If you’ve started the search for ethical engagement ring options, chances are you’ve heard some buzz around a stone known as moissanite. A common alternative to diamonds, moissanite is a beautiful stone in its own right. It is not cubic zirconia, nor is it a “fake diamond.” So — what is moissanite? Lots of jewelry lovers want the look of diamonds but are wary of supporting the diamond industy. If that’s you, moissanite is worth considering. Keep reading to learn more about what moissanite, its history, its traits, and why it makes a great stone for engagement rings.

What is Moissanite?

Despite sometimes being thought of as a “faux diamond” or “diamond simulant,” moissanite is a beautiful stone that isn’t as much a faux diamond as it is a real moissanite. In its natural form, its found only in small crystals. The moissanite that you find for sale is a lab-created gem made from crystalline silicon carbide. The fact that it’s manmade means it’s completely sustainable and doesn’t come with the same ethical or environmental concerns as natural mined diamonds. Moissanite is a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, while a diamond is a 10. A stone with a hardness of 9.25 is still an exceptionally strong stone, as it’s unlikely to scratch and is suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite also doesn’t have a “cleavage plane” like a diamond, meaning it’s less likely to split or crack. Overall, it’s a very tough stone, making it a good option for jewelry you will wear every day — like an engagement ring! Natural moissanite tends to have a brown or yellow tint, similar to a warmer diamond. Lab-created moissanite comes in an array of colors, including colorless and near-colorless. It does come in grades similar to the way a diamond would, however, there is less variation in clarity and color due to the controlled environment in which it is created.

How Do Moissanites Compare to Diamonds?

Many people who are researching want to know — how does moissanite compare to diamonds? Is moissanite a better option than diamonds? Let’s break it down. Diamonds are graded on the “Three Cs” — cut, color, and clarity. Due to the lab-created nature of moissanite, there is much less variation in these “three Cs” than there would be with a mined diamond. For example, there is very little variation in the clarity of moissanites. They will always be “eye-clean,” meaning you will not be able to see imperfections inside the stone. As for cut, moissanites are available in all of the typical diamond shapes, including round brilliant, princess, emerald, and asscher. They are also cut in unique shapes designed to bring out even more of their natural “fire.” The cut can affect how “diamond-like” a moissanite appears. The more facets a moissanite has, the more light it will throw. For example, a round brilliant moissanite will disperse more colored flashes than a emerald cut. As I mentioned earlier, moissanites come in many colors, including blue, green, and yellow. They are also available in colorless (similar to diamond colors D – F) and near-colorless (diamond colors G – I) that most closely match the colorless traits of a diamond.

Does Moissanite Sparkle Like a Diamond?

Speaking of fire, one of the primary differences between moissanite and diamond is the way the light bounces out from the stone. Diamonds are known for their “brilliance,” which refers to their characteristic flashes of white. Moissanite, on the other hand, disperses more light than diamonds, giving them more “fire” (colored sparkles) than brilliance. Many people like this moissanite trait (who doesn’t want more sparkles?). Others prefer the white brilliance of a diamond. If you can see a few moissanites in person before commiting to one, I suggest it. That way, you will know if you are happy with the extra fiery sparkle that a moissanite gives.

Can People Tell if a Ring is Moissanite?

Another thought that many have is whether people will be able to tell that their moissanite is not a diamond. First, I’ll start by saying that I don’t think anyone should try to pass a non-diamond off as a diamond. Moissanites are beautiful in their own right, and there is no shame in choosing a more sustainable, environmentally friendly option for your jewelry. If you wear moissanite, own it! That said, no — the average person will not be able to tell the two stones apart. Aside from the additional fire offered by a moissanite, they are very similar looking gems.

Why are Moissanites Cheaper Than Diamonds?

Shoppers tend to use price as a gauge for quality, so a moissanite’s low price tag can actually serve as a deterrant for many people. However, in the case of moissanite, the price is being driven largely by demand. Shoppers still value and seek out more diamonds than they do alternatives like moissanite. Without a high demand, the supply is priced lower. The lower price of a moissanite is not reflective of a lack of quality or durability. Instead, it’s cheaper because fewer buyers are demanding it — for now. It’s becoming more and more sought out as more people realize its value, so it will likely become more expensive in the coming years as demand increases.

Is Moissanite Ethical?

Yes, moissanite in an ethical, conscious option for an engagement ring. It’s made in a lab, meaning it is without concerns about environmental harm. This also means there aren’t human rights concerns as there are with diamonds. If you value buying ethical jewelry, moissanite is a wonderful option.

Should You Pick a Moissanite For Your Engagement Ring?

Ultimately, the decision to pick a moissanite over a diamond is a matter of personal preference. Only you know what you’ll be happy wearing for decades to come. However, if you are on the fence about choosing a diamond (for ethical or budget reasons), but you’d still love to wear a bright, colorless stone on your finger, moissanite is worth a hard look.