Why Is Moissanite So Cheap? The Real Reasons Behind the Price (and the Quality)
If you’ve ever wondered why moissanite is so cheap compared to diamonds, here’s what you need to know. This article is designed for anyone considering a diamond alternative and aims to explain why moissanite is so affordable, what factors influence its price, and how its quality compares to traditional diamonds. Understanding these aspects is crucial to help you make an informed jewelry purchase, whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, wedding band, or another fine jewelry piece.
We’ll cover the core reasons behind moissanite’s low price, including how it’s made, how the market operates, and what sets it apart from other diamond alternatives. You’ll also learn about the different quality factors, how moissanite compares to other gemstones, and why it’s become a popular, ethical, and sustainable choice for modern jewelry buyers.
Answer First: How Can Moissanite Be So Cheap Yet Still High Quality?
Here’s the short answer: moissanite costs up to 80–90% less than diamonds, but “cheap” refers entirely to the price—not the quality. If you’re asking, “why is moissanite so cheap,” the answer lies in its production and market structure. A well-cut moissanite delivers the same visual impact as a diamond, often with even more sparkle, for a fraction of what you’d spend at a traditional jeweler. As a diamond alternative, moissanite offers an affordable, high-quality, and sustainable option without compromising on appearance or durability.
- Lab-grown production (lab made), no cartel-style supply control, and efficient crystal-growth technology are the core reasons moissanite stays affordable. Lab-grown means created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth. There’s no mining infrastructure, no artificial scarcity, and no century-old marketing machine inflating the cost.
- At Revarado, we use only top-grade, high quality moissanite—colorless stones with excellent cut precision and eye-clean clarity—so every piece looks luxurious, not “budget.”
- The same visual impact as a traditional diamond solitaire (say, a 1.5–2.0 ct engagement ring) comes at a fraction of the price, even though moissanite is not a real diamond. It offers a similar appearance and quality at a much lower cost, allowing you to upgrade your center stone size or invest in a more intricate setting.
- You’re not sacrificing quality when you choose moissanite. You’re simply not paying for mining overhead, supply manipulation, or legacy branding.
Now, let’s dive deeper into what moissanite is and why it’s such a compelling choice.
What Is Moissanite, Really?
Moissanite is silicon carbide—a crystalline compound that occurs naturally in meteorites but is far too rare on Earth to use in jewelry. The gemstone gets its name from French chemist Henri Moissan, who discovered microscopic natural moissanite crystals in 1893 inside a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona.
- It’s a genuine gemstone, not plastic, glass, or a “fake diamond.” Moissanite simply happens to resemble diamonds strongly in appearance while being its own distinct material, making it a popular alternative to diamonds for jewelry. Moissanite is valuable in its own right, with unique qualities that set it apart from other gemstones.
- All fine moissanite on the jewelry market today—including every stone Revarado sells—is lab-created. This lab made process ensures affordability, ethical production, and consistent quality. Lab-grown means created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth. Natural moissanite crystals are too tiny and scarce for any practical use.
- A simulant is a material that imitates the appearance of another gemstone. Moissanite is often called a diamond simulant because it looks similar to a diamond, but it is a distinct gemstone with its own chemical composition.
Key properties that matter for daily wear:
- Exceptional brilliance and more fire (color dispersion) than diamond, thanks to its higher refractive index. This higher refractive index allows moissanite to reflect light more effectively, resulting in greater sparkle and visual impact.
- Hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10). The Mohs scale is a measure of gemstone hardness, with 10 being the hardest (diamond).
- Stability that makes it suitable for lifetime wear.
Because moissanite is grown in a lab under controlled conditions, every stone is predictable, consistent, and scalable—which directly impacts cost. Manufacturers know exactly what they’re producing before they start.
Moissanite Ring Options
When it comes to moissanite ring options, the possibilities are nearly endless—offering consumers a chance to find the perfect piece that matches both their style and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a classic solitaire or the eye-catching sparkle of a halo or vintage-inspired setting, moissanite engagement rings deliver on both beauty and affordability.
Popular Moissanite Cuts
Moissanite stones are available in a wide variety of cuts, including the ever-popular round brilliant, as well as cushion, emerald, oval, and pear shapes. Each cut is designed to maximize the stone’s natural brilliance and fire, taking full advantage of moissanite’s high refractive index. This means that a moissanite ring doesn’t just mimic the look of a traditional diamond—it often outshines it, with moissanite reflecting light in a way that creates a dazzling display of sparkle.
Metal Choices for Moissanite Rings
You’ll also find moissanite rings set in a range of fine jewelry metals, from classic white gold and yellow gold to modern rose gold and even sterling silver. This versatility allows you to customize your ring to suit your personal taste, whether you prefer a minimalist band or a more elaborate, intricate design.
