Moissanite vs. White Sapphire: Which is the Better Diamond Alternative?

When shopping for a diamond alternative, two popular choices often come to mind: moissanite and white sapphire. Both offer stunning beauty at a fraction of the price of a diamond, but they differ in terms of brilliance, durability, and overall value. In this guide, we’ll compare these two gemstones to help you decide which one is the best fit for your jewellery needs.

Brilliance and Sparkle

One of the most striking differences between moissanite and white sapphire is their brilliance.

• Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65 – 2.69) than diamonds, which means it reflects more light and has an exceptional fire or rainbow-like sparkle.
• White sapphires, on the other hand, have a lower refractive index (1.76 – 1.77), resulting in a more subtle brilliance. Over time, they can appear cloudy and require frequent cleaning to maintain their sparkle.

If you prefer a gemstone with maximum shine and fire, moissanite is the superior choice.

Durability and Hardness

Durability is an essential factor when choosing a gemstone, especially for engagement rings and everyday jewellery.

• Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones available—second only to diamonds.
• White sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it a strong and durable choice, though slightly more prone to scratches than moissanite.

Both stones are durable, but moissanite has a slight edge in terms of scratch resistance and longevity.

Color and Clarity

• Moissanite is available in near-colorless to completely colorless options, mimicking high-quality diamonds.
• White sapphires often have a slightly milky or cloudy appearance, and they may require regular polishing to maintain their clarity.

If you’re looking for a gemstone that remains clear and colorless over time, moissanite is the better option.

Price and Value

Both moissanite and white sapphire are affordable alternatives to diamonds, but their prices vary based on size and quality.

• White sapphires tend to be cheaper than moissanite but require more maintenance due to their tendency to become cloudy.
• Moissanite offers more brilliance and durability, making it a higher-value investment over time.

For those looking for long-term beauty and value, moissanite is worth the slightly higher price.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

• Moissanite is lab-created, making it a sustainable and conflict-free choice.
• White sapphires can be natural or lab-created, but natural sapphires may come from mines with questionable environmental and ethical practices.

If ethical sourcing is important to you, moissanite is a clear winner.

Final Verdict: Which is the Better Diamond Alternative?

While white sapphire is a budget-friendly choice, moissanite stands out as the superior alternative to diamonds due to its unmatched brilliance, durability, and ethical production. If you’re looking for a stunning, long-lasting, and ethical gemstone, moissanite is the best option.

For high-quality moissanite jewellery, visit Moissanite Jewellery and explore a beautiful selection of rings, earrings, and more!