Moissanite vs. Diamond engagement rings: What You Need to Know

When shopping for an engagement ring, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect center stone. While diamonds have long been the go-to choice, moissanite engagement rings are skyrocketing in popularity—and for good reason. But how do they stack up against diamonds? And which one is right for your proposal moment?

Let’s break it down (with plenty of sparkle, of course).

What Is Moissanite, Anyway?

Moissanite is a gemstone born from the stars—literally. It was first discovered in a meteor crater by scientist Henri Moissan in 1893. Today, moissanite is lab-created, making it a sustainable and ethical choice for engagement rings.

Why It Matters:

Ethical sourcing: No mining required.
Eco-friendly: Lower environmental impact compared to natural diamonds.
Out-of-this-world sparkle: Thanks to its high refractive index, moissanite actually sparkles more than a diamond.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds: The Big Questions Answered

1. Do Moissanite Rings Look Like Diamonds?

Yes—at first glance, moissanite looks very similar to a diamond. Both are clear, durable, and dazzling. However, moissanite has a higher refractive index, giving it a fiery brilliance that some people describe as "rainbow-like."

Quick Tip: If you love a ring that stands out and sparkles in every direction, moissanite might be your dream gem.

2. Are Moissanites More Affordable?

Here’s the kicker: moissanite is significantly more affordable than a diamond of the same size and cut. For example, a 1-carat diamond can cost upwards of $5,000, while a comparable moissanite stone might only set you back $500-$1,000.

This budget-friendly price tag allows couples to go bigger or invest in a custom design (which is where we at Livia Diamonds come in).

3. Are Moissanite Rings Durable?

Absolutely. While diamonds top the Mohs scale of hardness at 10, moissanite comes in close at 9.25. This means it’s highly resistant to scratches and perfect for everyday wear—just like a diamond.

Pro Tip: Both are durable enough for an active lifestyle, so the choice comes down to preference and price.

4. Are Moissanite Rings Ethical?

Yes! Moissanite is lab-grown, which means no mining, no conflict zones, and a much smaller carbon footprint. While lab-grown diamonds offer similar ethical advantages, moissanite is often the go-to for eco-conscious couples due to its affordability and sustainability.

5. Will People Know It’s Moissanite?

Here’s the honest truth: most people can’t tell the difference. Unless someone is a trained gemologist with a magnifying loupe, they’re unlikely to spot that your stone isn’t a diamond.

At the end of the day, your ring should reflect your love story—not someone else’s expectations.

When to Choose Moissanite

You want a ring that sparkles brighter than a disco ball.
You’re working with a budget but don’t want to compromise on size or design.
Ethical and sustainable sourcing is important to you.
You’re looking for something unique that still feels timeless.

When to Choose a Diamond (Lab-Grown or Natural)

You want the timeless prestige of a diamond.
You’re drawn to the subtler brilliance of diamonds over moissanite’s rainbow sparkle.
You’re set on the traditional engagement ring choice.
You’re investing in a lab-grown diamond for its ethical and sustainable qualities while keeping the diamond name.

Why Not Both? Explore Custom Options at Livia Diamonds

At Livia Diamonds, we specialize in creating custom engagement rings in Toronto that suit your unique style and budget. Whether you’re team moissanite, lab-grown diamond, or natural diamond, we’ll work with you to design the ring of your dreams.