Moissanites vs. Mined Diamonds: What's the Difference and Which Sparkle Should You Choose?
- Aarefa | Earth Angel HQ
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
If you've ever shopped for jewellery—especially engagement rings or fine pieces—you've likely come across both moissanites and diamonds. While both dazzle with brilliance, their origins, ethics, and impact on the planet are vastly different. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes moissanites, lab-grown moissanites, and mined diamonds distinct—so you can make a more informed and meaningful choice when investing in jewellery.
🌟 What Are Moissanites?
Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide. First discovered in a meteor crater by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893, natural moissanite is exceptionally rare—too rare for commercial use—so all moissanites available today are lab-grown. Lab-grown moissanites are chemically and physically identical to natural moissanites, but they are produced in ethical laboratory environments with zero environmental destruction or human exploitation, making them a guilt-free choice for conscious consumers.
Key Properties of Moissanites:
Brilliance: Moissanites have a higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) than diamonds (2.42), meaning they sparkle even more.
Hardness: With a Mohs hardness of 9.25, moissanite is second only to diamond (10), making it perfect for daily wear.
Durability: Highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and heat.
Colour & Clarity: Most moissanites are near-colourless and very high in clarity.
Price: Moissanites are significantly more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and appearance.
💎 What Are Mined Diamonds?
Mined diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under high pressure and temperature, then extracted through mining operations.
Properties of Mined Diamonds:
Hardness: The hardest known material (10 on the Mohs scale).
Prestige: Associated with heritage, tradition, and long-standing luxury.
Natural Formation: Some buyers value the billions-of-years-old natural origin.
The Problem with Mined Diamonds:
🌍 Environmental Damage: Diamond mining often involves land degradation, deforestation, and excessive water usage.
👷♂️ Human Rights Violations: In many regions, diamond mining is linked to forced labour, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation.
🩸 Conflict Diamonds (Blood Diamonds): Illegally traded diamonds used to finance wars and unrest.
🤷♀️ So Which Should You Choose Between Moissanites and Mined Diamonds?
🌎 If You Value Sustainability Choose Moissanites over Mined Diamonds:
If you’re someone who values sustainability, ethics, and affordability, lab-grown moissanites are a smart alternative to mined diamonds.
Here’s why:
Visually indistinguishable from diamonds, with even more fire and brilliance
Ethically sourced and environmentally friendly
Budget-conscious without sacrificing luxury
Durable enough for everyday wear and heirloom quality
💎 But What If You Want Natural Mined Diamonds?
If your heart is set on mined diamonds, look for brands that are certified ethical and conflict-free. Reputable jewellers source their diamonds through the Kimberley Process, a global initiative to prevent the flow of blood diamonds.
Choose brands that are transparent about:
The origin of their diamonds
Their ethical labour practices
Their environmental commitments
✨ Where to Buy Ethical Moissanite and Mined Diamond Jewellery in the UK: Meet Bloomtine
If you're looking for sustainable demi-fine or fine jewellery in the UK, Bloomtine, a London-based brand, should be on top of your list. Every Bloomtine piece is deeply symbolic, designed to empower, protect, and inspire the wearer. Whether you’re choosing your first piece of demi-fine jewellery or gifting a loved one with a fine diamond treasure, Bloomtine is committed to helping you do so consciously and beautifully.
Why Choose Bloomtine?
Sustainably Sourced Metals like Solid Gold, 14k Gold vermeil, and Sterling silver (Most of the gold sourced from ethical and certified Singapore and Switzerland suppliers)
Premium Conflict-Free Lab-Grown Moissanites
Ethically Sourced Conflict-Free Mined Diamonds (We ensure our diamond suppliers adhere to the Kimberly process) and Lab-Grown Diamonds
Designed and Handcrafted in our London studio
Symbolic, Exclusive, Copyrighted Designs that you won’t find elsewhere
Our Bestselling Bloomtine Moissanite Pieces:
Our Bestselling Bloomtine Ethically Sourced Mined Diamond Pieces:
In a world where style, meaning, and sustainability can (and should) coexist, lab-grown moissanites offer a future-forward way to shine. And if you’re drawn to the enduring charm of natural diamonds, ethically sourced is the only way forward.
✨ Whether you're team moissanite or team diamond, choose jewellery that honours your values as much as it does your aesthetic.
Love, Bloomtine | Earth Angel HQ
