Moissanite vs. Diamonds: Which One is Rarest?

When it comes to choosing the right gemstone for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry, it can be difficult to decide between using diamonds or crushed ice moissanite. Both are beautiful stones and go perfectly with either silver or yellow gold, but you may be wondering: which gemstone is rarer? In this article, we will compare both gemstones so you can decide whether you want a moissanite engagement ring or a natural diamond engagement ring.

Many people look at both moissanite engagement rings and diamond engagement rings and may love both, however may ideally want to purchase the extremely rare gemstone to make their engagement ring that much more special. The answer may be surprising, but technically naturally occurring Moissanite actually outshines diamonds when it comes to rarity. Natural Moissanite was first discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893, who found microscopic particles of the gemstone (also known as silicon carbide) in the crater of a meteorite. From this original discovery, Moissanite has since been synthesized in labs so that it can now be enjoyed by everyone. This method of creating classic Moissanite has taken off, and is now the preferred method for replicating this naturally occurring mineral. Because lab grown Moissanite is now easier to come by than Diamonds, the colorless diamond is thought to be the rarest, naturally occurring gemstone widely used for engagement rings.

Because natural diamonds must be found within the Earth, unlike lab created Moissanite, this is reflected in the price. The Diamonds which are found in your diamond engagement ring and other pieces of fine jewelry need to be mined, cleaned, shipped to its destination, cut, carat weight determined, graded and the list goes on. A diamond's price varies based on numerous factors, all of which is because naturally occurring diamonds are hard to come by. Lab created Moissanite rings, on the other hand, are less competitive in pricing, as the Moissanite gems are man made with less steps involved in order for you to get your beautiful Moissanite ring. This means that the Moissanite price will usually always be cheaper.

How Does Moissanite Differ From Diamonds?

A lab created Moissanite diamond is a unique and affordable alternative to diamonds which many chose to use in both their engagement rings and wedding bands - and many can't even tell the difference. Unlike cubic zirconia or other lab created diamonds such as Moissanite which are grown in a specific, controlled setting, diamonds are formed naturally within the earth, often making it less expensive than its diamond counterparts. This is because unlike mined diamonds which each have their own characteristics, Moissanite stones are cut and shaped to exact standards so that each stone looks the same as the next, giving the customer a reliable and consistent product at a lower price point. Plus, with its affordable cost, you can customize your ring with other materials like gold or silver for an one-of-a-kind look! The only minimal difference between Moissanite vs. Diamonds is the fact that Moissanite displays color differently when in a certain light; however this is hardly noticeable and in fact may be a selling point for many people! Both gemstones rate extremely high on the Mohs Scale of hardness, with Moissanite slightly behind Diamonds (which are the hardest known mineral) - meaning that both Diamonds and Moissanite make for an amazing choice of gemstone that is perfect for everyday wear.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Diamond and Moissanite Jewelry?

If you want to differentiate between moissanite vs diamond gemstones, there are a few things you should be aware of in order to spot the differences as they look extremely similar to the untrained eye. Both Moissanites and Diamonds have very high refractive indexes, but for Moissanite, this is typically double that of the diamond. The higher the refractive index of a stone, the greater the brilliance, meaning the more sparkly it will appear; so for this reason, Moissanite may appear brighter than diamond when viewed from the top. Another tip for being able to spot the difference between Moissanite vs diamond is the color the gemstones give off when sparkling under light. Bound to stay forever brilliant, Moissanite sparkles in an array of multi coloured hues, whereas a diamond reflects white light and therefore sparkles in less saturated colors.

If you still cannot tell the difference between the two gemstones, a seasoned professional within the jewelry industry can also measure the thermal conductor quality of each stone - as diamonds transfer heat at a much higher rate than that of any other gemstone - which is an extremely helpful tip when trying to determine if you've got your hands on one gemstone or the other.

Which Stone Will Look Better in an Engagement Ring?

When it comes to beauty and sparkle, both moissanite and diamonds have something to offer! For those looking for a diamond-like shine without the expensive price tag, a moissanite engagement ring is definitely the way to go. With its dazzling spectrum of colors and excellent fire and brilliance, you can create that same classic elegance without an exorbitant cost. And for those committed to owning an authentic diamond piece of jewelry, nothing can compete with the timeless reputation of a treasured classic. From its exceptional toughness to its luxurious sophistication, diamonds are able to capture and last a lifetime of memories. Ultimately, whether you opt for moissanite or a diamond, you can rest assured that each choice guarantees exquisite beauty!

Overall, naturally occurring Moissanite is extremely rare and hard to find; however lab created Moissanite is far less rare than its counterpart, a natural diamond. However, both Moissanites and Diamonds reflect light beautifully, have a high refractive index, are perfect and durable for everyday wear, and are forever classic pieces, meaning you can't go wrong with either a Moissanite stone or a real diamond for your engagement ring. If you are interested in learning more about Moissanite or Diamond engagement rings, please contact us today and we will be happy to help!