Because moissanite is both affordable and stunning, you can opt for a larger center stone or a more detailed setting without stretching your budget. The result is a piece of jewelry that looks and feels luxurious, making moissanite a standout choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces.
Transitioning from ring options, let’s look at what you should consider when choosing an engagement ring.
Engagement Ring Considerations
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a big decision, and there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure you find a piece that fits your lifestyle, values, and budget.
Stone Type: Moissanite as a Diamond Alternative
One of the most important considerations is the type of stone. Moissanite engagement rings have become increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to traditional diamond rings, offering high quality moissanite stones that rival the look and brilliance of natural diamonds at a fraction of the cost.
Durability and Daily Wear
Durability is another key factor. Moissanite is a durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness rating of 9.25—making it one of the hardest gemstones available, second only to diamonds. The Mohs scale is a measure of gemstone hardness, with 10 being the hardest (diamond). This means your moissanite engagement ring is well-suited for daily wear, resisting scratches and maintaining its sparkle over time.
Ethical and Environmental Impact
For many couples, the environmental impact of their ring is also important. Lab grown moissanite offers a more sustainable and ethical option compared to mined diamonds, reducing the environmental footprint and avoiding the concerns associated with traditional diamond mining.
Ultimately, the right engagement ring comes down to your personal style, budget, and priorities. With high quality moissanite, you don’t have to compromise on beauty or durability to get an affordable, meaningful ring that will last a lifetime.
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a ring, let’s explore the main reasons why moissanite is so affordable.
Core Reason #1: Lab Creation vs. Mined Diamonds
The production method is the single biggest reason moissanite costs so much less than mined diamonds. When you understand the difference, the price gap makes perfect sense.
- Diamonds form naturally over billions of years deep in the Earth’s mantle, then require large-scale mining operations involving heavy equipment, fuel, labor, and environmental remediation. Recovery rates from kimberlite pipes can be less than 1 carat per ton of ore.
- Moissanite crystals are grown in controlled laboratories over roughly 2–3 months using silicon and carbon—both abundant, inexpensive industrial materials. There’s no excavation, no remote mine sites, and far less physical infrastructure.
- Lab growth allows manufacturers to create only the sizes and shapes the jewelry market actually needs, reducing waste and excess inventory.
- This streamlined, predictable process cuts cost per stone drastically. A 6.5 mm moissanite that looks like a 1 ct diamond may cost a few hundred dollars, while a comparable natural diamond of good color and clarity runs several thousand.
The math is straightforward: when you remove billion-dollar mining operations from the equation, prices drop. That’s not a quality compromise—it’s an efficiency gain.
Efficient Growth Technologies: CVD and HPHT
Modern crystal-growth technologies make high-end moissanite both better and cheaper than ever before.
- Methods like CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) allow manufacturers to grow silicon carbide crystals with tight control over color and clarity. CVD and HPHT are advanced lab techniques for growing crystals.
- These processes were originally developed for the semiconductor industry, where precision is everything. The same technology now produces gems that are nearly flawless to the untrained eye.
- Higher yields and fewer rejected crystals reduce the cost per finished stone, and those savings get passed directly to consumers.
- The result: you get a colorless, eye-clean stone with excellent cut quality—at a price that reflects efficient manufacturing rather than geological scarcity.
Beyond how moissanite is made, the way the market operates also impacts its price.
Core Reason #2: No Cartel, No Artificial Scarcity
Diamonds have historically been marketed and supply-controlled by a small number of large companies. Moissanite operates in a completely different market structure.
- The diamond industry used limited release of rough stones, iconic marketing campaigns (like “A diamond is forever,” launched in the mid-20th century), and tight distribution networks to keep prices artificially high.
- De Beers’ dominance through much of the 20th century created a diamond market where scarcity was manufactured rather than natural. Even today, diamond pricing reflects decades of that controlled approach.
- Moissanite supply isn’t constrained by geology. Labs can increase production whenever demand grows. There’s no vault of rough moissanite being held back to inflate prices.
- Multiple manufacturers around the world—including significant production in Asia—grow moissanite competitively. No single entity can fix prices at luxury-only levels.
This open, competitive supply chain is a major reason moissanite feels “so cheap” compared with tightly controlled diamond pricing. You’re paying for the actual stone and craftsmanship, not for artificial scarcity.
Next, let’s look at how marketing and branding affect the price you pay.
Core Reason #3: Lower Marketing Overhead & Brand “Myths”
Part of what you pay for with diamonds isn’t the stone itself—it’s nearly a century of high-budget branding.
- Diamonds have benefited from decades of campaigns tying them to romance, status, and “the one right” engagement stone. Those campaigns cost billions, and that cost gets baked into the price tag.
- Moissanite is a relatively new player in the engagement ring market, commercialized in the late 1990s. It doesn’t carry the overhead of legacy marketing structures or the mythology built around “rarity.”
