Moissanite has become one of the defining stones in contemporary jewellery. It appears across music culture, modern street style, and fine jewellery collections. It delivers high brilliance, strong durability, and a refined luxury aesthetic at a more accessible price than diamonds.
This guide explains what moissanite is, where it originates, and why it is now a preferred choice for many who value design, presence, and individuality.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. It is visually similar to a diamond, which is why it is commonly selected as a diamond alternative, but it remains a distinct stone with its own optical character and performance.
The first natural moissanite was identified in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona. Because naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, gemstones used in contemporary jewellery are laboratory-created. Laboratory creation allows precise control over clarity and colour, consistency in quality, and a responsible approach to sourcing.
Moissanite, therefore, represents the meeting point of technology, craftsmanship, and modern luxury design.
How Does Moissanite Differ from Diamonds?
Composition
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Diamonds are formed from pure carbon.
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Moissanite consists of silicon carbide.
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This difference in composition results in different light performance and visual characteristics.
Appearance
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, meaning it bends and disperses light more strongly. This produces pronounced brilliance with visible flashes of colour under light. Diamonds typically feature a more neutral white sparkle.
This striking optical effect is one reason moissanite aligns well with street luxury jewellery, where clarity, light, and visual presence are central to the aesthetic.
Durability
On the Mohs hardness scale:
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Diamond scores 10
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Moissanite scores around 9.25
Moissanite is highly durable, resistant to scratching, and suitable for everyday wear.
Accessibility
Moissanite delivers a comparable visual impact to diamonds at a more accessible price point. This allows the creation of larger stones and bolder silhouettes while maintaining quality and finish.
Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?
Yes, moissanite can pass a diamond tester because many testers check characteristics that moissanite shares with diamonds. This is why people sometimes confuse the two stones. Modern multi-testers are now used to distinguish them more accurately.
Why People Choose Moissanite
Moissanite appeals to wearers who value modern design and self-expression through jewellery.
People choose it because it is:
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Highly brilliant with strong light performance
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Suitable for frequent and daily wear
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More accessible in price than diamonds
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Laboratory-created rather than mined
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Compatible with contemporary street luxury styling
It enables confident style without traditional diamond pricing barriers.
Understanding Moissanite Quality
Several factors influence the appearance and quality of moissanite.
Cut
The cut determines how light travels through the stone. A precise cut increases brilliance and creates a clean, defined sparkle.
Colour
Moissanite is available in colourless to near colourless grades. Colourless stones present an appearance closest to high-grade diamonds.
Clarity
Stones with higher clarity contain fewer inclusions, producing a clearer and more refined finish.
Size and carat perception
Because of its optical properties, moissanite can appear slightly larger than a diamond with the same carat weight. This results in a strong visual presence without high cost or weight.
Moissanite Compared with Other Diamond Alternatives
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is another diamond substitute, but it is softer than moissanite and more prone to scratching and clouding over time. It does not provide the same level of brilliance or longevity.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds produced in controlled laboratory environments. They are chemically identical to mined diamonds and usually cost more than moissanite. Lab-grown diamonds offer the classic diamond aesthetic, while moissanite delivers stronger fire and dispersion.
Moissanite provides a balance of durability, value, and contemporary visual impact.
Caring for Moissanite Jewellery
Moissanite is simple to maintain.
Recommended care includes:
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Cleaning using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush
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Avoiding harsh chemical cleaners
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Storing jewellery separately to protect settings and metal
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Regular light cleaning to maintain surface shine
Its hardness makes it suitable for daily wear.
Moissanite at Iced London
Moissanite sits at the centre of Iced London’s approach to street luxury jewellery. The brand focuses on precise craftsmanship, contemporary forms, and strong visual identity.
Moissanite is featured across key collections, including:
Each stone is precision-cut and hand-set to achieve clarity, defined brilliance, and a premium finish. The aesthetic reflects modern culture while maintaining high standards of jewellery craftsmanship.