Moissanite or diamond? Choose moissanite if you like bright rainbow flashes and want more choice within your budget. Choose a lab-grown or natural diamond if you want a diamond's look and material. All three can work for a ring you wear often. The setting and fit matter too.
They may look alike in a photo. In person, the light they give off can feel quite different. Start with the look you enjoy, then compare the full piece and its price.
Moissanite vs diamond at a glance
On a small screen, swipe across the table to see all three stones.
| What to compare | Moissanite | Lab-grown diamond | Natural diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide | Carbon | Carbon |
| Origin | Jewellery stones are lab-created | Grown in a lab | Formed in the earth |
| Look | Strong rainbow flashes | Diamond sparkle; the cut affects the look | Diamond sparkle; the cut affects the look |
| Scratch resistance | About 9.25 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Wear and care | Can chip if hit; check the setting | Can chip if hit; check the setting | Can chip if hit; check the setting |
| Price | Often the lower-cost choice for a similar stone size | Usually costs less than a similar natural diamond | Usually costs more than a similar lab-grown diamond |
| May suit you if | You want strong sparkle at a lower cost | You want diamond with a lab-grown origin | You value a stone formed in nature |
Hardness measures how well a stone resists scratches. It does not mean the stone cannot break. The Mohs scale is not a percentage score. [1]
What will you notice when you wear it?
Moissanite often shows more flashes of colour in sunlight or spot lighting. These flashes are called fire. [3] You may love that bright look, or prefer the light pattern of diamond.
Ask to see the stone in daylight and normal room light. View it from more than one angle. A close-up under bright shop lights will not show how it looks all day.
Compare the whole piece, not just the stone
A silver moissanite ring and a gold diamond ring differ in more than the stone. The metal, its weight, the work and the seller's service all affect the price.
- Compare stones with a similar width in millimetres. Carat is a measure of weight, not size.
- Check the metal and its purity. Keep these the same where you can.
- Ask for the full price, including taxes and any size changes.
- Read the return and repair terms before you pay.
Prices change, so use current quotes. There is no single saving that applies to every pair of rings.
Which stone fits what you want?
Choose moissanite for bright fire and value
It may suit you if you enjoy rainbow flashes and want a piece you can wear often. Pick a secure setting that feels good on your hand.
Choose lab-grown diamond if you want diamond
A lab-grown diamond is diamond. It has the same core material and crystal structure as a natural diamond. Its origin is different. [2] It may suit you if you want that look without the cost of a similar mined stone.
Choose natural diamond if origin matters to you
You may value a gem formed in the earth or want it for a family tradition. Buy for those reasons and your own taste. A resale price is not guaranteed for any of these choices.
What should the report tell you?
Ask for the stone's name in writing. Check who issued any report and what it covers. A stone report does not set the value of the finished ring.
Myraé offers HIDL and/or GRA documents on request for applicable pieces. Ask which report is available for the piece you choose. Reports from different labs may cover different checks.
See how moissanite looks in a finished piece
- Heart's Desire Solitaire Ring: a heart-cut stone in a simple prong setting.
- First Sparkle Studs: round stones in a four-prong setting.
- Silver Keystone Pendant: an arch-shaped design with a moissanite centre.
Open each product for its current price and stock. For help with size or sparkle, ask to see a piece on video. You can also browse rings or use our moissanite buying guide.
Questions buyers ask
Is moissanite a lab-grown diamond?
No. Moissanite is silicon carbide. A lab-grown diamond is carbon, just like a natural diamond. They are different stones.
Can people tell them apart by eye?
Some people notice the stronger rainbow flashes in moissanite. A photo or a quick glance is not a reliable test. A trained gem expert can use the right tools to identify the stone.
Can I wear a moissanite ring every day?
Yes, with care. Remove it for heavy work, the gym and swimming. Have loose prongs checked before you wear it again. The silver setting needs care as well as the stone.
Will moissanite lose its sparkle?
Oil and soap can leave a dull film on the surface. Gentle cleaning can remove this build-up. A chipped stone or damaged setting needs a jeweller's check.
Is moissanite the same as cubic zirconia?
No. They are different materials. Moissanite is harder, so it resists scratches better. Cubic zirconia is often a lower-cost choice. Read our moissanite vs cubic zirconia guide for a closer look.