create moissanite in laboratories that it became a viable and ethical alternative to diamonds.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: A Comparison
Visual Properties
One of the most striking features of moissanite is its brilliance. Due to its unique crystal structure, moissanite actually has a higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) than diamonds (2.42). This means moissanite sparkles more intensely, especially under artificial light, often displaying a rainbow-like fire that is even more vibrant than a diamond’s classic white light reflection. While some people love this intense sparkle, others prefer the more subdued and traditional brilliance of a diamond.
Material Properties
Moissanite is an extremely durable gemstone, making it perfect for everyday wear. On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores a 9.25, second only to diamonds, which top the scale at 10. While diamonds are slightly harder and more resistant to scratches, moissanite is still incredibly tough and resistant to chipping and breaking. This durability makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings and jewellery meant to last a lifetime.
Ethical and Financial Considerations
One of the main reasons people opt for moissanite over diamonds is its affordability and ethical sourcing. Moissanites are lab-created, meaning they do not come with the ethical concerns often associated with diamond mining, such as environmental destruction or exploitative labor practices. Additionally, moissanites cost a fraction of the price of diamonds, making them an attractive choice for those who want a stunning ring without the hefty price tag.
While moissanite is often labeled as a “fake” diamond, the reality is that it is a unique and beautiful gemstone in its own right. With its exceptional brilliance, durability, and ethical advantages, moissanite is more than just a diamond alternative—it’s a remarkable gemstone that deserves appreciation on its own terms. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of diamonds or the dazzling fire of moissanite, the most important thing is choosing a gemstone that resonates with you. For this reason, I have decided to use moissanites in many of the designs and make them avaliable in the future bridal line. I think it is important to create unique designs that are also accessible to people with all sorts of budgets.