Is Moissanite Trashy? Let’s Set the Record Straight

The question “Is Moissanite trashy?” appears often in online conversations. You’ll find it on wedding blogs, in social media comment threads, and across popular bridal forums. It tends to follow a photo of a beautiful engagement ring: one that sparkles in the light and looks nearly identical to a diamond. And yet, the moment the word “Moissanite” is mentioned, the judgment begins.

Let’s pause for a second. No gemstone that reflects light this beautifully should be dismissed. Moissanite is chosen by couples who want a ring that looks stunning, is eco-friendly, and doesn’t come with a five-figure price tag. This blog will explain exactly what Moissanite is, how it compares to options like cubic zirconia and even lab diamonds, and why calling it “trashy” couldn’t be further from the truth. 

What Moissanite Actually Is (And What It Isn’t)

Moissanite might look like a diamond, but its story begins far beyond Earth. The gemstone was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater. What he found was a crystal with a sparkle unlike anything he’d seen before. Though rare in nature, scientists eventually learned how to recreate Moissanite in a lab, making it widely available without losing any of its brilliance.

Today’s Moissanite is lab-created for consistency, quality, and beauty. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, placing it just below diamonds in terms of durability. That means it’s strong enough for daily wear and resistant to scratches. But the real standout feature is its fire: with a higher refractive index than diamonds, Moissanite produces more rainbow flashes of light, a trait that gives it a dazzling presence in any setting.

Moissanite is available in a full range of shapes as well as a wide variety of sizes: at Keyzar, options range from 1 carat to an impressive 5 carats. The overall look is refined, polished, and never artificial. To someone unfamiliar with gemstones, a Moissanite ring may appear similar to a diamond, so they’re an excellent option for those seeking a brilliant yet eco-friendly center stone.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia

Moissanite is sometimes confused with cubic zirconia, but the two couldn’t be more different. Cubic zirconia is a soft, inexpensive material often used in mass-produced fashion jewelry. It scratches easily, tends to cloud over time, and has a flat, glassy appearance. It’s not made to last, and it shows.

Moissanite is a completely different gemstone. It’s engineered for strength and brilliance, with a higher hardness rating and a luxurious sparkle that outshines many diamonds. While some people have described Moissanite as a diamond simulant, it’s actually a beautiful stone in its own right. It isn’t trying to imitate a diamond, and it doesn’t belong in the same category as a disposable stand-in like cubic zirconia. It’s a high-quality gemstone with lasting value, and it deserves to be treated as such.

Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are both popular alternatives to mined diamonds, and they share a few surface-level similarities. Both are created in controlled environments using advanced technology. Both are conflict-free, ethically sourced, and far more accessible than traditionally mined stones. But beyond that, they’re entirely different: Moissanite is not a diamond.

To begin with, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds. Moissanite is a different gemstone altogether. Made of silicon carbide, it displays more flash and brilliance, especially in natural light, while lab-grown diamonds tend to produce a more understated sparkle. As you can see in the example below with The Eleanor, a 5 carat marquise Moissanite (on the right) is just as breathtaking as a 5 carat marquise lab diamond.

Moissanite has a visual impact that rivals high-end diamonds, but without the inflated price tag. On average, it costs 60% to 70% less than a lab diamond of comparable size. That difference doesn’t signal lower quality: it reflects how Moissanite is made and sold. Because it’s lab-created, there’s no need to factor in mining, shipping, or the markups tied to scarcity. Moissanite also doesn’t require excavation or environmental disruption, making it a more sustainable option for couples who care about how their choices affect the planet. It’s a smart choice that respects both your style and your priorities.

Moissanite engagement rings from Keyzar are made with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail as any diamond ring. For example, The Ashley solitaire brings out the brilliance of the center stone with clean, modern lines while The Charlotte, a bezel engagement ring, offers a smooth, sculpted frame for a sleek and secure fit. The Pave Lexie features the center Moissanite on a sparkling pave band that adds texture, radiance, and dimension. Each ring feels complete, thoughtfully made, and worthy of the moment it represents.