Simulated Diamond vs Moissanite: Which is the Better Option For Your Jewelry?
Whether you’re looking to spoil yourself or a loved one with a jewelry statement piece, you’ll find that there are tons of options at your disposal. From chains to bracelets, watches, rings, and more - the possibilities are endless.
But if you’re like the vast majority of people shopping for jewelry, the more difficult decision will be which of the many diamond alternatives is right for you. Let’s face it - genuine diamonds are expensive, impractical, and unethical. The good news is there are plenty of other options.
We’ll put two of the most common under the spotlight today: simulated diamonds vs moissanite. You’ll have a clear understanding of which is right for you as we’ll compare and contrast durability, appearance, price, versatility, and more.
The truth is, though, you can’t beat moissanite. That’s why it’s our stone of choice here at Adamans, your trusted choice for men’s jewelry online. Learn more below or discover the magic of moissanite firsthand today!
| Feature | Simulated Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance (Sparkle) | Good but less vibrant; reflects mostly white light. | Exceptional; higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) for intense sparkle and fire. |
| Durability | Prone to scratches and chips; hardness of 8.5 (CZ). | Highly scratch-resistant; hardness of 9.25. |
| Clarity | Often flawless at first but can cloud or degrade over time. | Typically flawless and retains its clarity indefinitely. |
| Cost | Highly affordable; ideal for temporary or fashion jewelry. | More expensive but offers long-term value. |
| Environmental and Ethical Impact | Lab-created, but frequent replacements may offset sustainability. | Lab-created, highly sustainable, and ethically sourced. |
| Diamond Tester Results | Fails diamond tester. | Passes diamond tester. |
| Longevity | Prone to dulling and wear over time. | Maintains brilliance and integrity for a lifetime. |
What is a Simulated Diamond?
Before we compare and contrast moissanite vs simulated diamond directly, let’s take a step back and examine the unique properties and appeal of each separately.
A simulated diamond is a gemstone crafted to replicate the appearance of a natural diamond - as the name suggests. Unlike mined diamonds or lab-grown diamonds, these are completely free of carbon crystals.
Instead, they’re made from alternative materials specifically designed to mimic a diamond’s brilliance, fire, and overall aesthetic. The end result is a visually similar alternative without the high price tag or environmental concerns.
The term “simulated diamond” encompasses a variety of stones. In fact, moissanite is often referred to as a simulated diamond - this is incorrect, though. As we’ll explain below, moissanite is its own unique material that exists in nature.
The most common type of simulated diamond is cubic zirconia, or CZ for short. It’s an affordable option that delivers excellent clarity and sparkle but is less durable than moissanite. We have a more thorough comparison of moissanite vs cubic zirconia in our blog.
Glass or crystal simulations are also fairly common. You get what you pay for, though, as these lower-cost options lack the sparkle and durability of higher-end alternatives.
White sapphires and spinels are also used as simulated diamonds in some cases. They’re a bit more natural but again, lack the brilliance you’d expect from anything looking to replicate a diamond. Here is a list of other options:
- Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG): A versatile option available in everything from colorless to flashy color styles. Crafted using the Czochralski method and a popular choice since 1960s.
- Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG): A classic choice similar to glass, but is rarely used today since other simulated diamonds are superior.
- Strontium Titanate: Made from the oxide of strontium and titanium (chemical formula SrTiO3). Exceeds the fire and brilliance of genuine diamonds.
- Plastic: That’s right - some jewelers even use plastic for their cheapest offerings.
Simulated diamonds are affordable, versatile, ethical, and low maintenance. They certainly have their place in affordable and sustainable jewelry. But, how do they compare to moissanite?
What is Moissanite?
Now, let’s look at the other half of the simulated diamond vs moissanite discussion. This unique gemstone was discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893 within a meteor crater in Arizona, and has quickly become the most popular diamond alternative in jewelry.
This mineral is composed of silicon carbide, which has a unique crystal structure that refracts light in a way that produces a stunning display of spectral colors. In fact, its refractive index ranges from 2.65 to 2.69. It bends light more than diamonds, putting out an intense sparkle.
Moissanite is also incredibly durable with a 9.25 ranking on the Mohs hardness scale - falling just short of diamond and making it the second hardest gem in the world. This means it resists scratches and chips, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Most moissanite is lab-made since it rarely occurs in nature. This is actually a good thing for jewelry enthusiasts, though, as it means you’re getting a precision-made stone that looks uniform throughout.
It also means you’re spoiling yourself (or a loved one) with a guilt-free piece of jewelry that was produced ethically. There are no environmental or social concerns with moissanite.
The best part? It’s a fraction of what you’d pay for genuine diamonds despite being just about as strong and far more brilliant. It’s no wonder moissanite is the #1 choice for diamond alternatives. But, which is better, simulated diamond or mosisanite? Let’s take a look below.
Simulated Diamond vs Moissanite: Key Differences to Consider
You might be starting to lean towards one or the other already after reading the unique characteristics of each. If not, here’s a more detailed comparison of moissanite vs simulated diamond to help you make the right choice.
Light Performance
Remember, moissanite is unmatched in its brilliance and fire with a high refractive index of 2.65-2.69. It reflects light more efficiently than most gemstones producing an intense sparkle and vibrant flashes of color.
