When it comes to choosing the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring or fine jewellery, the debate between diamond vs moissanites is more relevant than ever—especially with the rising popularity of man made diamonds. While diamonds have long been the traditional choice, moissanite has emerged as a sparkling and affordable alternative. In this article, we’ll compare diamond vs moissanites in terms of brilliance, durability, cost, and composition, while also exploring how man made diamonds fit into the modern gemstone landscape.

Understanding the Basics: Diamonds, Moissanite, and Man Made Diamonds

Before comparing the two gemstones directly, it’s essential to understand what each one truly is.

• Natural Diamonds: Formed deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure over billions of years. Composed of pure carbon in a crystalline structure.

• Man Made Diamonds: Also known as lab grown or synthetic diamonds, these are created in controlled environments using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.

• Moissanite: Originally discovered in a meteor crater, moissanite is made of silicon carbide. It is engineered to simulate diamonds, offering brilliance and hardness at a lower cost.

Brilliance and Sparkle: Who Wins the Shine-Off?

When comparing diamond vs moissanites, one of the biggest talking points is sparkle. This characteristic is technically known as “brilliance”—the light reflected from the inside of the gem.

• Diamonds have a brilliance refractive index of 2.42, giving them that sharp, white sparkle.

• Moissanite, on the other hand, has a higher refractive index of 2.65–2.69, which results in a rainbow-like flash. While some love the extra sparkle, others feel it’s too “disco ball” for their tastes.

Verdict: If you prefer a classic, understated sparkle, diamonds (including man made diamonds) are likely your best bet. If you enjoy bold, flashy brilliance, moissanite might be more your style.

Durability: Built to Last

Engagement rings and fine jewellery pieces are often worn daily, so durability is key.

• Diamonds, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, are the hardest substance on earth. Whether natural or man made diamonds, they are extremely resistant to scratching.

• Moissanite is not far behind, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a very durable choice, second only to diamonds.

Verdict: Both are suitable for daily wear, but diamonds—especially man made diamonds—win when it comes to long-term durability and resistance to wear.

Cost Comparison: Budget vs Luxury

Cost is one of the major differences in the diamond vs moissanites debate.

• Natural Diamonds are the most expensive, due to their rarity and mining process.

• Man Made Diamonds are generally 30-40% less expensive than their natural counterparts, making them an affordable yet luxurious option.

• Moissanite is significantly cheaper than both, offering a big look for a smaller price tag.

Verdict: If budget is a concern, moissanite offers the most sparkle for your buck. However, man made diamonds provide the prestige of a real diamond at a more accessible price.

Ethical and Environmental Impact

In today’s world, more buyers are seeking ethically sourced and sustainable gemstones.

• Natural Diamonds often face scrutiny for unethical mining practices, including environmental degradation and conflict zones.

• Man Made Diamonds are considered the ethical choice. They are created in a controlled environment, requiring fewer resources and leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

• Moissanite is also lab-created, making it a conflict-free and sustainable option.

Verdict: Both moissanite and man made diamonds are ethically and environmentally responsible options.

Aesthetic Differences: Can You Tell the Difference?

A trained gemologist can usually spot the difference between diamond vs moissanites, but to the untrained eye, they are very similar.

• Moissanite often exhibits a more colorful sparkle (called “fire”), which some people love, while others find unnatural.

• Man Made Diamonds look and feel exactly like mined diamonds because they are real diamonds in every scientific sense.

Verdict: If you want a diamond look and feel without the cost or ethical concerns, man made diamonds are your go-to. Moissanite may appear different in certain lighting, but still offers a gorgeous appearance.

Resale Value and Longevity

• Natural Diamonds tend to hold some resale value, especially if they come with certification and strong grading.

• Man Made Diamonds are newer to the market, and while they may not hold the same resale value as natural stones, they are still diamonds and increasingly accepted.

• Moissanite has very little resale value due to its synthetic and less prestigious nature.

Verdict: For longevity and resale potential, man made diamonds edge out moissanite.

Customization and Availability

If you’re working on a custom design, such as a bespoke engagement ring, both stones offer flexibility.

• Moissanite is widely available and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

• Man Made Diamonds are also available in a wide array of shapes, colors, and carat sizes, with new technological advances increasing availability.

Verdict: Both options allow for easy customization, but man made diamonds provide more traditional diamond appeal in bespoke pieces.

Emotional Value and Tradition

For many people, diamonds carry deep emotional significance. They’re viewed as a timeless symbol of love and commitment.

• Diamonds, whether natural or man made, come with centuries of tradition and emotional value.

• Moissanite is relatively new and may lack that deep-rooted sentiment.

Verdict: If symbolism and tradition matter, man made diamonds offer the full emotional impact of a diamond, without the ethical complications.

Summary Table: Diamond vs Moissanite vs Man Made Diamonds

Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

The decision between diamond vs moissanites ultimately comes down to what matters most to you—budget, brilliance, tradition, or sustainability. If you want a real diamond without the environmental and ethical downsides, man made diamonds are an excellent choice. They provide all the prestige, beauty, and durability of a natural diamond at a lower cost.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dazzling stone at an unbeatable price, moissanite is worth considering. It may not be a diamond, but it has carved out its own niche in the jewelry world as a bold, ethical, and beautiful alternative.