Image of loose natural diamonds and loose moissanite gemstones.

Moissanite vs. natural diamonds

Diamonds and moissanite are both treasured for their sparkle and strength. They’re both stunning as center gemstones in engagement rings and signature fine jewelry pieces. In their natural forms, both gems are rare — moissanite, surprisingly, is even more so. That’s just one of the differences between diamonds and moissanite to consider if you’re deciding between the two. We’ll cover them all below.

Yellow gold solitaire diamond ring paired with a matching diamond eternity band.

Is moissanite a
natural diamond?

Moissanite isn’t a natural or lab grown diamond: It’s an entirely different gem, originally discovered in the late 19th century in a meteor crater. Moissanite closely resembles a diamond, but sparkles in natural light with an eye-catching flash of rainbow colors. That’s enough to make it a favorite for rings, pendants and earrings.

What is moissanite?

The mineral form of silicon carbine is named for chemist Henri Moissan, who uncovered it in rock samples from an Arizona meteor crater in 1893. A century later, lab created moissanite was introduced as a high-quality gemstone for fine jewelry. Among its desirable qualities is its durability. Because its sparkle does not cloud or fade, moissanite gemstones make lasting, meaningful heirloom jewelry. And best of all, it costs significantly less than a natural diamond of similar size and quality.

White gold halo diamond ring with matching diamond band.

What are natural
diamonds?

Created deep in the Earth under unimaginable heat and force, natural diamonds symbolize the beauty, rarity and strength of true love. For Helzberg fine jewelry, the pressure on a diamond doesn’t end with its creation. We hold each one to the highest quality standards.

The differences between moissanite and
natural diamonds

Moissanite is a popular alternative to natural diamonds for fine jewelry because of their similarities, but the differences are just as important to consider. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their qualities to help with your decision about such a meaningful purchase.

Durability

9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness

10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness

Brilliance

The faceting pattern and refractive index deliver the rainbow flashes known as “moissanite fire.”

Diamonds’ more complex combination of brilliance, dispersion and scintillation creates their balanced, one-of-a-kind sparkle and fire.

Color

Helzberg only offers colorless and near-colorless moissanite. It’s not graded on the same scale as a diamond, but does come in similar colors.

Natural diamonds can range in color from colorless to faint, based on international grading standards (D–Z).

Price

A lab created moissanite gemstone’s price is determined by size, color and clarity and can cost four to five times less than a similar diamond.

A diamond's price is determined by the all-important 4C's: carat, cut, color and clarity.

Sourcing

Moissanite gems are created in dedicated facilities, making them an appealing option for those seeking gemstones that don’t require mining.

Natural, mined diamonds were created deep in the earth, billions of years before we existed.

Measurement

DEW (Diamond Equivalent Weight)

Carat weight

SEE THE SPARKLE UP CLOSE

Talk to an expert

There’s no better place to see jewelry sparkle than the Helzberg Diamond Room. Make an appointment to compare moissanite and diamonds at your nearest store. Or schedule a virtual appointment to talk through your options online.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the key differences between moissanite and natural diamonds?

Moissanite and natural diamonds have 5 key differences: Their rarity (there's a finite supply of natural diamonds), durability (diamonds are harder), sparkle (diamonds have a balanced, white brilliance vs. moissanite's rainbow sparkle), composition (diamonds are pure carbon and moissanite is created from silicon carbide), and cost (moissanite is more affordable).

What are the benefits of moisssanite?

Moissanite is a durable, brilliant gem that offers eye-catching fire at an affordable price.

Is moissanite appropriate for an engagement ring?

Absolutely. Moissanite will last a lifetime, won't ever get cloudy or dull, has a fiery sparkle and comes with a romantic backstory. (It came from the stars!)