Moissanite is often presented as "the diamond alternative." That's an understatement: it's a gemstone in its own right, with its own qualities — some of which surpass those of diamond. Here's an honest comparison, criterion by criterion.
Brilliance: Advantage Moissanite
A gemstone's brilliance is measured by its refractive index and its fire (the dispersion of light into colored flashes).
- Moissanite: refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, fire of 0.104
- Diamond: refractive index of 2.42, fire of 0.044
Moissanite therefore reflects more light than diamond and produces more than twice as many rainbow flashes. In daylight, a well-cut moissanite "flashes" spectacularly — that's how connoisseurs recognize it.
Hardness: Nearly Equal
On the Mohs scale (which ranges from 1 to 10):
- Diamond: 10 — the hardest natural material
- Moissanite: 9.25 — harder than sapphire (9), ruby (9), and emerald (7.5-8)
Practically speaking, moissanite does not scratch with daily wear and is perfectly suitable for everyday jewelry, including an engagement ring. We detail this point in our guide on moissanite durability and care.
Price: 10 to 15 Times Cheaper
For equivalent size and quality, moissanite costs approximately 90% less than a diamond. A one-carat diamond solitaire retails between €4,000 and €8,000, while its moissanite equivalent can be found for a few hundred euros. Why such a difference? We explain this in our article dedicated to moissanite pricing.
Ethics: A Lab-Grown Gemstone
Moissanite used in jewelry is created in a laboratory. No mining, no conflicts related to extraction, a much lower environmental footprint than mined diamonds. For a generation that values meaning as much as sparkle, this is a decisive argument.
Can they be distinguished with the naked eye?
For an untrained eye: no. Moissanite is even regularly mistaken for diamond by long-time wearers. An equipped gemologist will distinguish them (especially by moissanite's birefringence and more pronounced fire), but in everyday life, no one will tell the difference — except by its superior sparkle.
The Verdict
| Criterion | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance (refraction) | 2.65 – 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire (dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Price (1 carat equiv.) | ≈ €100 – €500 | ≈ €4,000 – €8,000 |
| Origin | Laboratory, traceable | Mine (mostly) |
Diamond retains its status and symbolic value. But if you're looking for maximum sparkle, everyday durability, and a price that leaves room for the rest of your life, moissanite is a rational — and magnificent — choice.
Want to see the difference for yourself? Discover our moissanite rings, crafted in Paris.