Silver is a soft, lustrous, white transition metal valued for its electrical conductivity and decorative beauty. Sterling silver only contains 92.5% silver. The rest is usually made up of copper or some other metal.

Platinum is a lustrous, malleable, silvery-white, ductile metal. It is considered one of the transition metals, a group that includes silver, gold, titanium and copper.

Is sterling silver stronger than white gold?

Sterling silver is less durable than white gold, which usually comes with a higher price tag.

What's the difference between platinum and stainless steel jewelry?

Stainless steel resists wear, dings, dents and scratches better than platinum. That said, while modern stainless steel jewelry can be very attractive, platinum jewelry still maintains a superior visual appeal and a higher monetary value.

Which is stronger titanium or platinum?

When it comes to durability, titanium is much harder than platinum. It doesn't scratch, damage or easily lose its shape.

What is Moissanite? A Guide to Diamond Alternatives

All about moissanite

At first glance, moissanite looks a lot like a diamond. But move in closer, and you’ll notice its exceptional sparkle, with rainbow flashes of color and brilliant white. Ask around, and you’ll hear that moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond and costs significantly less. If it’s starting to sound like an attractive idea for an engagement ring or your new favorite fine jewelry piece, read on. We’ll tell you what’s so special about moissanite and what makes it right for your most meaningful jewelry.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a mineral form of crystalline silicon carbide, which is literal stardust. It was first discovered on Earth in 1893 by chemist Henri Moissan as he was digging through rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. Natural moissanite is extremely rare on our planet, so the ones used in jewelry are created in laboratories.

FIRE WITHIN

What gives moissanite its sparkle

Moissanite originally came from the stars — so it’s no surprise that it carries a special kind of brilliance.

Image of a female hand wearing a moissanite engagement ring and wedding band being held by male hand wearing a yellow gold wedding band. What gives moissanite its sparkle?

Moissanite fire

"Fire" is the way a gemstone splits white light into rainbow colors. It’s all about dispersion — the way light separates as it enters and exits the gem. Moissanite has higher dispersion than a diamond, which appears as vibrant flashes of color.

Moissanite brilliance

“Brilliance” is a measure of how effectively a gem returns white light to your eye. It’s influenced by the cut of a gemstone and its “refractive index” — the material's ability to bend light. Moissanite has a higher index than a diamond, which creates a bright, lively sparkle.

Moissanite hardness

On the Mohs Hardness Scale, moissanite scores a 9.25 (diamonds score a 10). This rating means moissanite is exceptionally durable and resistant to scratches and abrasions.

Moissanite toughness

Silicon carbide, the material moissanite is made of, is tough enough for use in armor and industrial cutting tools. So it can handle just about anything you'll put a wedding band, engagement ring or your favorite stud earrings through.

Is moissanite right for you?

Lab grown diamonds vs. moissanite

Both are created in labs. They’re both beautiful and can help maximize your budget. The biggest difference is composition: Lab grown diamonds are structurally and chemically identical to natural diamonds and moissanite is its own unique gem.

Natural diamonds vs. moissanite

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years, then expertly mined, sourced and cut, resulting in a rare, one-of-a-kind gem. Lab created moissanite can cost four to five times less than a natural diamond, making it an affordable choice that still delivers heirloom-quality beauty.

Cubic zirconia vs. moissanite

Though cubic zirconia and moissanite are both lab created, moissanite offers sparkle that rivals that of a diamond. Cubic zirconia is inexpensive and doesn’t have resale value, making it a popular material for costume jewelry. Lasting, high-quality and budget-friendly, moissanite jewelry is just as suitable for passing down to the next generation.

Frequently asked questions

Does moissanite get cloudy?

No. Moissanite is an incredibly strong gemstone and won't deteriorate over time. A cloudy appearance is the result of environmental factors: natural skin oils, makeup or lotion, hard water deposits. Cleaning moissanite jewelry will restore its sparkle.

Is moissanite a real diamond?

No. Moissanite is a completely different gemstone — a mineral form of crystalline silicon carbide.

Is moissanite a precious stone?

Yes. Moissanite originally came from space: It was created when a meteorite fell to Earth, making it one of the rarest minerals found in nature. The moissanite used in jewelry is created in laboratories.

Does moissanite lose its sparkle?

No. The color and clarity of the stone won't diminish over time. With proper care, moissanite will last many lifetimes.

How to clean moissanite rings?

One of the safest and most effective ways to clean moissanite jewelry at home is to add a few drops of mild dish soap to warm water and gently brush with a very soft toothbrush.

Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Moissanite isn't a diamond, but may pass some basic diamond tests because it has similar thermal conductivity.

What color do moissanite come in?

While many people prefer clear to colorless, moissanite can be created in almost any color you can think of. You can typically find moissanite in varying shades of green, gray, gold, blue, brown, purple, yellow and pink.

How hard is moissanite?

Moissanite ranks 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Only diamonds, with a perfect 10 ranking, are harder than moissanite.

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Talk to an expert

The best way to appreciate the dazzling beauty of moissanite jewelry is to see it in person. Schedule a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment to check out this unique gemstone’s sparkle.