Moissanite vs Diamond: A Complete Comparison
Both stones sparkle brilliantly, but they're fundamentally different. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice for your engagement ring in Thailand.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite was originally discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so virtually all moissanite sold today is lab-created silicon carbide.
It's not a "fake diamond" or cubic zirconia—it's a completely different gemstone with its own unique properties. Many people choose moissanite deliberately for its exceptional brilliance and ethical sourcing.
Key Fact
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond (2.65 vs 2.42), which means it actually disperses more light and creates more "fire" or rainbow flashes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Brilliance
Classic white sparkle with balanced fire
More colorful fire, rainbow flashes
Hardness
10 on Mohs scale (hardest)
9.25 on Mohs scale (very durable)
Price (1 carat)
฿150,000 - ฿500,000+
฿15,000 - ฿40,000
Origin
Mined or lab-created
Always lab-created
Can People Tell the Difference?
To the untrained eye, moissanite and diamond look nearly identical. Most people—including many jewelers—cannot tell them apart without specialized equipment.
However, there are subtle differences that gemologists can spot:
- Double refraction: Moissanite has a slight "doubling" effect when viewed through the table, though this is hard to see without magnification.
- More colorful sparkle: Moissanite produces more rainbow flashes, especially in sunlight. Some love this; others prefer diamond's more subtle fire.
- Weight: Moissanite is about 15% lighter than diamond, but this is imperceptible when worn.
Price Comparison in Thailand
The price difference is dramatic. Here's what you can expect to pay in Thailand:
| Size | Natural Diamond | Lab Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 carat | ฿50,000+ | ฿25,000+ | ฿8,000 |
| 1.0 carat | ฿200,000+ | ฿80,000+ | ฿20,000 |
| 2.0 carats | ฿800,000+ | ฿250,000+ | ฿40,000 |
*Prices are approximate and vary based on quality. Diamond prices assume VS clarity, G color.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Diamond If...
- •Tradition and symbolism matter to you
- •You want maximum resale value
- •Your partner specifically wants a diamond
- •Budget isn't a primary concern
Choose Moissanite If...
- •You want maximum size for your budget
- •Ethical sourcing is important
- •You love extra sparkle and fire
- •You're not concerned about resale
Explore Both Options
GlitzJewelry.com offers both moissanite and diamond engagement rings. Compare them side by side and find your perfect match.
Shop at GlitzJewelry.com