Is Moissanite Worth It? An Honest Look at Price, Looks and Value

Is moissanite worth it? For most people who want a large, durable, very sparkly stone and don't need it to be a diamond, the answer is yes. It is not the right choice for everyone, though, and it helps to know exactly what you gain and what you give up before you decide.

What you get with moissanite

• Hardness for everyday wear. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Only diamond is harder among gems used in fine jewelry, so moissanite handles daily wear very well.
• Lots of sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond and about twice its dispersion, so it shows bright brilliance and strong rainbow fire.
• A much lower price per size. A moissanite costs a small fraction of a mined diamond of the same size, and considerably less than a lab grown diamond.
• A lab-created stone. Natural moissanite is far too rare for jewelry, so the moissanite you buy is grown in a lab, with no mining involved.
• Color options. Alongside colorless stones there are blue, green, champagne and other shades that cost far less than fancy colored diamonds.

What you give up

• It is not a diamond. Moissanite is silicon carbide, a different gem. If having a diamond matters to you or your partner, choose a diamond.
• It looks a little different. In bright sunlight, and especially in larger stones, moissanite shows more rainbow-colored flashes than diamond. Many people love this; some prefer the whiter sparkle of diamond.
• Little resale value. There is not much of a secondhand market for moissanite. Like most retail jewelry, it is a purchase for wearing and enjoying, not an investment. See does moissanite have resale value?

Who moissanite suits

• Couples who want a bigger stone than their budget would allow in diamond.
• People who would rather spend on the wedding, travel or a home than on the stone.
• Anyone with an active life who wants a hard, durable stone.
• Lovers of colorful sparkle, unusual cuts such as old European or Portuguese, or colored stones.
• People who want a travel ring or a second ring alongside a diamond.

Who should choose something else

• If you want a real diamond, a lab grown diamond gives you one for far less than mined.
• If resale value matters, no lab-created stone is a good choice; buy only what you love wearing.
• If you prefer a calm, icy white look with little rainbow color, diamond will suit you better.

Still deciding between the two? Our side-by-side comparison Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds walks through every difference.

Making the most of the savings

Because the stone costs less, you can put more of your budget where it lasts: a solid gold or platinum setting instead of plated metal, a well-made setting with secure prongs, or a matching wedding band. Many of our customers choose 14K or 18K gold for daily wear and keep 925 sterling silver for a lower-cost or occasional ring.

How to buy moissanite well

• Read the stone details. Look for the color and clarity grades, the shape and the size in millimetres, not just carats.
• Check the metal. Solid gold should be stamped 10K, 14K or 18K; sterling silver is stamped 925; platinum is stamped PLT or 950.
• Know the policies. At Bhumi Gems you can return a piece within 30 days; a 10% restocking fee applies to change-of-mind returns, and custom, resized and engraved pieces are final sale.
• Keep your paperwork. Every Bhumi Gems piece ships with a Bhumi Gems certificate of authenticity that states the stone and metal.
• Plan the timing. Our pieces are made to order in 8 to 10 business days, then shipped in 8 to 20 business days (free standard) or 6 to 9 business days (express).

Quick answers

Is moissanite fake?

No. Moissanite is a real gemstone. It is not a diamond, and it should always be sold as moissanite. Read is moissanite a real diamond?

Will moissanite last?

Yes. It is hard, tough and chemically stable, and it doesn't go cloudy. See does moissanite get cloudy?

Does moissanite look cheap?

A well-cut moissanite in a well-made solid gold or platinum setting looks anything but cheap. Cut quality and setting matter more than the stone type.

Can people tell it's moissanite?

Most people can't by eye. A jeweler can with a tester or a loupe; see does moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Ready to look? Browse our moissanite engagement rings.