Is moissanite a diamond?
No. Moissanite is silicon carbide; diamond is carbon in the diamond crystal structure. Both can be used in bridal jewelry, but they are different gemstones.
Stone comparison
Lab-grown diamond vs moissanite
The difference begins with material: one is diamond; the other is moissanite. Compare light behavior, documentation, and the complete-ring price instead of treating them as interchangeable stones.
By the Sula Bridal team · Reviewed August 3, 2026
The direct comparison
| Feature | Lab-grown diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon diamond crystal | Silicon carbide |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | About 9.25 |
| Visible character | Diamond scintillation and dispersion | Typically stronger colored fire |
| Diamond grading report | May be available; verify the selected stone | Not graded as a diamond |
| Price | Use the current stone and ring configuration | Usually lower; use the current ring quote |
What changes on the hand
Moissanite commonly shows more colored fire. Diamond has its own balance of brilliance, scintillation, and dispersion. Cut, proportions, lighting, and size affect how either stone appears.
View the actual stone or representative video in more than one lighting condition. Do not use a single studio image to decide that the two will look identical in daily wear.
How to choose
Choose a laboratory-grown diamond if diamond material and diamond grading are important to you. Verify the exact report and selected specifications.
Choose moissanite if you prefer its fire and lower current price, and the stone does not need to be diamond. Ask the seller to identify it clearly.
Compare the complete ring—stone, metal, setting, service policy, and current total—rather than the loose-stone price alone.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder, diamond or moissanite?
Diamond is 10 on the Mohs scale; moissanite is commonly listed around 9.25. Both are suitable for regular wear, but neither stone nor its setting is immune to impact or damage.
Which one costs less?
Moissanite usually costs less than a laboratory-grown diamond of similar visible size, but prices vary. Compare the current stone and complete-ring configuration rather than a fixed example.
Does every Sula stone have the same grade or report?
No collection-wide assumption should be made. Sula's standard center-stone selection starts at 1.5 carats; confirm the selected stone's grades, report and measurements before production.
Compare a current configuration
We can review material, grading documentation, and the complete-ring price.
Book a consultationEditorial record
Review and sources
Written and reviewed by Sula Bridal. Last reviewed August 3, 2026. Product availability and grading-report details can vary by selected stone; confirm the exact specifications shown before purchase.