Picture and Ring by Emily Gill
Diamonds have been a classic gemstone choice for engagement rings, but they aren’t the only gemstone options. If you’re looking for an alternative to diamonds, you have abundant options, including stones that have a remarkable resemblance to diamonds, such as moissanite.
Moissanite is a lab-grown ‘silicon carbide’ that resembles diamonds in its performance and appearance. The gemstone was born from the stars when Nobel Prize-winning French chemist Dr. Henri Moissan discovered microscopic particles of the gem in 1893. He initially thought he had found a diamond, but once he discovered it was silicon carbide, moissanite was born.
Couples often have trouble choosing between moissanite vs diamond due to the benefits of each gemstone. But there is no right or wrong when selecting the gemstone for your engagement. You can visit Made You Look’s Toronto jewellery store to explore options and determine which gemstone better suits your and your partner’s unique needs.
You can also benefit from educating yourself about diamond vs moissanite. Learn more about moissanite vs diamond pros and cons before choosing a gemstone for your engagement ring.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Colour
When comparing the colour difference between diamond vs moissanite, you will see that the differences are almost invisible from a distance. However, you may notice a colour difference when you view the two gemstones up close.
Diamonds are graded on a GIA Colour scale from D to Z; however, the colour grading scale was never designed to rate moissanite. Diamonds range from colourless to brownish to fancy yellow, whereas moissanite colours can carry undertones across the board from yellow to grey or green.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Cut
When comparing diamond vs moissanite, the gemstone’s cut is the least of a buyer’s concerns, as both can be found in various cuts. Moissanites are available in a variety of different cuts, just like diamonds. The most popular moissanite cuts are round, pear, oval, cushion, and princess.
Moissanites typically look the best in cuts that hide colour and emphasize the stone’s brilliance, such as the princess, oval, or marquise cut. Diamonds are also popular in several different cuts, with the round brilliant cut is the most adored by buyers.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Clarity
The clarity of a diamond and moissanite refers to the lack of blemishes and inclusions in the stone. Both stones are typically imperfect, which means they may have minor blemishes only visible under magnification. Moissanites are generally graded for clarity with a scale similar to that used by the GIA and other grading entities to assess the clarity of diamonds.
One thing to note when comparing diamond vs moissanite is that you are less likely to see moissanite with a clarity grade below the VS level as they are artificially created, so they can be made flawless.
Whether you’re looking for moissanite or diamond engagement rings, you can book a consultation with a designer at Made You Look. Our designers can explain the key differences between diamond vs moissanite price, cut, clarity, and durability to help you make an informed decision.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Durability
The durability of a gemstone is often determined by its hardness. Introduced in 1822 by Friedrich Mohs, the Mohs Scale of Hardness rates the hardness of gems and minerals, which indicates their resistance to scratching. Diamonds are known as the hardest substances on earth and are ranked 10 on the Mohs scale, whereas moissanite measures at 9.25.
A gemstone’s durability can help you determine if it is the right fit for you or your partner. For instance, people who significantly use their hands for work or are typically active may prefer a diamond as incredibly durable, resilient, and able to resist scratches. But moissanite remains an excellent choice if the ring is for someone whose work does not require them to primarily use their hands.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Price
The cost of a diamond is one of the main factors that help couples determine whether they want to purchase moissanite or diamond. Diamond remains a top choice for those with fewer budget constraints. But diamond vs moissanite price is compared, moissanite is a better choice for couples with a limited budget. One factor to consider when comparing moissanite vs diamond price is the gemstone carat weight. You can get a larger moissanite stone at the same cost as a diamond. In fact, the price difference may be a significant contributor to the demand for moissanite. The global moissanite market is projected to reach USD 73.9 million by 2033.
When comparing diamond vs moissanite prices, you can also consider other variations of the gemstones to find one that best suits your taste. For example, a natural black diamond is an excellent option for couples who want their ring to stand out. Although this is a less traditional option, black diamonds have gained popularity due to their bold appearance and uniqueness. If you want to learn more about black diamonds and explore your options, visit our Toronto store and talk to a specialist.
Choosing Between Diamond and Moissanite
A common question when comparing gemstones is, can you tell the difference between diamond and moissanite? Although the two gemstones have many similarities, there are minor differences when shopping. When comparing moissanite vs diamond price, you will notice that moissanite is typically cheaper. Most physical differences cannot be viewed when you put moissanite vs diamond side by side. But under the magnifying glass, the differences are visible to professionals.
The best way to understand the differences between diamonds and gemstones that are considered alternatives is by comparing the quality, price, and durability. For example, some couples compare cubic zirconia vs diamond vs moissanite to determine which gemstone better suits their needs. However, your needs will vary from others.
Book an appointment with one of our jewellers today to better understand the different gemstones we offer. We will take the time to understand what you’re looking for and help you choose a gemstone based on your unique style and budget.