Is Moissanite Considered Fake? 2025
When I first started covering the jewelry industry, one question kept coming up in nearly every conversation with customers, gemologists, and jewelers alike: “Is moissanite considered fake?” It’s a fair question—after all, the diamond has long been marketed as the ultimate symbol of luxury, romance, and value. But as a jewelry specialist and long-time reporter on the evolution of alternative gemstones, I can tell you that moissanite is far from fake. In fact, it’s one of the most brilliant, durable, and scientifically fascinating gemstones available today.
Here’s what makes this conversation so important: the jewelry world is full of myths and marketing bias. For decades, diamond companies spent billions convincing consumers that any non-diamond was a “substitute” or an “imposter.” But the truth is, moissanite is a real gemstone—born from the stars, perfected in laboratories, and cherished by couples who want beauty, fire, and sustainability without the sky-high diamond price tag.
In this article, I’ll break down the history, science, and perception of moissanite. We’ll explore why it’s unfairly called “fake,” how it compares to diamonds and cubic zirconia, and why its growing popularity signals a permanent shift in how we define luxury. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or simply curious about fine jewelry trends, by the end of this guide you’ll know exactly where moissanite stands—and why it might just be the smartest gemstone choice of our time.
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What Is Moissanite? A Star-Born Gemstone
Moissanite isn’t a synthetic knock-off. It’s a naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide (SiC), first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. Because natural moissanite is extremely rare, today’s gemstones are lab-grown using advanced technology, ensuring both consistency and ethical sourcing.
What makes moissanite extraordinary is its optical performance. With a refractive index of 2.65–2.69, it outshines even the finest diamonds in brilliance and fire. Its toughness (9.25 on the Mohs scale) also makes it one of the hardest gemstones used in fine jewelry—perfect for everyday wear.
Why People Think Moissanite Is “Fake”
The myth that moissanite is “fake” comes from three main misconceptions:
1. Diamond-Centric Marketing
For decades, diamonds were positioned as the only “real” gemstone for engagement rings. Moissanite was often marketed as a diamond alternative, which created the false idea that it’s just an imitation.
2. Confusion with Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Many people lump moissanite together with CZ, a cheap, soft, mass-produced diamond simulant. But the two couldn’t be more different: CZ scratches and clouds easily, while moissanite maintains its sparkle for a lifetime.
3. Low Awareness
Because moissanite is relatively new to mainstream jewelry (compared to diamonds), many consumers simply don’t know what it is. Lack of education leads to assumptions.
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Is Moissanite a Diamond Simulant?
This is where nuance matters. Technically, moissanite can be called a “simulant” when it’s used in place of a diamond—because it looks similar in cut and setting. But scientifically, moissanite is its own unique gemstone with a distinct chemical composition, hardness, and brilliance.
Think of it this way:
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A diamond is pure carbon.
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A moissanite is silicon carbide.
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A cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide.
They all sparkle, but each has different optical and physical properties. Calling moissanite “fake” is like calling sapphires fake rubies—they’re simply different stones.
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Comparing Moissanite vs. Diamond vs. CZ
Brilliance & Fire
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Moissanite: Displays 2.4x the fire of a diamond, with rainbow flashes under light.
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Diamond: Offers a classic white sparkle, elegant but less fiery.
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Cubic Zirconia: Looks glassy and dulls quickly.
Hardness
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Diamond: 10 on Mohs scale (hardest natural material).
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Moissanite: 9.25, extremely durable.
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Cubic Zirconia: ~8–8.5, scratches and wears down.
Price Point
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Diamond: Can cost tens of thousands.
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Moissanite: Up to 90% less than diamonds of similar size.
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Cubic Zirconia: Very cheap, but short lifespan.
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The Truth: Moissanite Is Real, Not Fake
Here’s the bottom line: moissanite is a real gemstone—not plastic, not glass, not an imposter. It’s durable, lab-created for perfection, and increasingly respected by jewelers and gemologists. Its affordability doesn’t make it fake; it makes it accessible.
Many couples today choose moissanite because they want a gemstone that is:
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Ethically sourced (no conflict mines).
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Eco-friendly (lab-grown with minimal environmental impact).
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Long-lasting (retains beauty over decades).
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Financially smart (more size and sparkle for less).
Why Moissanite’s Popularity Is Growing
Generational Shift in Jewelry Buying
Millennials and Gen Z buyers prioritize sustainability, value, and ethics. Moissanite aligns perfectly with these values, making it a top choice for engagement rings.
Social Media Influence
On Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, moissanite jewelry is trending. Influencers showcase its dazzling sparkle, dispelling myths and driving demand.
Industry Acceptance
Reputable jewelers and wholesalers (like Moissanite Jewelry Wholesale) now proudly feature moissanite in collections, validating it as a serious gemstone.
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Moissanite for Engagement Rings: A Modern Classic
If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, moissanite is more than just a budget-friendly alternative. It’s a modern classic—beautiful, responsible, and timeless. With so many cut, size, and setting options available, couples can design their dream ring without compromise.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Call Moissanite Fake
So, is moissanite considered fake? Absolutely not. It is a real, lab-grown gemstone with stellar origins, unmatched brilliance, and lasting durability. The only thing “fake” about moissanite is the outdated perception created by decades of diamond marketing.
As a jewelry reporter and moissanite specialist, I’ve seen countless couples fall in love with moissanite rings—not because they “settled,” but because they made a smarter, more modern choice. And when it comes to love, shouldn’t your ring reflect not just beauty, but also values?
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