Moissanite and diamond are close in look but different in nature. This is how they compare.

Sparkle

Diamond has a crisp, white sparkle. Moissanite returns more rainbow fire. Some people prefer the lively look, others prefer the classic one.

Hardness

Diamond is 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest known material. Moissanite is about 9.25. Both resist scratches in daily wear.

Price

Moissanite typically costs far less than a diamond of the same size. Lab grown diamonds fall in between.

Size

Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamond, so a stone of the same weight looks about the same size, but comparing by millimeters is more accurate.

Which should you pick?

• Choose a diamond if you want the traditional stone.
• Choose moissanite for maximum sparkle and value.

Neither choice is wrong. See our guide to diamond types for lab grown options.