Moissanite and diamonds are often mentioned in the same sentence, even though they are very different. One of the reasons these two gems look similar is because both stones belong to the same mineral family – that of silicon carbide. Another reason they resemble each other is that moissanite was discovered during the same period as diamonds were discovered (1893). However, despite their shared relationship, moissanite has some physical properties that make it more like an emerald than a diamond, which can cause some confusion when choosing jewelry with this gem in it. So how do moissanite and diamonds compare?
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia
Moissanite’s similarities to diamonds are what make it such an attractive alternative. It has an excellent weight-to-size ratio, which makes it sparkle more than other gems on your hand. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, shines less brightly than moissanite and has no weight-to-size ratio advantage over traditional cubic zirconia. Also known as CZ, cubic zirconia is typically made from low-grade sapphires and colored glass materials designed to mimic diamonds. However, even experts can be fooled by cheap CZ that has not been cut well into round shapes with larger facets.
Moissanite vs. Synthetic Diamonds
Moissanite diamonds mimic natural diamonds in almost every way, but they do not have 100% of their physical properties. Because they are man-made, moissanite has slightly different chemical compositions and physical characteristics. They also lack a truly brilliant-cut that improves light refraction—this means that if you look closely at a piece of moissanite jewelry, you will notice that it does not quite sparkle as much as an equal-sized diamond. Still, these differences can be very difficult for untrained eyes to see. Moissanite Diamond Engagement Rings.
The Cut of the Stone
If you’re deciding between moissanite diamonds and a traditional diamond, it’s important to consider stone size as well. Moissanites are closer in size to real diamonds than lab-created stones—they run just slightly smaller. Because of that, they can appear larger on your finger if you choose one of smaller cuts—like an oval shape or heart shape. If you’re interested in a round shape, though, or any other cut (including cushion cut or pear shape), your moissanite won’t look noticeably different from other small diamonds. Either way, it will have stunning sparkle and luster that most people can’t tell apart from more expensive stones. And for about 1/10th of the price! Moissanite Earrings.
The Size of the Stone
The main difference between moissanite and diamonds, in terms of physical appearance, comes down to size. While both are found in nature (moissanite can be found in a few areas around the world), only diamonds are available commercially. This makes it tough for moissanite (which tends to tendstendsler than diamonds) to compete on price. But that doesn’t mean they don’t hold their own when it comes to brilliance.
Round Shape
The round shape of moissanite diamonds was designed to mimic that of a real diamond. While it’s not quite as spherical, it does feature most of the cut features you’d find in a real gem-quality diamond. It also has about 2.5 times more brilliance than an equivalently sized round-cut created with cubic zirconia or zirconium oxide, which are common alternatives used for wedding rings and other jewelry pieces meant to look like real diamonds (though they are technically man-made gems). This higher level of shine makes it especially attractive for any piece where appearance and design quality matter, such as engagement rings and even custom-made jewelry pieces (where you have specific specifications regarding size, shape, etc.). Moissanite Fine Jewelry.
Step Cut
The Step cut allows light to enter through many facets, which makes it sparkle more than other cuts. However, it has less brilliance than brilliant-cut and its color is whiter due to a smaller inclusion. The step cut displays more fire than a traditional round brilliant because of its rough top surface. This gem also has moderate dispersion due to its faceting style, but less than that of an Emerald or Oval-shaped stone.
