Moissanite vs Diamond Price: An In-Depth Comparison

Are you starting the process of looking for the perfect engagement ring? Or perhaps you are interested in both Moissanite engagement rings and Diamond engagement rings, but wondering why there is a price difference between the two gemstones? No need to look any further as we will cover the price difference between Moissanite engagement rings and Diamond engagement rings and explain the reasons as to why both stones are priced the way they are.

What is the Difference Between Moissanite and Diamonds?

To understand the pricing of both Moissanite engagement rings and Diamond engagement rings, the difference between the two gemstones must be clear. To start, a Moissanite diamond is a man made, lab created diamond which mimics natural diamonds and are extremely rare to find naturally. As every Moissanite diamond is man made and goes through strict quality control measures, people who purchase Moissanite rings or Moissanite jewelry are guaranteed to get the perfect gemstone in every piece of fine jewelry.

Moissanite stone has become increasingly popular throughout the years, as Moissanite is the closest equivalent to naturally occurring Diamonds. Discovered by french scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 and then identifying the crystals as silicon carbide in 1904, Moissanite stones look like natural diamonds, sparkle and have a beautiful brilliance like natural diamonds do, and are directly behind Diamonds on Mohs scale of hardness. It is important to note that man made Moissanite is extremely popular today, as natural Moissanite is rare and hard to find. Beyond these reasons, Moissanite stones are also ethically made, environmentally responsible and come in at a fraction of the price that natural diamonds do, making them a popular choice for people who are looking for beautiful gemstones for their jewelry. It is also important to note that as more jewellers begin to sell Moissanite engagement rings, various types of Moissanite engagement rings have emerged. Moissanite engagement ring lines such as the Forever Brilliant Moissanite, our "Ice Moissanite" or Charles & Colvard's "Forever One Moissanite" offer Moissanite engagement rings which slightly vary from one another, so it is important to do your research and view a couple different Moissanite rings in person before making your decision on your dream ring.

On the other hand, diamonds are a naturally occurring mineral and are also the hardest known mineral earth, making them popular for engagement rings. Diamonds are arguably the most popular gemstone within the jewelry industry as they are durable enough for everyday wear and are a timeless classic. A real diamond also pairs well with various metal bands such as yellow gold or silver, providing the perfect opportunity for a unique ring, special to each individual couple. A natural diamond is made out of carbon, which then undergoes extreme heat deep within the earth's crust. The carbon atoms then bond together under the heat, creating crystals which then form diamonds! Once the diamonds are formed, they are then mined from the earth, cleaned, washed, weighed and then packaged for transportation around the world. Ideally, the packages are sealed and labeled with details of the diamonds such as the country of origin and are then sent to be graded. It is important to note that many couples are shifting from purchasing a diamond engagement ring, as there are often many human rights violations that are involved in diamond mining, including the negative impact diamond mining has on the environment. Please note that if you are purchasing your dream ring with a high quality diamond included in it, you should be provided with a certificate of authenticity to ensure it is not a blood diamond.

Diamonds which are formed naturally within the earth come in different sizes and carat weight, making them perfect for wedding bands or engagement rings as each diamond engagement ring will be one of a kind. Keeping all of these factors in mind for both classic Moissanite vs. Diamond engagement rings, let's look at the price difference between the two gemstones.

Why Are Moissanite Engagement Rings Less Expensive than Diamond Engagement Rings?

The price of Moissanite vs diamond varies greatly for numerous different reasons. Let's start by taking an in depth look at Moissanite.

Moissanite is typically cheaper than diamonds as they are man made first and foremost. Although they make for a stunning ring, they are not a natural diamond. Many people explore Moissanite as an option for their engagement ring as Moissanite mimics natural diamonds in many different ways. This provides couples the opportunity to purchase a diamond look-alike at a reasonable price. In addition, Moissanite gemstones are typically cheaper than natural diamonds as they do not have to go through all of the various processes that natural diamonds have to. Mining, polishing, cleaning and grading are all factors which Moissanite gemstones do not have to go through, making them more accessible. Moissanite stones are typically all around the same price, as the only differentiating factor to each individual stone are the size and colour grades. If you are looking for a Moissanite engagement ring, the price can be anywhere from $200-$3000 or more depending on size and brand.

Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are more expensive than Moissanite as they are naturally occurring and must be mined from the earth. As every diamond which is mined is unique to itself, the process behind diamond mining and grading is much larger than Moissanites. Once the diamonds are mined and polished, they are then shipped to be graded. Unlike Moissanite which only has two grades, Diamonds are graded on carat weight, cut, clarity and color. All of these factors are taken into consideration when pricing a diamond. Another reason why diamonds are more expensive than Moissanite is due to the demand of the gemstone. Although more people today are choosing Moissanite for their fine jewelry, Diamonds are still the leading gemstone for engagement rings around the world. As they are in high demand, the price for loose diamonds, diamond encrusted wedding bands and diamond engagement rings go up. The price for a Diamond engagement ring can be anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on carat size, cut, color, clarity and brand.