Choosing between moissanite and a diamond is one of the most important decisions you'll make when selecting an engagement ring. Both stones are stunning — but they're very different in origin, price, and character. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Originally discovered in a meteor crater in 1893 by Henri Moissan, it is now produced sustainably in controlled laboratory environments. It has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale — second only to diamond — making it an exceptionally durable choice for everyday wear.
What Is a Lab Diamond?
Lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds. They are grown using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technology and are graded using the same 4Cs as natural diamonds. Heritage & Co. specialises exclusively in lab-grown diamonds, offering conflict-free, traceable stones at significantly better value than mined alternatives.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Brilliance
Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65–2.69, compared to diamond's 2.42. This means moissanite actually disperses more light than a diamond, producing a rainbow-fire effect that many people love. Diamonds produce a whiter, icier sparkle. Neither is objectively superior — it comes down to personal preference.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Durability
Diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale; moissanite ranks 9.25. Both are excellent for daily wear. For practical purposes, you are unlikely to notice a difference in everyday use — both resist scratching from almost any surface you'll encounter.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Price
This is where moissanite shines. A 2ct moissanite typically costs 80–90% less than a comparable mined diamond, and 40–60% less than a lab-grown diamond of the same carat weight. If maximum size and sparkle for your budget is the priority, moissanite is the clear winner.
Moissanite vs Diamond: Ethics and Sustainability
Both lab moissanite and lab diamonds are conflict-free and require no mining. Heritage & Co. sources only lab-grown stones, so whichever you choose, you can be confident in its ethical origins.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose moissanite if you want maximum size and brilliance for your budget, love the rainbow-fire sparkle, and want the most sustainable option available.
Choose a lab diamond if you want a stone that is chemically identical to a mined diamond, prefer a whiter sparkle, or place importance on the traditional prestige of a diamond.
Both are beautiful, durable, and ethical. The right choice is the one that feels right for you.