Is a Moissanite a real diamond?
No, Moissanite is its own gemstone.This means that Moissanite sparkles differently, has a different hardness, and a different chemical makeup than Diamond. Practically, Moissanite has much more colored sparkle (“fire”) than a Diamond, it is a 9.25 on the hardness scale (Diamond is a 10), and Moissanite is carbon silicate (whereas Diamond is pure carbon). This means your Moissanite will repel dirt and oil better than a diamond!
In addition, Moissanite is a man-made gemstone, meaning it can be cut in any size or shape you want! Natural diamonds are limited to the size and shape the Earth grows them. So, choosing a Moissanite for your engagement ring center stone gives you a ton of flexibility. It is also super sustainable – no mining is needed when you choose Moissanite!
Are there different grades of Moissanite rings?
Yes. There are three basic grades of Moissanite. When Moissanite first came out, technology had only advanced so far as to make yellowish-green stones. We call this “classic” Moissanite, and it is still on the market (look out!). Because what people really wanted was a good diamond alternative, gem scientists continued to experiment. Today, Charles and Colvard offers colorless and near-colorless Moissanite. Colorless Moissanite looks like an E color diamond, whereas near-colorless Moissanite looks more like an H colored diamond. These newer stones are gorgeous Moissanite engagement ring options.
Left: Classic Moissanite | Middle: Forever One Near Colorless Moissanite | Right: Forever One Colorless Moissanite
What should I know when buying a Moissanite ring?
Does Moissanite have resale value?
Yes! High end Forever One Moissanite rings have a healthy resale market. “We have seen a significant increase in both the amount of listings of moissanite rings as well as the amount of sales.” says Mara Opperman of IDoNowIDont.com, the engagement ring resale marketplace. So, while there is a persistent rumor circulating the web, the results speak for themselves. People who love moissanite love it brand new, and on the secondary market! So, you don’t need to worry.
Will you regret Moissanite?
Not if you love Moissanite for what it is, instead of what it isn’t. We have thousands of happy Moissanite customers! Couples who choose Moissanite because they like the super-firey look of it, or who love that it is super sustainable, will love their Moissanite forever. On the other hand, those who purchase Moissanite for the sole intent of trying to “pass it off” as a Diamond may wish they had that Diamond in the long run.
Will Moissanite last forever?
Yes it will. Moissanite is a beautiful gemstone that is very hard – a 9.25 on the hardness scale! So, just like a Diamond is forever, so too, is Moissanite. “Moissanite has become a popular choice for engagement rings. Moissanite, like diamond, is a very durable stone.” notes Opperman, citing IDoNowIDont’s increasing amount of estate and recycled Moissanite.
Is Moissanite ethical?
Yes! Moissanite is among the most ethical, sustainable engagement ring choices out there. This is because Moissanite is a man made stone. So, no mining is needed to give you a perfectly brilliant Moissanite.
Is your whole Moissanite ring sustainable?
One thing I think many people do not consider when purchasing their Moissanite engagement ring is, what about the side stones? If you choose a Moissanite center stone for sustainability purposes – did you also make sure your ring’s side stones were lab made or Moissanite too? What about the metal – is it recycled? And what about your moissanite wedding band? If you want to make sure your ring is super sustainable – make sure that the whole ring, and not just the Moissanite, is sustainably sourced.
Bonus! Choosing Lab Diamond side stones is the best way to get max sparkle!
Can I pass off my Moissanite ring as a diamond?
We personally don’t suggest trying to pass it off as a diamond because although they look very similar, there are visual differences that can be seen with the naked eye. Plus, we think Moissanite has its own bragging rights! There’s no shame in letting someone know you chose a super-sustainable gem that’s more brilliant than Diamond!
That said, colorless and near-colorless Moissanite do look similar to Diamond. And, Moissanite is also the only gemstone (other than Diamond) that “passes” as a Diamond on a standard handheld diamond point tester. But remember: Moissanite’s extreme fire (its dispersion is twice that of Diamond!) gives it away in most brilliant-cut stones.
Pro tip: Emerald and Asscher cut Moissanite “pass” much more easily, as these shapes glimmer instead of sparkle. So, that telltale fire isn’t as noticeable.
Left: 8x6mm Emerald Moissanite | Right: 9.5x7mm Emerald Diamond
How can you tell a diamond from a Moissanite ring?
Moissanite has telltale fire as well as facet doubling from a side view. So, when trying to tell if someone has a Moissanite ring or a diamond ring, move the ring around and watch its sparkle carefully. Does it have an equal amount of white and colored light? Or, does it have a ton of sparkly colored light? Stones with extreme fire may be a Moissanite. Another way to tell is by looking through the stone’s side facets down to the culet (the bottom point). If the culet appears doubled, you do not have a diamond.
Why is some Moissanite less expensive than other Moissanite?
Searching around for the right Moissanite ring center stone can be a bit confusing because of the extreme difference in price. However, this difference is easily explainable. Classic Moissanite (the yellowish-green one) is much less expensive than colorless and near-colorless Moissanite. Simply, it’s just not as pretty! Also, lesser quality Moissanite isn’t cut very well. I’ve even seen low-end Moissanite be cut the wrong direction, so all its facets look doubled head on! Yikes! So, when looking for your Moissanite engagement ring’s center stone, make sure you select a high quality, colorless gem like Forever One.
Left: Example of doubling on table of Moissanite | Right: Example of doubling on side of Moissanite
How much is a Moissanite engagement ring?
The cost of your Moissanite ring is the cost of the Moissanite center stone plus your ring setting. Do Amore recommends man made diamonds (also called lab created) for accent stones. However, we can custom create your moissanite engagement ring or moissanite wedding band with accent moissanite, too! So, if you want a fully sustainable Moissanite ring, simply write us a note that you want Moissanite accent stones when you place your order!
Carat Size | GIA Certified Diamond (Round, I-color, VS2) | Classic Moissanite | Forever One Moissanite | |
.5 | $1,300+ | $89 | $269 | |
1.0 | $5,000+ | $269 | $599 | |
1.5 | $13,000+ | $449 | $1,049 |
How can I buy a Moissanite ring?
Right here!Start by choosing a setting, or, start by choosing your gorgeous Moissanite center stone.
Once you’ve selected your ring or Moissanite, simply select “pair with” and then select what’s missing. Do Amore offers a selection of truly beautiful rings made with conflict-free diamonds (or Moissanite!) side stones, along with recycled metals. If you’re looking for a moissanite wedding band, we can make you one! And, every ring purchased from Do Amore helps build a well for an international community in need.
Victoria with a 7.5mm Hearts & Arrows Moissanite
Can you help me design my Moissanite ring?
We’d love to! Send us a note here, or email us at care@doamore.com. We have been working with Moissanite for a long time and love it. We’ll help you select a beautiful center stone for your perfect Moissanite engagement ring!