Moissanite Engagement Rings vs Diamond Engagement Rings: What to Know
When choosing an engagement ring, many couples weigh the differences between moissanite engagement rings and diamond engagement rings. Moissanite, a lab-grown gemstone, is often marketed as an alternative to diamonds, offering sparkle at a lower price point. However, moissanite and diamonds are vastly different products. There are significant discrepancies in terms of value, longevity, and emotional significance when comparing moissanite engagement rings and natural diamond engagement rings.
At a Glance
- The diamond center stones in diamond engagement rings formed over billions of years under extreme conditions, making them one of Earth’s rarest treasures.
- Moissanite engagement rings, however, are mass-produced in unlimited quantities and lack the rarity and enduring value of diamonds.
- Moissanite engagement rings are known for their colorful shine, often displaying rainbow flashes of light. This can make them appear artificial when compared to the brilliance of a diamond.
- Diamonds come in a wide range of colors and natural hues, while moissanite tends to exhibit a more uniform, slightly yellow or greenish tint, which can detract from the stone’s overall clarity and appeal.
Below, learn more about the differences between diamond and moissanite engagement rings.
What Is a Diamond?
Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. Their remarkable strength and beauty make them the quintessential choice for engagement rings, signifying love, commitment, and everlasting value. Not only are diamonds rare and timeless, but they also have immense cultural importance. The first diamond engagement ring, presented in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria, established a tradition that continues to define timeless romance. The symbolism of natural diamonds is deeply woven into tradition, making them ideal for engagement rings, wedding rings, and heirloom jewelry passed down through generations.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone often marketed as a diamond alternative, especially for engagement rings. Originally discovered by Henri Moissan in a meteorite, moissanite is made from silicon carbide. Though it has a higher refractive index than diamonds, giving it extra sparkle, this can result in a “rainbow effect” that might look overly artificial. Moissanite engagement rings can mimic the appearance of diamonds, but they lack the rarity, natural origin, and cultural significance that diamonds possess. Additionally, moissanite doesn’t offer the same long-term value or investment potential as natural diamonds, making it a less meaningful choice for some.
Moissanite Engagement Rings and Diamond Engagement Rings: Key Differences
Brilliance and Sparkle
Due to their higher refractive index and dispersion, moissanite engagement rings are known for their colorful shine, often displaying rainbow flashes of light. This can make them appear more “flashy” compared to the brilliance of a diamond. In contrast, diamonds reflect light primarily in white, contributing to their timeless, natural-looking sparkle. In fact, the rainbow flashes of a moissanite engagement ring may make it easily discernable from a diamond engagement ring—even to the naked eye.
Hardness and Durability
Diamonds are unrivaled in terms of durability. Scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are virtually scratch-resistant and incredibly resilient, making them perfect for daily wear. Moissanite, while still durable with a score of 9.25, is more prone to scratches and other damage over time. If you are looking for a gemstone that will stand the test of time and remain pristine, a diamond engagement ring offers superior durability.
Value
One of the main draws of moissanite is its affordability. Moissanite engagement rings can be less expensive than diamonds, which is why they are promoted as a more budget-friendly option. However, diamonds provide far more than just beautiful sparkle. Their rarity, natural origin, and cultural significance contribute to their lasting value. Diamonds are known to retain their worth over time, appreciating in value on average over time, and are viewed as a long-term investment. A natural diamond engagement ring is often a cherished heirloom passed down through generations, maintaining its sentimental and financial value. Similar to laboratory grown diamonds (also called lab grown diamonds or synthetic diamonds), moissanite can be created in virtually unlimited quantities and does not retain its value over time.
Environmental Impact
Moissanite engagement rings are frequently marketed as being a more eco-friendly option. However, lab-created gemstones like moissanite require significant energy to replicate the high temperatures and pressures found in natural environments, often relying on fossil fuels to power the necessary machinery and processes. This energy-intensive production method can contribute to carbon emissions and environmental impact.
The natural diamond industry has made significant strides in minimizing its environmental impact. Leading diamond producers contribute billions of dollars annually in socioeconomic and environmental benefits to the countries where they operate. These efforts help create jobs, support local communities, and foster environmental conservation. In contrast, the financial benefits from lab-grown gemstone companies like those that produce moissanite primarily serve a small group of investors, making their positive impact on global communities much more limited.
Rarity and Sentimental Value
Diamonds are incredibly rare and form naturally over billions of years. They are ancient wonders and the oldest thing you can own. A natural diamond engagement ring represents much more than a beautiful gemstone—it signifies a rare commitment and a lasting love, making it a more impactful choice for an engagement ring, wedding band, or other meaningful piece of fine jewelry.
Color and Clarity
Both moissanite and diamonds are available in a variety of colors and clarity grades. However, diamonds are available in a broader range of hues, with natural diamonds found in every color of the rainbow. Moissanite engagement rings, on the other hand, can sometimes display a slight yellow or greenish tint, especially in larger stones. Even when of high quality, moissanite does not have the same level of clarity and colorlessness often associated with diamonds.
Choosing between moissanite engagement rings and diamond engagement rings comes down to more than just price—it’s about value, longevity, and significance. While moissanite offers a sparkling alternative, natural diamonds carry an unmatched rarity, durability, and emotional weight that has made them the ultimate symbol of love for centuries. The bottom line? Selecting a stone with heirloom quality, value, and meaning ensures a ring that will be treasured for years to come.
