When selecting the ideal gem for an engagement ring, anniversary present, or heirloom accessory, sparkle tends to be the deciding factor. The two front-runners in this sparkling contest are diamonds, the age-old favourite, and moissanite, the rapidly growing alternative.

But when it comes to that wow-worthy, show-stopping sparkle, everyone wonders:
“Does moissanite sparkle more than a diamond?”

The answer might just shock you. Let’s deconstruct the science and fashion behind these two lovely moissanite & diamond stones and assist you in figuring out which of them really sparkles brightest.

What Does “Sparkle” Really Mean in a Gemstone?

If I were to speak in professional terms of what exactly a ‘sparkle’ is, I would say that it is the visual result of how a gemstone reacts with light. However, it is not as simple as it sounds. Sparkle is actually a mix of three components:

• Brilliance: Defined by the return of white light from the surface and inside the gem.
• Fire: The dispersion of light into a beautiful spectrum of rainbow colours, formally known as spectral flashes.
• Scintillation: Refers to the flashes of light seen as either the stone, light source or the observer moves.

What is a diamond?

A diamond is a gemstone consisting of a pure or near-pure form of carbon. These are atoms that form a unique structure. A genuine diamond is either naturally extracted or synthetically created with pure carbon maintained within a crystal lattice.

Key Characteristics of Diamonds:

• Hardness: Diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale and thus the hardest known natural material.
• Dispersion (Fire): They have a dispersion of 0.044, which provides them with a vivid colourful glint.
• Origins: Lab diamonds are created under controlled environments, while natural diamonds have been developing naturally over billions of years.
• Appearance: They are valued for their timeless brilliance and refined sparkle, found in a broad spectrum of clarity and colour grades.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a rare mineral called silicon carbide. First discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893, moissanite was initially mistaken for a diamond. Today, moissanite is a lab-grown stone that makes for an ethical and affordable buy.

Key Characteristics of Moissanite:

• Hardness: 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Tough and suitable for everyday wear.
• Dispersion: 0.104 – more than double that of diamonds, resulting in more sparkle.
• Origins: Moissanites are mainly lab-grown only.
• Appearance: Ultra-brilliant, rainbow-like shine with slightly warmer tones in larger sizes.

Cost Comparison: Moissanite vs Diamond

A diamond is still a diamond. It is going to be significantly more expensive than any alternative. Moissanite offers superior sparkle per dollar, making it a favourite among budget-conscious shoppers.

Durability and Wearability

Diamonds are perfect for daily wear due to their resistance to scratches, heat, and pressure. Moissanite is also very durable, rated at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, and is resistant to scratching and breaking. While diamonds are technically harder, moissanite is more than durable enough for everyday use.

Appearance: Can someone tell the two stones apart?

Unless you are a professional jeweller with access to specialised tools, it is nearly impossible to differentiate a moissanite from a diamond with the naked eye. Moissanite in larger sizes can appear slightly warm with a yellow or greyish hue. Diamonds are more versatile and come in varying colour and clarity grades. For a colourless look, choose DEF moissanite or G+ colour diamonds.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Moissanite is 100% lab-grown, making it an ethical and eco-friendly choice. Natural diamonds, while mostly conflict-free today, involve complex supply chains and environmental pressures. Lab-created diamonds are more sustainable than mined ones but still more expensive than moissanite.

Conclusion: The final verdict

When considering sparkle, moissanite gets the upper hand with its fiery brilliance. However, some prefer the upscale elegance of a diamond. Whether you choose moissanite or diamond, both stones offer stunning beauty and lasting quality.

FAQs

1. Is moissanite as strong as a diamond?

Diamond is the hardest material on the planet, so it is difficult to compare anything with the toughness of a diamond. But moissanite is very robust and ideal for everyday wear with a Mohs rating of 9.25.

2. Why is moissanite more sparkly than a diamond?

Moissanite has a higher dispersion rate and refractive index than diamond, bending and splitting the light more dramatically, thus resulting in greater brilliance and fire.

3. Will people know if my ring is moissanite?

Unless it is a trained professional eye that is scrutinising your ring, it is difficult to distinguish a moissanite ring from a diamond ring. So, go ahead and wear those moissanite rings without any fear!

4. Is moissanite a synthetic diamond?

No, it isn’t! A moissanite is a distinct mineral known as silicon carbide. It is not a diamond simulant like cubic zirconia. It has its own unique optical and chemical properties.

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