- Many moissanite brands—including Revarado—invest more in product quality and responsive customer service than in mass-media advertising. That helps keep final retail prices reasonable.
When you buy a moissanite ring, you’re paying mostly for the actual craftsmanship, the metal, and the stone. You’re not subsidizing a multi-decade myth.
With the core reasons covered, let’s explore the current state of the moissanite jewelry market.
Moissanite Jewelry Market
The moissanite jewelry market is experiencing rapid growth as more consumers discover the benefits of this beautiful and affordable gemstone.
Growth and Popularity
High quality moissanite stones are now featured in a wide array of jewelry pieces, from engagement rings and wedding bands to earrings, pendants, and bracelets. This surge in popularity is driven by moissanite’s exceptional brilliance, fire, and overall value compared to traditional diamonds.
Advances in Quality and Technology
Advancements in the moissanite industry have led to significant improvements in cut quality and manufacturing technology. As a result, high quality moissanite now rivals the appearance of natural diamonds. Lab grown moissanite stones are produced with fewer inclusions and greater consistency, making them a top choice for those seeking fine jewelry that combines beauty, durability, and affordability.
Sustainability and Ethical Appeal
As the jewelry market shifts toward more sustainable and eco-friendly options, moissanite jewelry stands out as a smart, ethical alternative. Consumers are increasingly choosing moissanite not just for its cost savings, but for its stunning appearance and the peace of mind that comes with a lab grown, conflict-free gemstone.
Whether you’re shopping for a statement engagement ring or a timeless pair of earrings, moissanite offers a brilliant, affordable, and responsible choice in today’s jewelry industry.
Now, let’s examine why some moissanite stones are even cheaper than others.
Why Are Some Moissanites Cheaper Than Others?
Not all moissanite stones are created equal. Within the moissanite industry, price can vary significantly depending on quality, cut precision, cut grading, color grade, and brand standards. Cut grading is especially important, as it classifies the quality of a moissanite’s cut, directly impacting its brilliance, fire, symmetry, and overall appearance. Stones with higher cut grades reflect light better and look more vibrant, which can increase their price.
- Extremely cheap moissanite often compromises on color (noticeable yellow or green tint), cut precision, or clarity. These stones may look “off” in person—less like a beautiful gemstone and more like costume jewelry.
- Some sellers mix low-grade stones, offer poorly graded or ungraded moissanite, or even mislabel simulants. This drives prices down but also drops quality.
- Good quality moissanite—like what Revarado uses—is carefully selected for near-colorless grades, eye-clean clarity, and excellent cuts that maximize brilliance and fire.
- For fine jewelry pieces like moissanite engagement rings, wedding bands, tennis necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, you want stones held to jewelry-industry standards, not fast-fashion quality.
When shopping, look for reputable jewelers who provide clear specifications for color, clarity, cut, and millimeter size—not just vague “moissanite” labels.
How Moissanite Quality Factors Affect Price
Moissanite is often assessed using concepts similar to the diamond 4Cs. Here’s how each factor influences what you pay:
| Factor | What It Means | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Colorless or near-colorless (D–F equivalent) vs. stones with visible warmth or faint color | Colorless stones cost more but look whiter and cleaner |
| Clarity | Eye-clean grades vs. stones with visible inclusions or growth defects | Fewer inclusions = higher price, but most high quality moissanite is already eye-clean |
| Cut | Precision cutting (excellent symmetry, polish, proportion) vs. average cuts | Better cuts cost more due to skilled labor but deliver significantly more sparkle |
| Size | Larger carat weight (2–3 ct look) vs. smaller stones | Larger stones use more material and are harder to grow perfectly, so they cost more—but still dramatically less than diamonds |
The differences matter. A well-cut, colorless moissanite reflects light beautifully. A poorly cut stone with a yellowish tint looks like exactly what skeptics worry about when they hear “cheap.”
Next, let’s see just how much you can save by choosing moissanite over diamonds.
How Much Cheaper Is Moissanite Than Diamond, Really?
Moissanite is typically 70–90% less expensive than natural diamonds of similar visual size. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
| Stone Size (Visual) | Moissanite Price Range | Natural Diamond Price Range | Lab Diamonds Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ct equivalent | $150–$350 | $1,000–$2,500 | $500–$1,300 |
| 1.0 ct equivalent | $300–$600 | $3,000–$6,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 2.0 ct equivalent | $600–$1,200 | $8,000–$15,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 3.0 ct oval equivalent | $1,200–$2,000 | $15,000–$40,000 | $7,000+ |
Prices vary by retailer and specific quality grades. Diamond prices assume good color (I or better) and VS2 clarity.
The savings become even more dramatic at larger sizes. Diamond prices escalate exponentially with carat weight—doubling the size often more than doubles the cost. Moissanite scales more linearly, making 2–3 carat centerpieces accessible in the $2,000–$5,000 budget tier.