That’s not today you won’t get a similar effect with simulated diamonds, though. CZ can produce impressive brilliance as well, although its light performance is less dynamic (less exciting) than moissanite.
These faux diamonds reflect white light well but lack the colorful fire seen in Moissanite. We’ll talk more about this in a moment, but their lower durability means that the fire will diminish over time as well.
This is to say that if your goal is to catch eyes and turn heads when you step into a room, you can’t beat moissanite. It’s a stunning gem that can’t even be matched by genuine diamonds.
Clarity and Appearance
It’s not just the light performance you need to consider in comparing simulated diamond vs moissanite, but clarity as well. This speaks to the stone’s uniformity.
Lab-grown moissanite is typically free from visible inclusions. It’s widely considered one of the most flawless-looking gemstones in the world with a consistent appearance that rivals (or exceeds) natural diamonds.
Meanwhile, simulated diamonds have stunning clarity initially but tend to lack the depth and optical complexity of Moissanite. As we touched on above, daily wear can cause them to lose clarity over time as well, leading to a glassy or foggy look that leaves much to be desired.
Durability
The last thing you want is your favorite piece to develop cracks or chips over time. Fortunately, this won’t be something you need to stress about if you opt for moissanite over simulated diamonds. You know now that it’s the strongest gemstone in the world besides diamonds.
With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale moissanite resists scratches and chips that could occur from daily wear or improper storage, looking as good a few years down the line as it did the day you bought it.
This doesn’t mean you can treat it poorly without consequence, of course. Rather, you have a bit more margin for error. That cannot be said for simulated diamonds.
Take CZ, for example. It’s Mohs ranking is just 8.5 - and it’s the strongest of all simulated diamonds! That means pieces crafted with fake diamonds tend to be more prone to scratches, chips, and general wear.
Cost Considerations
Whether you go with simulated diamond vs moissanite you’re getting a far more affordable piece than genuine diamonds. But which is more economical?
This is the one aspect that simulated diamonds have an edge over moissanite in - at least, so it would seem. They’re cheaper upfront. As we touched on earlier, though, you get what you pay for.
While Moissanite is more expensive than simulated diamonds, it will look better for longer. This is because of the balance between brilliance and durability. If you’re going to buy jewelry, you might as well do it right the first time around!
Sustainability and Ethics
Again, choosing between moissanite vs simulated diamond from an ethical perspective is a win-win. Both are far superior to mined gemstones since there is no environmental concern or human exploitation at play. We consider this to be a wash.
Diamond Tester Results
Let’s address the elephant in the room. You want your jewelry to be indistinguishable from genuine diamonds. While it’s unlikely anyone will ever put a diamond tester on your chain or bracelet, you’d rather be safe than sorry.
So, does moissanite pass diamond tester? Yes - its physical and optical properties are on par or superior to diamonds. Even professional jewelers will have a hard time spotting moissanite without specialized tools on hand.
In contrast, simulated diamonds do not pass a diamond tester. This is because they lack the carbon composition of diamonds. While the untrained eye may not notice, those who have seen real diamonds can quickly spot something is amiss.
Versatility in Jewelry
Both simulated diamond vs moissanite are versatile in that they can be used across a wide range of styles. Just take our selection here at Adamans, for example.
We have the basics if you want a moissanite chain, moissanite bracelet, or moissanite rings. But you can also find a moissanite watch, moissanite pendant, moissanite grillz, and more! The possibilities are endless.
The same can be said for simulated diamonds, to a certain extent at least. The catch here is that their lower durability means they’re not a great choice for high-impact items such as wedding rings or everyday bracelets. Stick with moissanite for these instead.
So, Which is Better: Moissanite or Simulated Diamond?
You should have a clear understanding of your next steps after reading through our moissanite vs simulated diamond comparison. If you’re still on the fence, though, which is better: moissanite or simulated diamond jewelry?
It’s clear that moissanite outshines simulated diamonds in every way (literally!). Its unmatched brilliance, superior durability, and ability to retain its beauty over time make it the undisputed choice for high-quality, long-lasting jewelry that makes a statement.
The only question now, is where can you find moissanite jewelry online to elevate your look in special occasions or everyday settings? Your search ends here at Adamans.
Our collections are hand-crafted in Italy, featuring certified 18K gold and .925 sterling silver for unmatched durability and shine. We back up every item with a lifetime warranty so you can shop with confidence.
While we believe moissanite is the material for you, we also have simulated diamond offerings crafted from CZ as well! You can also find VS or SI diamonds. We mean it when we say this is your one-stop shop.
From the various tennis chain sizes to moissanite cuban link, moissanite tennis chain, moissanite cross pendant, and even custom moissanite pendants, there is something for everyone in our catalog. Shop today and see what catches your eye!
Bringing Our Moissanite vs Simulated Diamond Comparison to a Close
That does it for our comparison of simulated diamond vs moissanite. While each is a better option than genuine diamonds, only one is right for your jewelry. You won’t find a gemstone that matches moissanite’s sparkle, resistance to wear, affordability, versatility, and ethical origins.
While simulated diamonds offer affordability for temporary use, Moissanite’s quality and longevity make it a better investment for jewelry that’s meant to last.
So as we wrap up this comparison of moissanite vs simulated diamond, there’s only one thing left to do - spoil yourself or that special someone at Adamans today. Discover the perfect combination of luxury and value with a piece that speaks to you!
