Engagement
Moissanite vs Diamond
And why Aterna® always comes out the Winner!
Moissanite vs Diamond: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to selecting the perfect gemstone for an engagement ring, wedding band, or any other piece of jewelry, the choice between moissanite and diamond often arises. Both gemstones possess unique characteristics and allure, making the decision a matter of personal preference, budget considerations, and desired aesthetic. Below, we address the key factors to consider when comparing moissanite and diamond and learn why Diamanti Aterna® is hands down the better choice!
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone known for its brilliance and affordability, often regarded as an alternative to diamonds. It was first discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and shares similarities with diamonds in terms of crystal structure, but possesses distinct optical properties. Due to its rarity in nature, moissanite is typically synthesized in laboratories under controlled conditions to produce gemstones with exceptional clarity and hardness.
One of the key characteristics of moissanite is its remarkable brilliance, which exceeds that of diamonds due to its higher refractive index. This results in a stunning sparkle and fire that make moissanite an attractive choice for jewelry. Additionally, moissanite ranks highly on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable and suitable for everyday wear. Its lab-grown nature also makes it a more environmentally friendly and ethical option compared to mined diamonds, appealing to conscientious consumers seeking sustainable alternatives.
Is Moissanite a Diamond?
No, moissanite is not considered a diamond. While both moissanite and diamond are gemstones used in jewelry, they are distinct in their composition, optical properties, and origin. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide, whereas diamond is made of carbon atoms arranged in a
crystal lattice structure. Additionally, moissanite possesses different optical properties, such as a higher refractive index, which gives it a different appearance compared to diamond. Despite these differences, moissanite is often used as an alternative to diamond due to its brilliance, durability, and affordability.
What is Aterna®?
Diamanti Aterna® is a Lab Created Diamond Gem featuring a unique proprietary blend making it the second hardest Gem in the world at 9.50 Mohs hardness - only 2nd to a diamond at 10 Mohs hardness. Because of the high carbon content, it will test positive for a diamond on most diamond testers and pass the fog and transparency test. The Aterna is rated at D/E color, VVS1 clarity, Ideal cut and comes with a laser inscribed serial number.
Like a diamond, it does not micro-scratch, dull, fade and has excellent durability to handle the high stresses of being worn daily. The Aterna is the best bang for the buck and our most popular stone if you want something that will look and perform like a diamond but for substantially less.
Colorless Aterna are sought after for their breathtaking purity and diamond radiance.
key factors comparing moissanite and diamond:
Origin and Composition:
- Diamond: Diamonds are naturally occurring gemstones formed deep within the Earth's crust under immense pressure and heat. They are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, giving them their renowned brilliance and durability.
- Moissanite: Moissanite, on the other hand, is a gemstone originally discovered in meteorites but is now lab-created through a process called vapor deposition. It consists of silicon carbide and possesses similar optical properties to diamonds.
Brilliance and Sparkle:
- Diamond: Diamonds are celebrated for their unparalleled brilliance, fire, and sparkle. Their ability to refract light results in a captivating play of colors that has made them a symbol of eternal love and prestige.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is known for its excessive brilliance and fire, often surpassing that of diamonds. Due to its higher refractive index compared to diamonds, moissanite exhibits a fiery, rainbow-like sparkle that some say is like a "disco ball" effect.
Durability and Hardness:
- Diamond: Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This exceptional hardness makes diamonds highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and everyday wear, making them ideal for daily wear jewelry.
- Moissanite: While moissanite is not as hard as diamond, it still ranks fairly high on the Mohs scale with a rating of 9.25. This makes moissanite very durable and suitable for everyday wear, although slightly less resistant to scratching than diamonds.
Cost and Affordability:
- Diamond: Diamonds have long been associated with luxury and prestige, often commanding high price tags due to their rarity and desirability. The cost of a diamond is influenced by factors such as carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, with larger, higher-quality diamonds typically costing more.
- Moissanite: Moissanite offers a more affordable alternative to diamonds without compromising on too much durability. Moissanites are more readily available and priced significantly lower than diamonds of comparable size and quality.
ATERNA® VS DIAMOND VS MOISSANITE
| PROPERTIES | DIAMOND | ATERNA® | MOISSANITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLOR | F-L | D/E | F-L |
| CLARITY | FL-I3 | VVS1 | VS2 |
| CUT | POOR-IDEAL | IDEAL | **NON-DIAMOND CUT |
| HARDNESS | 10 MOHS | 9.50 MOHS | 9.25 MOHS |
| TOUGHNESS | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD |
| CAN DULL / FADE | NO | NO | POSSIBLY |
| CONFLICT FREE | NO | ALWAYS | TYPICALLY |
| GIA STANDARDS | TYPICALLY | ALWAYS | VARIES |
| PRICE / CARAT* | $8000+ | $699 | $899+ |
**Moissanite is cut to correct its double-refractive index.
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