Moissanite vs Diamonds
Moissanite vs Diamonds: The Ultimate Comparison
Everything You Need to Know About Moissanite vs Diamonds
Choosing between moissanite and diamonds? You're not alone. More women are discovering that this decision isn't about settling – it's about making the smartest choice for your lifestyle, values, and budget. Let's break down the facts.
Visual Comparison
The truth? Most people can't tell the difference between a high-quality moissanite and a diamond without specialized equipment. Both stones are colorless, brilliant, and stunning. However, moissanite actually produces more colorful light flashes (fire) than diamonds, making it more brilliant in many lighting conditions.
Hardness and Durability
Stone | Mohs Hardness Scale | Durability for Daily Wear |
---|---|---|
Diamond | 10 | Excellent |
Moissanite | 9.25 | Excellent |
Both stones are incredibly durable. The difference between 9.25 and 10 on the Mohs scale is minimal for practical purposes. Your moissanite engagement ring will withstand decades of daily wear.
Brilliance and Fire
This is where moissanite actually outperforms diamonds:
- Refractive Index: Moissanite (2.65-2.69) vs Diamond (2.42)
- Fire Dispersion: Moissanite (0.104) vs Diamond (0.044)
What this means: Moissanite produces more sparkle and colorful light flashes than diamonds.
Price Comparison
Here's where the difference becomes dramatic:
- 1-carat diamond: $3,000-$15,000+
- 1-carat moissanite: $100-$600
You can get a stunning 2-carat moissanite for less than what you'd pay for a 0.5-carat diamond of comparable quality.
Environmental Impact
Factor | Diamond Mining | Lab-Created Moissanite |
---|---|---|
Land disruption | Significant | None |
Water usage | 127 gallons per carat | Minimal |
Carbon footprint | High | Low |
Ecosystem impact | Major | Minimal |
Ethical Considerations
- Diamonds: Despite certification efforts, questions about conflict stones persist
- Moissanite: 100% conflict-free, no ethical concerns
Resale Value
Let's be honest about this common concern:
- Diamonds: Retain some resale value but rarely what you paid
- Moissanite: Lower resale value, but you paid significantly less initially
The real question: Are you buying jewelry as an investment or to enjoy wearing it?
The CHOE Perspective
We believe jewelry should be worn and enjoyed, not locked away as an investment. When you choose moissanite, you're choosing:
- Superior daily brilliance
- Ethical peace of mind
- Financial freedom to build a complete jewelry collection
- The confidence that comes with smart decision-making
Making Your Choice
Choose diamonds if:
- Tradition is most important to you
- You prioritize resale value over wear value
- Budget isn't a consideration
Choose moissanite if:
- You want maximum brilliance for your budget
- Environmental and ethical factors matter to you
- You prefer building a collection over owning one expensive piece
- You value smart financial decisions
At CHOE, we're proud to offer premium moissanite that proves smart choices can be stunning choices.