Moissanite vs Diamond: A Simple Guide for Choosing Your Centre Stone

If you love the look of a diamond but want more size for your budget—and a stone that’s tough enough for daily wear—moissanite is a brilliant option. It’s a laboratory-grown gem with exceptional sparkle, high durability, and a clean ethical profile. Below is a clear, no-nonsense guide to help you decide if moissanite suits your engagement ring or fine-jewellery piece.

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What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide (SiC). It was first identified in microscopic crystals within a meteor crater, but natural moissanite is far too rare and tiny for jewellery. The stones you see in rings and pendants are grown in modern labs, then cut and polished just like diamonds.

Why it looks diamond-like:

• Moissanite is highly refractive (it bends light strongly), which creates intense brightness and colourful fire—many people describe it as “extra sparkly.”

• It’s cut in familiar shapes—round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, princess—so it suits all classic settings.

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Quick Comparison: Moissanite vs Diamond

In everyday life, most people can’t tell moissanite from diamond without tools. Experts can—mainly by the extra fire and optical characteristics.

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Why People Choose Moissanite

1) Bigger Look for Your Spend

Moissanite typically costs far less than a diamond of similar size. That means you can choose a larger centre stone or allocate budget to a premium setting (platinum, pavé band, hidden halo, etc.).

2) Real-World Durability

With hardness around 9.25–9.5, moissanite resists scratches and abrasion exceptionally well. It’s perfectly suited to everyday rings.

3) Ethical & Low-Impact

Because it’s laboratory grown, moissanite avoids mining and offers consistent, transparent sourcing—a strong match for sustainability-minded couples.

4) Near-Flawless Clarity

Quality moissanite is cut to show minimal visible inclusions. You get a clean, lively face-up without chasing high clarity grades.

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Things to Know (So You’re Never Surprised)

The “Rainbow” Effect

Moissanite shows more coloured fire than diamonds, especially under spotlights or strong sun. Some people love the kaleidoscope sparkle; others prefer the whiter, crisper look of diamond. If you like subtlety, consider emerald or oval cuts and softer lighting for photos.

Colour Tone

Modern moissanite is produced in near-colourless to colourless ranges. If you’re sensitive to warmth:

• Pair near-colourless moissanite with yellow or rose gold for a harmonious look.

• Choose colourless grades for platinum or white gold.

Thermal Testers Don’t Help

Diamond testers that use heat can misread moissanite because moissanite conducts heat unusually well. Professional jewellers use multi-testers or visual diagnostics.

Resale Reality

Like most gems (including many diamonds), moissanite’s resale value varies. Choose it for beauty and practicality, not speculation.

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Moissanite in Popular Shapes & Settings

• Round Brilliant: Maximum sparkle; the “most diamond-like” look.

• Oval / Pear / Marquise: Flattering elongation and larger face-up for the carat. Check that the bow-tie (dark band) is minimal.

• Emerald / Asscher (step cuts): Clean, architectural flashes; shows craftsmanship and clarity.

• Cushion / Radiant / Princess: Modern fire with soft or sharp corners—beautiful with halos and pavé.

Settings that suit moissanite beautifully:

• Solitaire (classic, timeless)

• Hidden or classic halo (amplifies sparkle and presence)

• Bezel (sleek and protective; great for active lifestyles)

• Three-stone (romantic symbolism + width on the finger)

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Care & Cleaning (Easy!)

Moissanite doesn’t cloud or lose brilliance, but like any gem it can collect oils/lotions.

• Weekly at home: Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, soft brush, rinse, pat dry.

• Occasional deep clean: Jewellery cleaner safe for gemstones or professional ultrasonic (if the setting allows).

• Avoid: Harsh chemicals and rough knocks to prongs; store pieces separately.

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Who Should Pick Moissanite?

• You value size, sparkle and durability at a friendly price.

• You prefer lab-grown, traceable stones.

• You love a vivid, fiery look—especially in round and cushion cuts.

• You want a stunning engagement ring without stretching the budget.

If you’re set on the traditional diamond character (especially the distinct white sparkle in certain lighting) or you care about geological rarity, a diamond—natural or lab-grown—may feel more “you.” And that’s okay! At Aurumya we happily show both so you can pick with confidence.

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Moissanite FAQs

Will it scratch?
Moissanite is extremely hard and resists everyday scratching. Diamonds are harder, but both are excellent for daily wear.

Will it get cloudy?
No. Any dullness is usually surface residue—a quick clean restores the sparkle.

Can I pair moissanite with diamond accents?
Absolutely. You can also choose lab-grown diamond accents for a fully lab-crafted, ethical ring.

Does it work with all metals?
Yes—platinum, 18k yellow, white, or rose gold. Choose the metal that suits your skin tone and style.

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The Aurumya Approach

We hand-select moissanite for balanced proportions, strong light performance, and clean face-up beauty. Then we craft your ring in Australia using durable settings and refined finishing so it looks exquisite from every angle.

Want to compare moissanite and diamond side-by-side?
Message our team—tell us your preferred shape, size range, and metal. We’ll share real photos/videos, explain trade-offs in plain English, and help you build the perfect ring for your story.