Moissanite vs. Diamond: What to Know Before You Buy

Moissanite has gone from a jeweler's secret to one of the most popular stones for everyday sparkle. It looks a lot like a diamond, but it isn't one, and it isn't trying to be. Here's how the two compare, so you can decide what's right for you.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first found in tiny amounts in a meteor crater in 1893 and named after Henri Moissan, the scientist who identified it. Natural moissanite is far too rare for jewelry, so the moissanite you'll find today is created in a lab. That means no mining is involved in making the stone.

How it compares with diamond

• Sparkle. Moissanite bends light more than diamond and splits it into more color. You'll see more rainbow flashes, or "fire", especially in sunlight. Some people love that; others prefer a diamond's whiter sparkle.
• Hardness. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond's 10 and harder than sapphire and ruby. It's durable enough to wear every day.
• Color. Moissanite is usually described with the same color letters used for diamond, where D means completely colorless.
• Weight. Moissanite is a little lighter than diamond, so a moissanite of the same size weighs slightly less.
• Price. This is the big difference. Moissanite costs a fraction of what a diamond of a similar size and look would.

Is moissanite a "fake diamond"?

No. A fake, or simulant, is something like glass or cubic zirconia made to imitate diamond. Moissanite is a gemstone in its own right, with its own properties. It's harder and more brilliant than cubic zirconia and doesn't cloud over time. Just be honest about what it is when you give it: it's moissanite, and that's a good thing.

What to look for when you buy

• Color. Look for D, E or F for a colorless stone.
• The metal. Sterling silver, or gold over sterling silver, gives you a real precious-metal setting at an everyday price.
• The setting. Claw or prong settings let in the most light, so the stone sparkles more.

Our moissanite solitaire

Our 1 Carat Moissanite Solitaire Necklace ($69.95) puts all of this into one piece: a single D-color moissanite in a claw setting, on gold-tone 925 sterling silver. It's a classic solitaire you can wear every day, and an easy gift for an anniversary or birthday.

Moissanite is tough, but its setting and chain still need a little care. Our guide on how to care for your jewelry covers cleaning and storage.