Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone that looks remarkably like a diamond. It is also the most misunderstood option on most jewellery websites. Here is the honest side-by-side, written for someone in the UK who is trying to decide between the two.
What moissanite actually is
Moissanite is silicon carbide. It was first discovered in a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893 by Henri Moissan; natural moissanite is microscopic and rare. Everything you can buy today is grown in a laboratory. It is not a "fake diamond" — it is a distinct gemstone with its own properties.
Price: the headline difference
A 1ct equivalent moissanite solitaire ring typically costs between €150 and €400. A comparable 1ct mined diamond solitaire in a high-street UK jeweller will start at €2,000 and run well past €5,000. Even a lab-grown diamond in the same size will usually cost more than a moissanite ring.
Hardness and durability
Diamond is 10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest known natural material. Moissanite scores 9.25. In practice both are more than hard enough for daily wear; neither will scratch from normal knocks. Moissanite is actually slightly tougher than diamond under impact, which means it is less likely to chip along an edge.
The look: fire and brilliance
Moissanite has higher "fire" than diamond — it disperses light into rainbow colours more obviously. Some people love this; others find it slightly too much, especially under bright LED lighting. Modern high-grade moissanite (often sold as "colourless" or "near-colourless") looks very close to a diamond to the naked eye at arm's length. Under a loupe, you may see a characteristic double refraction that diamond does not have.
Side-by-side comparison
| Mined diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (1ct solitaire) | €2,000–€6,000+ | €150–€400 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 9.25 |
| Fire / rainbow sparkle | Moderate | High |
| Ethical story | Depends on source | Lab-grown, no mining |
| Grading report | GIA / IGI | GRA |
| Resale value | Modest, drops fast | Very low |
Who should choose moissanite?
Moissanite is the right call if: you want a larger centre stone for the budget, you prefer an ethical lab-grown story, and you are not buying the ring as a financial asset. It is a less obvious choice if: your partner specifically wants a "real diamond", or you care about resale value (which, honestly, almost no engagement ring holds anyway).
What to check when buying moissanite
- Ask for the GRA report card — it should list carat, cut, colour grade and dimensions.
- Buy "colourless" or "near-colourless" grade; cheaper grades have a noticeable grey or green tint.
- Check the return window — reputable EU/UK online sellers offer 14–30 days.
- Read our moissanite durability guide for care specifics.