Moissanite vs Diamond: Which Ethical Stone Is Right for Your Engagement Ring?

• Ethical diamonds are either lab-created or mined responsibly. Ethical moissanite is always lab-created.

• Colorless moissanite and diamond are nearly identical, with the most significant difference visible in their fire.

• Both lab-created ethical diamonds and moissanite are responsible; however, mined ethical diamonds still impact land and water.

• The choice of stone depends on your values and preferences: traditionalists focused on investments and heirlooms choose diamonds, while those with modern values who prioritize affordability over tradition often prefer moissanite.

Choosing an Ethical Engagement Ring

Today’s soon-to-be-engaged couples understand the importance of doing their part to avoid unethical practices, like diamond mining. This shift to make the world a better place has driven growing demand for ethical engagement rings, causing many people to question whether diamonds still have their place at the forefront of the wedding scene.

Now that we have high-quality gemstones, like lab-created diamonds and moissanite, choosing an ethical engagement ring has never been easier or full of options. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between moissanite vs diamond to help you decide which ethical stone is right for you.

What Is an Ethical Diamond?

Diamonds have been the traditional engagement ring gem for nearly a century, but they weren’t always the go-to stone. It wasn’t until the late 1930s, when mining practices made these gems more accessible, and the jeweler De Beers’ famous "A Diamond is Forever" campaign was released, that diamonds became the norm.

But this fame came with an ethical price. Mining practices came with deadly dangers to workers, environmental damage, and social conflict. Ethical diamonds give jewelry wearers the beauty of a diamond without these negative associations.

Ethical diamonds aren’t always lab-created, but they can be. The definition means that the gem you choose has been responsibly sourced, is conflict-free, and has a transparent supply chain. These diamonds are certified under the Kimberley Process and other reputable standards. 

What Is Ethical Moissanite?

There’s a difference between lab-created diamonds and responsibly sourced mined diamonds, but both are considered ethical. Because of their rarity and the demand, though, they tend to be the most expensive gemstones. To offset costs and improve supply and demand, many jewelers use ethical moissanite instead of diamonds.

Is moissanite more ethical than diamond? Not necessarily. However, it gives you a nearly identical look at a more affordable price.

Natural moissanite is made of silicon carbide and is extremely rare. It is found in meteorites that have crashed into Earth and is naturally occurring in a select few places. Because of this rarity, all moissanite jewelry you’ll see in general shops is lab-created. As long as the jeweler provides transparent sourcing reports, you can be confident your moissanite gems are ethical.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Side-by-Side Comparison

Whether a moissanite vs diamond engagement ring is right for you is a matter of personal preference. Both rings are available in ethical versions, and each has its own pros and cons. Here, we’ve included a moissanite vs diamond comparison chart for clarity.

Appearance & Brilliance

The first concern for most people is whether it’s easy to tell the stone is moissanite rather than a diamond. The two gems look extremely similar at first glance because of their color. However, colorless moissanite refracts rainbow hues, while diamonds display white spectra. Moissanite is usually colorless but is also available in a range of colors, including red, green, purple, blue, and pink. The brilliance of moissanite varies by color and lighting, while diamonds shine brightly and consistently in any light.

Durability & Hardness

The slogan, “Diamonds are forever,” comes partly from the fact that these gems are the hardest substance known to us. Scientists rank gems and other objects on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, with 10 being the most durable and hardest. Diamonds sit squarely at the top with a 10 rating. That’s not to say anything lower isn’t hard or durable. Moissanite’s 9.25 ranking is still quite impressive!

When we look at moissanite vs diamond durability, the difference means that diamonds are slightly more resistant to scratching and breaking. Moissanite and diamonds can withstand daily wear and tear and last long enough to become valuable heirlooms to pass down through generations. Still, if they aren’t taken care of or are exposed to sharp blows, either gem can crack or chip.

Maintenance & Care

Moissanite and diamonds have a low-maintenance routine. An occasional gentle soap-and-water scrub with a soft brush removes oils and buildup that dull the stone’s sparkle. It’s important to maintain your stone and the setting it is in to ensure longevity. Follow your jeweler's care instructions, and be sure to take your engagement ring in for regular inspections to monitor prongs and edges for signs of damage. 

