Moissanite vs. Simulated Diamond : What's the Difference?

We all love gemstones, especially diamonds, but diamonds are only a pocket-friendly option for some. As the solution, we have other gemstones that perfectly fit as a diamond alternative and can be used for everyday wear. But here’s the main question that pops up: Which gemstone should you choose to wear for the rest of your life? With the options available in the market this can be not very clear.  

That’s what we are here for, we have been providing you with all the details you require to make the right choice through our blogs. Moissanite, Diamonds, Lab Diamonds and many more we have been discussing with you. Today In this article we will be discussing Moissanite and Simulated Diamonds. 

Since you have searched for Moissanite and Simulated diamond I guess you are aware about the basic market terms for both of these gemstones, like they are diamond alternatives, more affordable than diamonds, etc. In this blog post, you will find everything you need to know to help you decide which one might be the perfect fit for you.

Moissanite

Moissanite is a stunning gemstone that’s often seen as a perfect alternative to diamonds. Naturally discovered in a meteor crater by Henri Moissan in 1893. While it had a natural origin back then, today, Moissanite is mostly created in labs using silicon carbide which makes it a man-made gemstone.

Don’t worry you can still purchase a natural moissanite if you wish to. What makes Moissanite stand out as a different gemstone from other options is its stunning beauty—it sparkles flashes of fire and rainbow colours, thanks to its higher refractive index compared to diamonds. Moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond, it offers durability, is scratch-resistant, and it even has a dust-repellent nature, making it perfect for everyday wear in jewellery or specifically engagement rings.

What’s best about Moissanite is it’s much more affordable than diamonds and comes in a variety of shapes and colours, giving you plenty of options to choose from. With all of these properties of moissanite, there is no doubt why it has become a top choice for those seeking a beautiful, unique, and budget-friendly gemstone or a diamond alternative.

Simulated Diamond

A simulated diamond is created specifically as a diamond duplicate, whereas moissanite can also be considered for its own nature. A simulated diamond is different from a lab-created diamond because it is made using material that looks similar to a diamond but does not have the same physical or chemical properties as of a natural diamond.

These simulants are created to mimic the appearance of natural diamonds at a budget-friendly price so everyone can afford it but they don’t offer the hardness of diamond as anything equivalent to it which makes it difficult to consider it as an everyday wear choice for your engagement ring or any other important jewelry piece. 

Should I buy Moissanite or Simulated diamond?

It can be difficult to choose between Moissanite and Simulated diamond, It’s like choosing between Moissanite and simulated diamonds is like choosing between a luxury car and a trendy scooter—both will get you where you want to go but both will give you totally different experiences. 

Moissanite offers properties like luxury class but in a way affordable budget. It will give you an expensive look with fire and colors sparkle more than a natural diamond. It will not fade away easily, Moissanite is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 9.25 which is as hard as a natural diamond. You can wear moissanite gemstones in everyday life without being worried about the starches. Moissanite offers a wide variety of color options and sizes which can add great value if are want something specifically customised. 

On the other side, Simulated diamonds are also a very affordable option but it is not a very good choice for a jewelry piece like your engagement ring. Simulated diamonds are less durable which means their beauty can fade away with time. They are presented to you as an alternative option which means they have no speciality to offer other then being a diamond alternative.

They are less hard then moissanite, have fewer options for customization and are created In the lab using a material similar to a diamond but they don’t have the same physical and chemical properties. Simulated diamond can be a good choice for your fashion jewellery but not your lifelong partner in sparkle.

Conclusion

Moissanite and Simulated are two totally different gemstones. Their appearance can look alike but their properties hold plenty of differences. While making a choice between Moissanite and simulated diamonds or any other gemstones you are comparing, it’s important to consider what you are looking for in a gemstone. Every gemstone is unique in its own way. What suits you best depends on what you are looking for in a gemstone. 

Between these two gemstones, Moissanite offers better qualities as compared to simulated diamonds, making it a perfect fit for those seeking a diamond-like appearance without the expensive price tag. The best part is you will end up having a gemstone that is long-lasting and suitable for everyday wear on an affordable budget and low maintenance. 

Simulated diamonds are affordable too, but may not match Moissanite’s durability or fire but still offer a convincing diamond-like look appearance, however, it can lose its beautiful appearance in a short time period or as early as compared to moissanite. They’re a great option for those on a budget who want the look of a diamond for fashion jewellery or occasional wear but I can’t suggest you buy a simulated diamond for your engagement ring or similar jewellery piece. At the end, your choice will depend on whether you prioritise long-term durability and brilliance or a more budget-friendly approach to achieving a similar style.

FAQs

1. What's better, moissanite or simulated diamond?

Moissanite is generally considered better than simulated diamonds due to its superior durability, brilliance, and long-term value. It closely resembles a diamond in hardness and sparkle, making it a more reliable option for daily wear. Simulated diamonds, while affordable, lack the durability and lasting beauty of Moissanite, making them less suitable for long-term wear.

2. Is simulated diamond good quality?

Simulated diamonds can be of good quality in terms of appearance but lack the physical and chemical properties of real diamonds. They are created to mimic the look of a diamond but are generally less durable and can fade or lose their brilliance over time, especially when compared to Moissanite or natural diamonds.

3. How does the weight of moissanite compare to a simulated diamond?

Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamonds and some simulated diamonds. It has a lower specific gravity, meaning that for the same carat weight, Moissanite will appear slightly larger than a simulated diamond. However, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday wear.

4. Are there any special instructions for moissanite and simulated diamonds?

Moissanite requires minimal care due to its durability and resistance to scratches. It can be cleaned easily with mild soap and water. Simulated diamonds, on the other hand, are softer and more prone to scratching and clouding, so they require more careful handling and regular cleaning to maintain their sparkle.

5. How does the appearance of moissanite compare to that of simulated diamonds?

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than simulated diamonds, giving it more brilliance and fire (colorful flashes). While simulated diamonds can look similar to real diamonds initially, they often lack the same level of sparkle and can become dull over time. Moissanite’s brilliance tends to last much longer.

6.How do the costs of moissanite and simulated diamonds compare?

Simulated diamonds are generally cheaper than Moissanite. However, Moissanite offers better long-term value due to its durability, brilliance, and resemblance to real diamonds. While simulated diamonds may have a lower upfront cost, they may need to be replaced sooner due to their tendency to lose luster and scratch easily.

7. Which Is better for engagement rings: moissanite or simulated diamonds?

Moissanite is a far better option for engagement rings due to its hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, and durability. It will retain its sparkle for a lifetime. Simulated diamonds, while affordable, are less durable and more prone to wear, making them less suitable for something as significant as an engagement ring.

8. Can moissanite or simulated diamonds be used in fine jewellery?

Yes, both can be used in fine jewelry, but Moissanite is the preferred choice due to its durability and ability to maintain its brilliance over time. Simulated diamonds are often used in fashion or costume jewelry but may not hold up as well in fine jewelry meant for long-term wear, such as engagement rings or heirloom pieces.