Diamonds vs Moissanites: A Jeweller’s Honest Take on the Sparkle Debate
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through engagement ring inspo or wandering past a jewellery counter lately, you’ll know the sparkle landscape has changed. Dramatically. These days, customers wander into my workshop with screenshots, Pinterest boards, even spreadsheets. And the question that pops up more than any other — usually asked with a mix of curiosity and quiet hope — is this: “So… what’s the real difference between diamonds and moissanites?”
Well, after nearly two decades working as a jeweller in Australia, I can tell you the diamond vs moissanites conversation is nowhere near as simple as some social media posts make it out to be. These stones have their own personalities, quirks, histories, and yes — price tags. And choosing between them isn’t just a financial decision; it’s often emotional. Sentimental. Sometimes even philosophical.
I thought it’d be useful to unpack this from a jeweller’s perspective, because honestly, I was surprised myself when I first learnt just how fascinating moissanite really is. And why diamonds — natural or lab-created — still hold such an unshakeable place in our imagination.
So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s talk sparkle.
Table of Contents
Moissanite: The Space Rock With a Modern Twist
People are often shocked when they learn moissanite wasn’t discovered on Earth at all. It was found in a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893 — tiny crystals embedded in a fallen star. I remember the first time I heard that story; it made moissanite feel almost poetic. Celestial, even.
Modern moissanite isn’t dug out of meteorites, of course. It’s grown in labs with remarkable precision. And this is where moissanite becomes something I see customers genuinely fall in love with: it has an undeniable, bold brilliance.
The Sparkle Factor
If diamonds glow, moissanites dance. Their refractive index is higher than a diamond’s, which means they throw more colourful flashes, especially under sunlight or nightclub LEDs (and I’ve had more than a few brides tell me the same thing after a hens’ night). Some people adore this rainbow sparkle; others feel it’s a tad too bold.
Either way, it’s a distinctive look. You’ll know it when you see it.
Durability
On the Mohs scale, moissanite sits at 9.25 — incredibly hard, and absolutely durable enough for everyday wear. Yes, diamonds still hold the crown at a perfect 10, but in real-world terms, moissanite is tough enough for anyone who isn’t planning on using their ring to cut glass for fun.
Price
Let’s be straightforward: moissanite is dramatically more affordable. Somewhere between a third and a tenth of the price of a diamond, depending on the size. It’s why so many modern couples consider it. You can go bigger without going broke. And honestly, it’s been refreshing watching people take control of their budgets without sacrificing beauty.
Diamonds: Tradition, Romance, and a Century of Storytelling
Diamonds are funny things. Scientifically, they’re compressed carbon. But culturally? They’ve become symbols of love, legacy, commitment, stability — all the big stuff we humans are hopelessly sentimental about.
I’ve seen customers’ eyes light up when they choose a diamond. There’s often a sense of “this is the one,” even if they can’t quite explain why.
Natural vs Lab Grown
This is where the conversation becomes more nuanced — and more interesting.
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep beneath the Earth’s crust. There’s something undeniably awe-inspiring about that. But they’re also expensive, rare, and wrapped in a complex global history.
Lab created diamonds — or lab grown diamonds — have exploded in popularity because they offer the same chemical composition, same durability, same sparkle, often at a fraction of the cost. They’re real diamonds, just made above ground with a bit of science-magic. If you’re curious about how to care for them or other jewellery pieces, there’s a great general guide here on lab grown diamonds.
The Diamond Look
Diamonds have a more understated brilliance compared to moissanite. Less rainbow, more white flashes. It’s a quieter sparkle — elegant, timeless, a bit like the difference between a candle flame and a fireworks sparkler.
Both beautiful. Just different moods.
Aesthetics: How They Actually Look on the Hand
You might not know this until you’ve compared side-by-side, but diamonds and moissanites feel different when worn.
Size Perception
Because of moissanite’s intense fire, larger stones can sometimes look a little “too perfect,” almost surreal. Some people adore that. Others prefer the more organic feel of a diamond’s glow.
Colour Variations
Diamonds range from icy white to warm champagne tones. Moissanite tends toward near-colourless, though larger stones may carry a hint of warmth under certain lighting. Again — personal taste rules here.
Setting Styles
One of my favourite things to observe is how different stones behave in different designs:
- Moissanites look incredible in halo settings or modern solitaires.
