Moissanite has become one of the most popular choices for solitaire rings, studs and pendants. Here is how it compares with diamond, so you can decide what matters most to you.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is silicon carbide. It was first found in tiny amounts in a meteor crater, and the moissanite used in jewelry today is created in a lab. It is a gemstone in its own right, not a diamond imitation made of glass or cubic zirconia.
Sparkle
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond (about 2.65 compared with 2.42) and roughly twice the dispersion. In everyday terms, it throws more colorful flashes of light, sometimes called "fire". Some people love that rainbow sparkle; others prefer the whiter brilliance of diamond.
Hardness and durability
On the Mohs scale moissanite is about 9.25, just below diamond at 10, and harder than sapphire. That makes it well suited to rings and other pieces you wear every day. As with any jewelry, the setting and the metal also affect how a piece wears over time.
Color
Moissanite is graded on a color scale similar to diamond. Many moissanite stones are described as colorless to near-colorless (for example D, E or F color). Where a grade applies, it is listed in the product details.
Price
Because it is lab-created, moissanite costs far less than a mined diamond of the same size. That is why many people choose a larger moissanite center stone, or use moissanite for everyday pieces they do not want to worry about.
What to check before you buy
- Stone size: listed in carats (ct) or millimetres.
- Metal: S925 means 92.5% silver; plated pieces have a thin platinum or gold layer over the silver.
- Setting style: six-prong solitaire, halo, bypass or pavé all change how big and bright a stone looks.
- Size: for rings, check the US size and use a size guide.
Shop moissanite
Explore moissanite rings, pendant necklaces and earrings, or start with the Classic Six-Prong Solitaire, available from 1 to 5 carats.
