When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go with a traditional diamond or a moissanite stone. Both have their pros and cons in terms of appearance, durability, ethical implications and cost. This comprehensive guide examines all the key factors to consider when deciding between diamonds and moissanites.
Appearance
Diamonds and moissanites look very similar to the untrained eye. However, there are some visible differences:
- Brilliance – Diamonds have exceptional brilliance and sparkle due to their high refractive index. Moissanites also have a high amount of brilliance, but it is slightly less than that of a diamond.
- Fire – The dispersion of light that produces rainbow flashes is known as fire. Diamonds have moderate fire, while moissanites have a high amount of fire.
- Color – Most diamonds used in jewelry are near colorless, whereas moissanites have a slight yellowish tint. Colorless moissanites are available but more expensive.
- Inclusions – Diamonds commonly have small internal flaws called inclusions. Moissanites have fewer inclusions.
- Size – For an equivalent carat weight, moissanites tend to face up larger than diamonds.
Overall, moissanites can pass for diamonds to the naked eye, especially when set in jewelry. But side-by-side, slight differences in brilliance and color may be noticeable.
Durability
Diamonds are renowned for their hardness and durability. But how do they compare to moissanites?
- Hardness – Diamonds have a perfect 10 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Moissanites come close with a rating of 9.25-9.5.
- Toughness – A diamond’s toughness is described as excellent to good. Moissanites are considered tough but brittle.
- Wear over time – Minimal wear is expected for both stones with everyday wear. Chipping or fracturing is rare unless exposed to hard blows.
Overall, both diamonds and moissanites excel in durability. Moissanites may show slightly more wear effects over decades of daily use. But both can be passed down as heirlooms.
Ethical Sourcing
Diamond mining has historically been linked to exploitative labor practices. But thanks to initiatives like the Kimberley Process, ethical, conflict-free diamonds are becoming more available:
- Mined diamonds – Ensure any diamond you buy is certified conflict-free by the Kimberley Process and GIA.
- Lab diamonds – These are certified conflict-free and offer consistent quality and pricing.
Moissanites have an ethical advantage over diamonds as they are exclusively lab-created. The production process emits no hazardous waste or gases. Lab creation allows consistent quality and pricing.
Cost Comparison
One of the biggest differences between diamonds and moissanites is the cost. To compare prices, we’ll look at round cut 1 carat stones with equivalent color and clarity grades:
| Stone | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Diamond (D VVS2 clarity) | $6,300 |
| Moissanite (D VVS2 equivalent) | $600 |
As this table shows, moissanites cost around 10% of the price of a diamond. The cost savings are greatest with larger stones. At the one carat size, moissanites offer near-identical appearance for far less money.
Resale Value
Diamonds have historically retained their value well and increased in price over time. For example, average prices per carat increased almost 5-fold between 1978 and 2018.
Moissanites have little resale value compared to diamonds. Their resale price is similar to other lab-created gems like cubic zirconia. Vintage moissanite pieces may gain value due to the style and setting rather than the stone itself.
Customization Options
One advantage of lab-created stones is the ability to customize them. For moissanites, options include:
- Size – Available in melee accent stones and larger center stones up to 2 carats.
- Cut – Choice of round, princess, cushion, oval, etc.
- Color – Can be colorless or near-colorless.
- Clarity – IF (internally flawless) grades possible.
With lab diamonds, you can also choose step cuts like the emerald cut that maximize sparkle. Overall, moissanites offer plenty of customization freedom.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether to choose a diamond or moissanite comes down to personal preference and budget. Keep these key takeaways in mind when deciding:
- Appearance is very similar for both, with subtle differences in brilliance and color.
- Durability is excellent for both, with diamonds having a slight edge.
- Moissanites are exclusively lab-created for ethical production.
- Moissanites cost around 10% of the price of diamonds.
- Diamonds retain significantly higher resale value.
- Both offer extensive customization in terms of cut, color and clarity.
For those prioritizing ethics and cost savings, moissanites are hard to beat. Diamonds remain the traditional prestige choice treasured for their optics and investment value. Carefully examine your priorities and budget to decide which stone truly suits your needs and style.