- Diamonds excel in vintage, understated, or intricate heirloom-style settings, where their subtle sparkle complements the design.
It’s like choosing between bold lipstick and a classic nude — mood-dependent, neither right nor wrong.
Ethics and Sustainability: A More Complicated Conversation Than You’d Think
People often assume moissanite automatically wins the ethics debate because it’s lab-grown. And yes, that’s true to an extent — no mining, no environmental disruption.
But modern diamond sourcing isn’t the wild west it once was. Australian diamonds, Canadian diamonds, and many modern suppliers follow strict traceability systems. And lab grown diamonds, in their own right, have a much lower footprint than mined stones.
What I tell customers is simple: choose the option that aligns with your own values. Some want natural formation; others want minimal impact; others prefer affordability and beauty above all else. There’s no wrong answer — only the right one for you.
Price vs Value: The Heart of the Decision
You can’t talk about diamond vs moissanites without addressing the elephant in the room: cost.
Diamonds hold long-term value better, especially natural stones. The resale market is stable, predictable, and easier to navigate.
Moissanite doesn’t have that kind of economic legacy — at least not yet. It’s bought for beauty and affordability, not return-on-investment.
But here’s the thing I always remind people: emotional value isn’t measured in dollars. Some of the most meaningful rings I’ve ever crafted were made with modest stones that carried enormous sentiment.
A Practical, Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how I explain it in-store, without the marketing gloss:
Choose a Diamond If:
- You want a stone with long-term cultural and resale value
- You prefer classic white sparkle
- You’re drawn to tradition or sentiment
- You appreciate natural rarity or scientific precision (for lab grown)
Choose Moissanite If:
- You want a big, bold sparkle within budget
- You love colourful fire and dramatic brilliance
- You prioritise sustainability and cost
- You simply adore the look — which is the best reason of all
One of the best online breakdowns I’ve seen explaining diamond vs moissanites is here:
diamond vs moissanites.
It’s clear, factual, and aligns with what I see daily in the workshop.
Trends I’m Seeing in Australia Right Now
I didn’t expect this shift, but here we are: couples are becoming delightfully practical — and much more design-focused.
A few trends worth noting:
1. Bigger Stones, Smaller Price Tags
Moissanite has allowed people to choose sizes that would’ve been completely out of reach with diamonds. I’ve seen 2–3 carat moissanite solitaires become the new normal for everyday Aussies.
2. Lab Grown Diamonds Are Taking Over
They hit the perfect middle ground — real diamond, modern science, ethical footprint, better price. I wouldn’t be surprised if lab grown becomes the standard over the next decade.
3. Sentiment Is Outweighing Social Pressure
Ten years ago, people were embarrassed to admit they weren’t buying a natural diamond. Today? They proudly announce their ring is moissanite — or lab grown — because it freed up their budget for a honeymoon, house deposit, or wedding they actually enjoy.
4. Vintage Cuts Are Back
Old cuts, oval shapes, and elongated cushions look stunning in both diamonds and moissanites. Personal style is winning over tradition.
How to Know Which Stone Is “Right” for You
I often ask couples one simple question:
“When you picture your ring on your hand — not on Instagram — what feeling are you chasing?”
Not the price.
Not what your friends expect.
Not the marketing.
The feeling.
Is it timeless elegance? Go for a diamond.
Is it bold sparkle and personality? Moissanite is your girl.
Is it modernity and ethics? Lab grown diamonds will surprise you.
And if you’re still torn, here’s a jeweller’s secret: you can’t choose wrong. Both stones are beautiful in their own way. And both can mark life’s biggest moments just as meaningfully.
A Personal Reflection from the Bench
I’ve crafted rings for people who saved for years for a natural diamond, and for others who joyfully chose moissanite so they could elope barefoot on a Queensland beach. Both couples walked out of the workshop beaming.
What I’ve learnt is this: a stone doesn’t define love. It reflects it.
If you’re choosing between diamond vs moissanites, don’t overthink it. Try them on. Let yourself react emotionally. Notice which one makes you smile without trying.
That’s your answer.
Final Thoughts
Jewellery isn’t really about gemstones. It’s about moments — proposals in messy living rooms, anniversaries that crept up faster than expected, quiet promises exchanged under fluorescent shopping-centre lights. The stone you choose simply becomes the storyteller