Moissanite Price and Properties Compared to Diamonds

Moissanite is a gorgeous gemstone. It’s become super popular instead of diamonds because it sparkles a lot, lasts long, and doesn’t cost too much. So what’s moissanite really? Lots of folks wonder where it comes from, how it stacks up against diamonds, and if it’s good for engagement rings or other jewelry. Here we’ll tackle the top 10 questions about moissanite. We’ll give you the inside scoop with real examples to help you decide.

Table of Content

1. Is moissanite a natural or lab-created stone?
2. How does moissanite compare to diamonds?
3. Can moissanite pass as a diamond?
4. What colors does moissanite come in?
5. Is moissanite good for engagement rings?
6. How should I clean and care for moissanite?
7. Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?
8. What is the price range for moissanite?
9. Are there different quality grades of moissanite?
10. Where can I buy authentic moissanite jewelry?
11. Does moissanite hold its value over time?

Is moissanite a natural or lab-created stone?

A French scientist named Henri Moissan first found moissanite in 1893 inside a meteor crater. But naturally occurring moissanite is super rare.

Nowadays, almost all moissanite is made in labs. It looks and acts just like the natural stuff. Scientists use fancy tech to recreate how moissanite forms naturally.

This means you get the same great quality every time, plus it’s eco-friendly. That’s why earth-conscious buyers love it. Take my client Sarah – she picked a lab-made moissanite ring. She wanted something that didn’t hurt the planet or people. The GIA says lab moissanite is exactly the same as natural at the chemical level. Same sparkle, same toughness.

How does moissanite compare to diamonds?

People compare moissanite to diamonds since they look alike, but there are some big differences.

Moissanite actually sparkles more than diamonds – it’s got more fire and brilliance. On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores 9.

25, making it slightly less hard than diamonds (which score 10) but still highly durable for everyday wear. Price-wise? Moissanite is way cheaper – like 10-20% of what you’d pay for a same-size diamond. The International Gem Society says millennials and budget shoppers love moissanite because it’s both sparkly>sparkly and affordable. My buddy Jake went with a moissanite center stone. That let him spend more on the ring setting and wedding costs.

Can moissanite pass as a diamond?

If you’re not an expert, moissanite can look just like a diamond, especially in smaller pieces. But pros can tell them apart because moissanite sparkles differently and has double refraction.

Moissanite is gorgeous on its own – love it for what it is, not as a diamond wannabe. I remember Lisa – at first she wanted moissanite that looked exactly like diamond. But once she saw how it sparkles differently, she fell in love with it for its own beauty. The FTC says jewelers gotta be upfront – they must tell you if it’s moissanite or diamond.

What colors does moissanite come in?

You’ll mostly find moissanite in almost-clear colors (like D-E-F on the diamond scale). But it comes in yellow, green, and black too. The almost-clear ones are hottest for engagement rings since they look like top-notch diamonds.

Some companies tweak moissanite to get special colors, but this might make it less durable over time. A recent survey showed 78% of moissanite buyers go for the almost-clear stones. They’re versatile and timeless. My coworker Mark deals with colored moissanite. He says more young folks are choosing unique colors for custom jewelry.

Is moissanite good for engagement rings?

Moissanite is awesome for engagement rings – it’s tough, sparkly, and won’t break the bank.

At 9.25 on the hardness scale, it doesn’t scratch easily and can handle everyday wear.

Lots of couples love that they can get a bigger or better-looking stone for the money versus diamonds. As a jeweler, I’ve seen way more moissanite ring sales lately. Especially from couples who care about ethics and want to skip regular diamonds. Brilliant Earth’s moissanite ring sales jumped 120% from 2018 to 2021. Shows how tastes are changing.

How should I clean and care for moissanite?

Cleaning moissanite is easy – just like diamonds.

Just use warm soapy water and a soft brush to keep it looking great. Skip strong chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners unless your jeweler says it’s okay.

My client Emily used bleach on her moissanite bracelet – bad idea! It messed up the metal (the stones were fine though). The pros say get it professionally cleaned and checked every six months to keep it perfect. Keep moissanite away from other jewelry to avoid scratches. Actually, it’s more likely to scratch other gems than get scratched itself.

Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?

Some gems get dull over time, but moissanite keeps its sparkle forever if you take care of it.

The way it sparkles doesn’t fade, but daily grime can make it look less shiny until you clean it. A quick clean fixes that right up.

A 10-year study followed 100 moissanite stones. They didn’t lose any sparkle or fire the whole time. I’ve worn my moissanite pendant every day for 8 years. After each cleaning, it looks brand new. Just treat it like you would any nice gemstone.

What is the price range for moissanite?

Moissanite costs depend on how big it is, how good the quality is, and the cut.

A 1-carat size usually runs $300-$600. For 2 carats, expect $600-$1,500. That’s way cheaper than same-size diamonds.

The bigger the stone, the bigger the savings. A 3-carat diamond could be $30k+, while moissanite might be under $2k. MoissaniteCo.com says their best-selling rings go for $500-$1,200. My client David was shocked – he got a 2.5-carat moissanite ring for less than he planned to spend on a tiny 0.75-carat diamond.

Are there different quality grades of moissanite?

Yep, moissanite has different quality levels, mostly depending on color and cut. The top grade is Forever One – it’s super clear or almost clear, with perfect cuts.

Other brands have their own systems, but basically you’ll see differences in how clear or tinted it is, and how well it’s cut (which changes how much it sparkles). The GSI made special grading rules for moissanite so buyers can tell good from better. When my aunt bought moissanite earrings, we looked at three quality levels together. Even she could see the top grade sparkled more than the middle one – worth the extra 20% cost.

Where can I buy authentic moissanite jewelry?

You can get real moissanite from trusted jewelers online or in stores. Big names like Charles & Colvard, MoissaniteCo, and Brilliant Earth sell good quality moissanite.

Watch for certifications and guarantees when buying. If the price seems crazy low, it probably is. I tell my clients to buy from sellers with lots of details, good photos, and easy returns. A survey showed 92% of buyers were happy when they got moissanite from specialists. Only 68% were satisfied buying from regular jewelers.

Does moissanite hold its value over time?

Diamonds keep some resale value, but moissanite is like most gems – don’t count on getting much money back.

But since it costs less to begin with, you’re not risking as much. Think of moissanite as a beautiful, durable gemstone to enjoy rather than an investment.

That said, well-maintained moissanite jewelry from reputable brands can often be resold for 30-50% of its original price, according to data from the secondhand jewelry marketplace Worthy. My advice to buyers is to choose moissanite because you love it, not for potential resale value. As my client Maria put it, I didn’t buy my moissanite ring as an investment – I bought it because it’s stunning and I can afford exactly what I want without compromise.

In conclusion, moissanite offers a brilliant, durable, and affordable alternative to traditional gemstones. Whether you’re drawn to its ethical production, stunning fire, or budget-friendly price point, moissanite deserves consideration for your next jewelry purchase.

As you explore your options, remember to buy from reputable sources, understand the differences between quality grades, and care for your moissanite properly to enjoy its beauty for years to come. Ready to find your perfect moissanite piece? Visit a trusted jeweler today to see these remarkable gemstones in person and experience their brilliance firsthand.