Moissanite has become one of the most popular engagement ring stones in the world, but is it the right choice for you? Here is an honest look at its strengths, its trade-offs and who it suits best.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so the moissanite used in jewelry today is created in a lab. It is a real gemstone in its own right, not a diamond and not a diamond imitation like cubic zirconia. Learn more in our moissanite guide.
The Pros of Moissanite
Exceptional sparkle
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond (about 2.65 compared with 2.42) and more than twice the dispersion, which creates vivid flashes of rainbow-colored fire. If you love maximum sparkle, moissanite delivers it.
Outstanding durability
At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is one of the hardest gemstones used in jewelry, second only to diamond. It resists scratches and chips and is ideal for a ring you wear every day.
Excellent value
Moissanite costs a fraction of the price of a diamond of the same size. That means you can choose a larger stone or put more of your budget into the setting and metal.
No new mining
Because jewelry moissanite is lab created, no new mining is needed to produce it.
The Cons of Moissanite
It is not a diamond
If owning a real diamond matters to you or your partner, a lab grown diamond may be the better choice.
More colorful fire
Moissanite's rainbow fire is more noticeable than a diamond's, especially in larger stones and bright sunlight. Some people love it; others prefer the classic white sparkle of a diamond.
Lower resale value
Like most jewelry, moissanite is best bought to wear and love rather than as an investment.
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond at a Glance
| Moissanite | Lab Grown Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 9.25 | 10 |
| Sparkle | Extra colorful fire | Classic white brilliance |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Is it a diamond? | No, a separate gemstone | Yes, a real diamond |
So, Is Moissanite Worth It?
Yes, if you want the most sparkle and the biggest look for your budget in a stone that will last a lifetime. Choose a lab grown diamond if a real diamond is important to you. Every Jynora design is available in both stones. Our moissanite is D color, VVS1 clarity, and stones over 1 carat come with a GRA certificate.
Moissanite FAQs
Does moissanite look fake?
No. High quality moissanite looks very similar to a diamond. Most people cannot tell the difference by eye, though its colorful fire can be more noticeable in bright light.
Does moissanite get cloudy?
No. Moissanite does not cloud or change color over time. Regular cleaning keeps it sparkling.
Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Many basic thermal testers will read moissanite as a diamond, but advanced testers can tell them apart. At Jynora, we always sell moissanite honestly as moissanite.
Is moissanite good for an engagement ring?
Yes. Its hardness, brilliance and value make it one of the most popular engagement ring choices today.
