Moissanite vs Diamond: The Ethical, Sparkling, and Affordable Gemstone You’ll Love

Moissanite: A Stunning Alternative with a Story of Its Own

Though it’s often compared to diamonds due to its similar appearance, moissanite is not a diamond. Much like sapphires or emeralds, moissanite is a genuine gemstone with its own remarkable qualities, chemical composition, and visual appeal. And while it shares the sparkle people love about diamonds, moissanite offers something more: greater brilliance, ethical origins, and a more accessible price point.

A Gemstone Born from the Stars

Moissanite’s story began in 1893 when Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan discovered microscopic crystals inside a meteor crater in Arizona. At first, he believed he had found diamond particles, but later identified them as a completely different mineral—silicon carbide. This cosmic origin led to the birth of a new gemstone, now known as moissanite.

Because natural moissanite is incredibly rare, the moissanite we use today is created in laboratories. This controlled growth process allows for precise quality, traceability, and a completely ethical and eco-friendly stone—no mining, no questionable labor practices, just pure brilliance.

How Moissanite Compares to Diamonds

Moissanite and diamonds may appear similar at first glance, but their core properties differ in several ways that make moissanite unique:

Composition

Diamonds are made of pure carbon, while moissanite is made from silicon carbide. This difference gives moissanite its distinct sparkle and ensures it's never mistaken for a diamond when examined closely.

Hardness

Moissanite ranks at 9.25–9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones available—second only to diamonds, which are rated at 10. This means moissanite is perfectly suited for daily wear and will stand the test of time.

Clarity

Thanks to its lab-grown nature, moissanite typically boasts exceptional clarity. At Filvera, our stones are selected for their VVS1–VVS2 grading, meaning they are virtually flawless to the naked eye and even under magnification.

Colour

Moissanite is graded primarily on colour, and most high-quality stones are in the near-colourless (G-H) range. While very subtle hints of colour may appear in certain lighting, they’re typically undetectable unless compared side-by-side with other gemstones.

Sparkle (Brilliance & Fire)

Moissanite outshines most gemstones when it comes to brilliance and fire. Its higher refractive index means it bends light more dramatically than a diamond, creating vibrant flashes of rainbow colour and white light. In sunlight, this results in a bold, sparkling effect that many find more eye-catching than that of a traditional diamond.

Affordable Luxury Without Compromise

One of moissanite’s greatest strengths is its value. Since it’s grown in labs, moissanite is significantly more affordable than a mined diamond of the same size and appearance. For example, while a 1.5-carat round-cut diamond can cost thousands, a moissanite stone of the same size and premium quality may cost only a fraction, allowing you to go bigger, bolder, and more personal without stretching your budget.

At Filvera, we believe luxury should be accessible. Moissanite allows us to craft exquisite, responsibly made jewellery that doesn't compromise on style, brilliance, or ethics.

Why Choose Moissanite?

1. Ethical & Sustainable: Lab-grown and conflict-free

2. Exceptional Sparkle: More brilliance and fire than many natural stones

3. Highly Durable: Suitable for lifelong wear

4. Incredible Value: Stunning looks at a lower cost

Final Thoughts

Moissanite isn’t a “fake diamond”—it’s a gemstone with its own cosmic origin, ethical edge, and unmatched sparkle. Whether you're choosing it for an engagement ring, a gift, or just something special for yourself, moissanite lets you shine your way boldly, beautifully, and with full confidence in your choice.

Back to blog

Leave a comment