Engagement Rings
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 expensive mined diamonds and learn why Diamanti Aterna® could be 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 used in jewelry, they are distinct in their composition, optical properties, and origin. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and carbon, whereas diamond is made of 100% 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 Gem featuring a unique reformulated moissanite SiC and Carbon 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 has tested positive for a diamond on some 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 similar and perform like a diamond but for substantially less.
Why Choose Aterna over Moissanite?
Aterna® and moissanite are both lab-created forms of silicon carbide, but Aterna® is produced via a proprietary process that refines crystal structure, color stability and light performance.
• Hardness
Aterna® registers 9.50 on the Mohs scale—higher than moissanite’s 9.25—so it offers even greater scratch-resistance.
• Color stability
Our controlled growth conditions yield stones in the top color-free grades (D/E). Unlike standard moissanite, Aterna® remains colorless even under high heat.
• Precision cut
Each Aterna® gem is faceted to exacting, ideal-cut proportions. Perfect symmetry and angle balance maximize fire and brilliance in any lighting.
While both start from the same base material, Aterna®’s exclusive formulation and cutting standards deliver a consistently pure, exceptionally durable gemstone—ideal for anyone seeking outstanding sparkle.
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.
Choose Aterna for its superior brilliance, durability, and quality that outshines moissanite in every way!
RESPONSIBLY ECO-FRIENDLY
Providing exceptional stones that are created and guaranteed environmentally friendly, ethical and conflict-free. Feel good knowing we are helping our environment, one stunning piece of jewelry at a time.