Is Moissanite Worth It? An Honest Breakdown
Yes, moissanite is worth it for the vast majority of jewelry buyers. It delivers 90% of diamond's visual impact at 10-20% of the cost, scores 9.25/10 on the hardness scale, and passes a standard diamond tester. The only scenario where moissanite is not worth it is if you specifically need a diamond for its resale value or cultural significance.
At The Real Jewelry Company, we sell both moissanite and lab-grown diamond jewelry. Here is our honest, no-spin breakdown of who moissanite is and is not for.
The Case for Moissanite
1. The Price-to-Impact Ratio Is Unmatched
A 2-carat moissanite stone costs $300-$500. A 2-carat natural diamond costs $10,000-$30,000. A 2-carat lab-grown diamond costs $1,500-$3,000. Moissanite gives you the biggest visual impact per dollar spent — and in a setting, most people cannot tell the difference.
2. It Is a Real Gemstone, Not a Fake
Moissanite is not cubic zirconia, glass, or a "fake diamond." It is silicon carbide (SiC), a mineral first discovered in a meteor crater by Nobel laureate Henri Moissan. It has its own unique optical properties — actually outperforming diamond in brilliance and fire.
3. Durability Is Not a Concern
At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is harder than sapphire and will not scratch, chip, cloud, or degrade. It is a lifetime stone. Every moissanite piece we have ever sold at The Real Jewelry Company still looks as brilliant as the day it was purchased.
4. Nobody Can Tell
In blind tests, even trained jewelers struggle to distinguish moissanite from diamond without specialized equipment. In a tennis bracelet, chain, or earring setting, the difference is invisible.
The Case Against Moissanite
1. It Has No Resale Value
If you plan to sell the stone later, moissanite retains almost no value on the secondary market. That said, natural diamonds also lose 30-50% of their value the moment you leave the store. Neither is a financial investment.
2. It Has More "Rainbow Fire" Than Diamond
Moissanite's higher dispersion creates more colorful flashes of light. Some people love this. Others prefer diamond's whiter, more understated sparkle. In larger stones (2ct+), this difference becomes more noticeable.
3. The Cultural Perception
Some people believe only a "real diamond" is appropriate for certain occasions (engagement rings, in particular). This is a personal and cultural decision that no amount of logic can override — and that is perfectly valid.
Who Should Buy Moissanite?
- Anyone buying multi-stone jewelry (tennis bracelets, chains, earrings) where the cost savings multiply
- Budget-conscious buyers who want luxury without debt
- Ethically-minded buyers who want conflict-free, lab-created stones
- People who want multiple pieces — you can build a full collection for the price of one diamond piece
- Anyone who values brilliance over brand name
See for yourself: Browse our Ready to Ship collection. Every piece features D-color, IF-VVS1 moissanite. Free shipping, hassle-free returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does moissanite get cloudy over time?
No. Moissanite is chemically and thermally stable. It will not cloud, yellow, or lose sparkle over time. It maintains its optical properties for a lifetime — the stone you receive is the stone you will have in 20 years.
Is moissanite tacky or cheap-looking?
High-quality moissanite (D-color, VVS clarity) looks identical to fine diamond in person. It is used in luxury jewelry by major brands worldwide. The perception of moissanite as "cheap" comes from confusion with cubic zirconia, which is an entirely different and inferior material.
Why is moissanite so much cheaper than diamond?
Diamond prices are inflated by controlled supply, decades of marketing, and retail markups. Moissanite is efficiently lab-created with consistent quality, eliminating the scarcity premium. The price reflects the actual production cost, not artificial scarcity.