Moissanite and diamonds are often compared in modern jewellery. Visually, they share visual appeal and clarity. Structurally, they differ in composition, performance, and how they are positioned within contemporary design.
Understanding the difference between moissanite and diamonds helps clarify why both stones exist in modern street luxury and why moissanite jewellery has gained its own place in modern streetwear.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Although it is visually similar to a diamond, it has its own optical characteristics and physical structure.
Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, so stones used in jewellery today are laboratory-created. This allows consistency in colour, clarity, and durability, making moissanite well-suited for modern jewellery design and everyday wear.
What Is a Diamond?
Diamond is formed from pure carbon under extreme pressure and heat over long periods of time. It has long been associated with traditional luxury and fine jewellery.
Diamonds are known for their hardness and classic light performance, producing a clean white sparkle that has defined high-end jewellery for decades.
Appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between moissanite and diamonds is how they interact with light.
Moissanite has a higher refractive index, meaning it bends and disperses light more intensely. This creates strong brilliance with visible flashes of colour under light.
Diamond produces a more controlled, white sparkle. It's sharper and more restrained, which some prefer for classic designs.
In street and urban jewellery, moissanite’s visual intensity often aligns better with bold silhouettes and statement pieces, such as moissanite Cuban chains, moissanite tennis chains, moissanite tennis bracelets, and moissanite Cuban bracelets.
Durability and Wear
Both stones are highly durable and suitable for everyday wear.
On the Mohs hardness scale:
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Diamond scores 10
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Moissanite scores around 9.25
While diamond is the hardest natural material, moissanite remains extremely resistant to scratching and damage. In practical wear, both perform at a level that meets modern expectations for jewellery durability.
Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?
Moissanite often passes standard diamond testers due to its high thermal conductivity. Many basic testers measure heat movement rather than identifying the stone itself.
Advanced testing equipment can distinguish between moissanite and diamond, but passing a diamond tester reflects moissanite’s strong physical performance rather than its imitation.
Cost and Design Flexibility
One of the key differences lies in accessibility. Moissanite offers a comparable visual presence at a more accessible price point.
This allows for larger stones, heavier settings, and more experimental designs without compromising finish or durability. As a result, moissanite supports bold aesthetics that are central to modern street luxury jewellery for big, bold chains, bracelets, rings, and more.
Choosing Between Moissanite and Diamonds
The choice between moissanite and diamonds comes down to intent. Diamond carries tradition and heritage. Moissanite represents modernity, performance, and design flexibility.
Within contemporary jewellery and street luxury, moissanite jewellery is not a substitute. It is a deliberate choice, offering clarity, durability, and presence that align with evolving ideas of luxury.
Premium Moissanite Jewellery at Iced London
Moissanite is central to Iced London’s approach to contemporary jewellery. The focus is on strong design, precise craftsmanship, and pieces that deliver immediate visual impact.
Moissanite features across core collections, including:
Each stone is precision-cut and hand-set to achieve clarity, consistency, and a premium finish. The result is jewellery that reflects modern culture while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
Shop our collection of moissanite today across our chains, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, and more.