These savings let couples allocate more budget to an intricate halo setting, a pavé wedding band, matching tennis jewelry, or other life priorities like the wedding itself or travel.
“Cheap” in this context means cost effective and accessible—not low quality. Especially when you’re choosing high quality moissanite stones from a reputable jeweler like Revarado.
Now, let’s address whether moissanite’s lower price means it won’t last.
Does “Cheap” Mean It Won’t Last? Durability & Everyday Wear
A lower price might make you wonder about lifespan. Will a moissanite engagement ring hold up to daily wear, or will it scratch, cloud, or fall apart?
- On the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite rates 9.25—just below diamond at 10, and significantly harder than sapphire (9), ruby (9), or most other gems you’d consider for an engagement ring. The Mohs scale is a measure of gemstone hardness, with 10 being the hardest (diamond).
- Moissanite resists scratches and abrasion from everyday activities. It’s a durable gemstone suitable for rings, wedding bands, tennis bracelets, and daily-wear necklaces.
- The stone does not cloud internally over time. Any dullness you notice is surface buildup from soaps, lotions, and oils—easily removed with gentle cleaning.
- With normal care, a fine moissanite ring from Revarado will stay sparkling and structurally sound for decades. It’s a lifetime stone, not a temporary placeholder.
Moissanite vs. Other “Cheap” Stones (e.g., Cubic Zirconia)
Not all affordable alternatives to diamonds perform the same way. The comparison between moissanite and cubic zirconia illustrates why material choice matters.
- Cubic zirconia (CZ) rates around 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale—softer than moissanite, meaning it scratches more easily during daily wear.
- CZ tends to lose its brilliance within 1–2 years of regular wear. The surface dulls, and the light reflection that made it sparkle fades.
- A CZ engagement ring worn daily for five years will look noticeably different than a moissanite ring worn the same way. The moissanite keeps its fire and sparkle; the CZ often looks cloudy or scratched.
- High quality moissanite is considered a fine gemstone suitable for heirloom pieces. CZ is typically categorized as costume or fashion jewelry material.
If you want an affordable alternative that lasts, moissanite is the durable gemstone that actually delivers long-term.
Next, let’s consider the ethical and environmental reasons behind moissanite’s affordability.
Ethical and Environmental Side: Another Reason It’s “Cheap”
Ethical, eco-friendlier production can actually cost less than traditional mining—which contributes to moissanite’s lower price point.
- Lab-grown moissanite bypasses large-scale open-pit mines, habitat disruption, and some of the complex conflict-related concerns historically tied to mined diamonds.
- A compact, energy-focused manufacturing process with fewer middlemen reduces overhead compared to the long supply chain of rough stone sourcing, cutting, polishing, grading, and distribution that diamonds require.
- Many buyers specifically choose moissanite for both budget and ethical reasons. Knowing where your stone comes from—and that it didn’t contribute to environmental degradation—adds value beyond the price.
This isn’t about moralizing. It’s about recognizing that a streamlined, lab-based supply chain is inherently less expensive than mining, and those savings get passed to you.
Finally, let’s see why moissanite from Revarado stands out from other affordable options.
Why Moissanite From Revarado Doesn’t Look “Cheap”
Everything in this article points to one conclusion: moissanite is inexpensive because of how it’s made and sold, not because it’s a lesser stone. At Revarado, we take that affordable foundation and build fine jewelry that looks and feels luxurious.
- We carefully select only high-grade moissanite stones with excellent cut, high clarity, and colorless or near-colorless grades for our engagement rings, wedding bands, tennis necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
- Our designs meet fine jewelry standards: solid precious metals (including white gold and sterling silver options), secure prong and bezel work, and refined silhouettes that hold up to scrutiny.
- Our customer service team helps clients choose the right carat-equivalent size, setting style, and matching wedding ring options—elevating the overall value of your purchase.
- Because our stone costs are reasonable, we can invest more in craftsmanship, metal quality, and responsive service. You get the highest quality stones at affordable prices, not corners cut to hit a price point.
The low price of moissanite isn’t something to hide—it’s something to leverage. When offering consumers a beautiful gemstone at a fraction of the diamond market price, we focus on making sure every other element of the jewelry pieces meets the same high standard.
Ready to See the Difference?
A moissanite engagement ring from Revarado delivers brilliance, durability, and style without the inflated price tag. When you understand the several factors behind moissanite’s pricing—lab creation, competitive supply, efficient technology, and minimal marketing overhead—“cheap” starts to look a lot like “smart.”
Explore Revarado’s collection of moissanite jewelry to see how an affordable alternative can look anything but cheap. From round brilliant solitaires to intricate halo designs, from classic wedding bands to statement tennis necklaces, we’re here to help you find jewelry that fits your budget and exceeds your expectations.
