Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Sparkles Brightest? - Blog

Choosing an engagement ring, wedding band, or any special occasion ring is thrilling. You get to choose the metal, style, stone shape, and more. Selecting the perfect center stone is a simple choice for some, but deciding between a beautiful moissanite and a stunning diamond can be challenging.

At Olive Ave Jewelry, we offer both options, and we understand the unique draws to these high-quality gemstones. Our dedicated jewelry team helps customers find their perfect stone, tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Use this trusted guide to help you choose between moissanite and diamonds, and reach out for tailored support.

Understanding the Origins: Diamonds and Moissanite

Choosing between a diamond engagement ring and a moissanite engagement ring is easier when you understand their origins.

Diamonds

Diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, are composed of pure carbon, giving them their unparalleled brilliance and durability. However, their origins and characteristics make each type unique.

Formed deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure, natural diamonds crystallize over millions of years before being brought to the surface by rare volcanic eruptions, known as Kimberlite eruptions. This time-intensive natural process gives each diamond unique characteristics and a timeless allure, making them a meaningful symbol of love.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced methods like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT). These processes replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form, resulting in diamonds that are chemically identical to their natural counterparts. Unlike moissanite, which is uniformly cut and appears identical, each lab-grown diamond possesses its own unique characteristics, requiring expert cutting and refining to reveal its brilliance.

Olive Ave Jewelry is dedicated to providing ethically sourced stones, whether natural or lab-grown. Each diamond we offer, regardless of its origin, represents a timeless and enduring love, crafted to reflect the individuality of your story.

Moissanite

Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide crystals, which are grown in controlled lab environments using high-temperature furnaces. While moissanite does occur naturally, it is extremely rare, making lab-created moissanite the primary option available. These lab-grown stones replicate the brilliance and durability of natural moissanite, offering a sustainable and stunning choice for fine jewelry.

Once the crystals are formed, skilled artisans cut and polish them to enhance their brilliance and fire. Premium-quality moissanite, like the kind offered at Olive Ave Jewelry, is nearly colorless and has exceptional sparkle due to its high refractive index.

Similarities Between Moissanite and Diamonds

Comparing moissanite vs. diamond for engagement ring stones requires understanding their similarities as well as their differences. Both of these gemstones are gorgeous options for your center stone and side stones.

Color Range: Color refers to the presence or absence of hue in a gemstone, influencing its appearance, quality, and value. Both diamonds and moissanite are available in bright white options, ensuring a timeless brilliance.
Diamonds: At Olive Ave Jewelry, we recommend D-G color grades for lab-grown diamonds and D-H for natural diamonds, ensuring a radiant, white look for your engagement ring.
Moissanite: Our moissanite gemstones are exclusively colorless, offering a stunning, diamond-like appearance. Unlike other diamond alternatives, moissanite does not get cloudy, scratch, or change colors over time, maintaining its beauty and brilliance for years to come.
Durability for a Lifetime: We emphasize quality and durability, which means both options are perfect for everyday wear, ensuring your chosen stone stands the test of time. Additionally, moissanite is a 9.25-9.50 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is harder than all other gemstones except diamonds, which are a 10.
Ethical and Eco-Conscious Choices: Olive Ave Jewelry is committed to providing sustainable options, whether through ethically sourced diamonds or lab-grown moissanite. Our diamonds are Gemological Institute of America or International Gemological Institute certified and come from premier suppliers dedicated to their craft.

Our moissanite gemstones are sourced from Always, Olive Ave Jewelry’s exclusive moissanite brand, and Charles & Colvard®, a trusted name in lab-grown moissanite since 1995. Both offer exceptional quality and brilliance, ensuring every piece is as stunning as it is timeless.

Key Differences Between Moissanite and Diamonds

Choose between diamond and moissanite rings with confidence. Discover the differences between these two stunning stones.

Brilliance and Sparkle

The sparkle of a stone is determined by several factors, including refractive index, fire dispersion, cut, and more. The refractive index (RI) measures how much light a gemstone reflects, directly affecting its brilliance. Fire dispersion refers to the gemstone’s ability to split white light into a spectrum of colors.

Diamonds: Diamonds have an RI of 2.417-2.419 and a moderate dispersion of 0.044, delivering the classic, sought-after sparkle. Part of the brilliance of diamonds is in the depth of sparkle.
Moissanite: Moissanite’s unique rainbow-like brilliance comes from its RI of 2.69 and a dispersion of 0.104. The sparkle of moissanite stones can be a captivating alternative for those seeking a different kind of radiance.

Price and Investment

These gemstones vary in price, with mined diamonds often being the most expensive. While some may view stones as an investment, the true value of your ring lies in what it represents—your love, commitment, and unique story. It’s a timeless symbol of your connection, meant to be cherished for a lifetime.

Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced techniques, offering a more affordable option without compromising on brilliance or quality. Their consistent availability makes them an excellent choice for couples seeking stunning, ethical, and budget-friendly diamonds.
Natural diamonds, formed over millions of years within the Earth, are rarer due to their unique origin, which contributes to their higher market value. Both options are beautiful and timeless, allowing you to choose the one that best reflects your style and values.
Moissanite: Moissanites typically vary in price based on the size but come at a significantly lower cost than diamonds of equal size. These fiery gems are a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise beauty or durability.

Choosing the Right Gemstone for You

The possibilities are limitless at Olive Ave Jewelry, and we’re dedicated to helping you find your dream ring. From making budget considerations to fulfilling style preferences and ensuring symbolic meaning—we’re with you every step of the way.

Budget Considerations: At Olive Ave Jewelry, we offer engagement ring options to suit a range of budgets without compromising on beauty or quality. Whether you’re drawn to a classic solitaire, intricate vintage designs, or rings with lab-grown diamonds or moissanite, there’s a perfect piece for you. Our team is here to help you explore options that match your vision and price point, ensuring you find a ring that represents your love and fits comfortably within your budget.
Style Preferences: Whether you prefer the traditional allure of diamonds or the modern sparkle of moissanite, Olive Ave Jewelry offers guidance to match your taste. Our team offers in-depth virtual assistance and even custom design options to ensure you land on your dream ring, including the center stone.
Symbolic Meaning: Our jewelry team can help you choose a precious stone that represents your story, with diamonds as a classic choice and moissanite as a fresh, sustainable alternative.

Discover Your Sparkle with Olive Ave

At Olive Ave Jewelry, we combine expertise and true passion to help you confidently choose the perfect gemstone. Your dream piece reflects unique style and values, so whether you’re drawn to diamonds' timeless elegance or moissanite's brilliant affordability, we’re here to guide you.

Our jewelry team is a trusted partner in creating meaningful jewelry pieces, whether with diamonds or moissanite, designed to celebrate your love story or special moment. Explore our collection of engagement rings and fine jewelry to discover the gemstone that speaks to your heart.

Let us help you create a piece as extraordinary as you are. Visit Olive Ave Jewelry and discover your sparkle.