Moissanite vs Diamond: What’s the Real Difference?

By Bellari – Fine Moissanite Jewellery in Australia

Whether you’re shopping for your first forever piece or reconsidering what modern commitment looks like, you’ve likely asked: What’s the real difference between moissanite and diamond?

At Bellari, we specialise in crafting fine moissanite jewellery that offers brilliance, longevity, and meaning — without the traditional diamond markup. Here’s everything you need to know about how these two stones compare, and why moissanite is becoming the go-to choice for conscious luxury.

At a Glance: Moissanite vs Diamond Comparison

Feature

Moissanite

Diamond

Brilliance

Higher fire & sparkle (more rainbow light)

Classic white light brilliance

Durability

9.25 Mohs (extremely durable)

10 Mohs (hardest natural stone)

Ethics

Lab-created = no mining or conflict

Often mined, ethical sourcing varies

Price

~90% less expensive

Significantly higher price per carat

Visual Similarity

Nearly identical to the untrained eye

Traditional, iconic look

 

Sparkle: Which Shines More?

Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65) than diamond (2.42), which means it reflects more light — especially in the form of rainbow-coloured flashes. Many people love moissanite for its bold, expressive sparkle.

💬 At Bellari, we select only D colour, VVS clarity moissanite to ensure every stone radiates with exceptional fire and elegance.

Durability & Daily Wear

Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite is just behind at 9.25 — making it one of the hardest gemstones available. Moissanite is:

  • Scratch-resistant

  • Ideal for daily wear

  • Resistant to clouding or dullness

Whether worn as a tennis bracelet or eternity band, your Bellari moissanite piece is made to last a lifetime.

Cost: Why the Price Gap?

Moissanite is lab-created, meaning it doesn’t rely on expensive mining or distribution. This makes it far more accessible, with savings of up to 90% compared to natural diamonds of similar size and quality.

> A 1-carat moissanite ring may cost ~$1,200 AUD

> A 1-carat diamond ring may cost $5,000–$10,000+ AUD

Bellari clients love that they can invest in meaningful, high-end pieces.

Ethics: Conscious Jewellery for a New Generation

More couples today are choosing moissanite for its minimal environmental footprint and ethical origins. All Bellari stones are lab-grown and conflict-free — so your jewelry reflects your values, not just your style.

💍 So… Is Moissanite Better Than a Diamond?

It depends on what matters most to you.

Choose diamond if:

✔ You value tradition or resale value

✔ You’re set on a mined stone

Choose moissanite if:

✔ You want bold sparkle & durability

✔ You value ethical sourcing

✔ You want more size or detail for your investment

Bellari customers often tell us:

“I love that I didn’t have to sacrifice beauty or meaning — I chose a moissanite piece that felt right for me.”

Final Thoughts: Moissanite Is More Than an Alternative — It’s a Statement

Moissanite isn’t trying to be a diamond. It’s a gemstone in its own right, with a unique brilliance and story that speaks to modern values. At Bellari, we design with intention, clarity, and refinement — and moissanite gives us the freedom to create pieces that hold meaning without compromise.

Discover the Difference for Yourself

Explore Bellari’s curated collection of moissanite tennis bracelets, studs, and eternity rings — crafted in small runs and designed in Australia.

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Our Classic Collection

A curated collection of our most-loved designs.

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Bellari is an Australian boutique jewelry studio founded by Kay & Dino. Every piece is designed to honour a moment

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