Cost Comparison

There are a few ways to adjust your ring choice to fit your budget. Both moissanite and diamonds follow the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color, and carat), although the grading system is different for each gem. 

Choosing a stone that sits a little lower in one of these areas can substantially lower the cost while giving you a gem that still appears high-quality. Moissanite jewelry prices are often 10-20% lower than comparable diamond prices, giving you the opportunity to get a higher carat or cut at a lesser cost than a similar diamond ring.

Moissanite vs Diamond Engagement Ring: Which Looks Better?

With the shift in engagement rings, there isn’t a “normal” expectation of how your stone is supposed to look anymore. Instead, you can choose moissanite or diamond rings based on your preference. Moissanite gives you more options for color, while diamonds keep the classic appeal favored by many. Moissanite’s fire range creates a rainbow of color, and diamonds sparkle with the white shine we’ve come to know and love. Ultimately, it comes down to finding the ring that continuously takes your breath away every time you see it on your finger.

Ethical & Environmental Impact: Which Stone Is More Responsible?

If your main concern is for the environment, lab-created gems are the way to go. These stones are created without any habitat destruction or large-scale mining operations. Both diamonds and moissanite require significant energy to grow in labs, but this still results in a minimal environmental footprint compared to natural diamond production. Be cautious of the term “ethical diamond,” as it can also refer to gems sourced using responsible mining standards, traceable supply chains, and certifications, but that disturb land and water and promote carbon emissions.

Pros and Cons Summary

Should your engagement ring be moissanite or diamond? Consider these pros and cons to guide your decision.

Moissanite: Pros & Cons

Moissanite’s advantages over ethical diamonds are numerous. Moissanite is more affordable than comparable diamonds, and you don’t sacrifice sparkle for cost. It is always lab-created, ensuring ethical standards are followed from start to finish. The downside is that moissanite has a lower resale value, and its rainbow fire and color differences may be noticed by a traditional diamond buyer.

Diamond: Pros & Cons

Ethical diamonds remain in high demand, even with such impressive alternatives as moissanite. This favoritism continues to be connected to the timeless brilliance, unrivaled hardness, and traditional expectations of buyers — diamonds are, after all, eternal, and what better way to showcase your love? However, ethical diamonds have a higher price tag, and, when responsibly mined, continue to use significant land-disturbing resources. No matter which type of mined diamond you choose, the ethical practices behind sourcing these stones remain murky.

Who Should Choose Moissanite?

Do you prioritize your finances and budget over cultural norms and expectations? Are sustainable, ethical practices some of your main values? Those who want a modern, affordable ring sourced ethically, and who don’t mind losing the “prestige” of a diamond for a suitable alternative, should choose moissanite.

Who Should Choose a Diamond?

Do you want an heirloom that sparkles with cultural tradition and symbolism? Is the brilliance of a diamond and the prestige associated with the stone important to you? Those who prefer a timeless classic and don’t mind investing in jewelry should choose an ethical diamond ring.

Final Verdict: Moissanite vs Diamond - Which Is Right for You?

It’s time for the final answer. Is moissanite or diamond right for you? The verdict comes down to your values and style. For maximum sparkle with affordability and no mining concerns, moissanite is your stone. For tradition, heritage, and the classic white brilliance, diamond rings are for you. Either way, the design and setting matter. At Valerie Madison, our jewelry is ethically sourced with a transparent supply chain from start to finish. Visit us online or in person to find the perfect ethical stone for your engagement ring today.

FAQs

Is moissanite more ethical than diamond?

Moissanite is always lab-created, making it more ethical than mined diamonds. Lab-created diamonds follow the same processes as lab-created moissanite, but require more energy to produce.

Does moissanite last as long as a diamond?

With regular maintenance and care, moissanite can last as long as a diamond.

Can people tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?

Colorless moissanite is nearly indistinguishable from diamonds at first glance. If you know what you’re looking for, you’ll recognize the difference in fire. 

Is moissanite suitable for everyday wear?

Moissanite’s 9.25 rating makes it hard and durable enough to withstand everyday wear.