Moissanite has gained traction in recent years as an affordable alternative to diamonds, praised for its durability and approachable price point. It’s become a popular choice among modern buyers looking for style without the traditional diamond price tag.

But for savvy sellers and investors in fine jewelry, initial cost isn’t the only factor that matters,  long-term value is. And that’s where moissanite and diamonds part ways.

While visually similar, the moissanite vs diamond price gap widens significantly in the resale market. One holds its value. The other, in most cases, doesn’t.

What Is Moissanite, Really?

Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made to mimic the look of a diamond. While it’s visually striking and often colorless, it is not the same as a natural or lab-grown diamond.

• Moissanite is made from silicon carbide.
• It’s manufactured, not mined.
• It does not carry the same scarcity, market demand, or value.

For high-end investors, this distinction isn’t just cosmetic, it’s financial.

Moissanite vs Diamond Price: Initial Cost vs Resale

At retail, moissanite can cost significantly less than a natural diamond of similar appearance. For buyers, that makes it attractive. But for sellers? Here’s where expectations often misalign.

In the luxury resale market, moissanite rarely holds resale value, no matter how beautiful or well-set the piece is.

Why Moissanite Doesn’t Perform in the Resale Market

You may be surprised to learn that most professional buyers don’t actively purchase moissanite.

Why?

• Low demand on the secondary market
• No investment-grade classification
• Widespread availability at retail

As our we shared recently in a Fox26 Houston interview:

“For example, this is a lab-grown ruby. It’s beautiful… but has almost no value.”
– Chelsea Edwards & Diamond Buyers, Fox26 Houston

The same holds true for moissanite: looks alone aren’t enough.

How to Tell if Your Stone Is Moissanite or Diamond

If you’ve inherited a ring, received a gift, or bought a piece without documentation, it can be difficult to know whether the stone is a natural diamond or something else, like moissanite or a lab-grown diamond.

Here are a few ways professionals distinguish natural diamonds from simulants:

• Check for certification: Natural diamonds often come with a GIA certificate detailing the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity, and cut). Moissanite and lab-grown stones typically do not.
• Look at brilliance: Moissanite tends to display more rainbow-colored flashes under light, while diamonds reflect more white light.
• Use a diamond tester: While not always conclusive, thermal conductivity testers can help differentiate diamond from moissanite.
• Examine under magnification: A trained gemologist can spot differences in facet patterns, inclusions, and growth structures that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

If your goal is resale, it’s important to understand that only natural diamonds, particularly those with documentation or designer provenance, carry strong market value. Moissanite, while beautiful, is widely available and typically not accepted by high-end buyers.

Selling High End Jewelry? Why Your Buyer Matters

Choosing the right jewelry buyer is essential, especially if you want transparency and top value.

At Diamond Buyers, we specialize in:

• GIA-certified diamond evaluations
• Buying investment-grade diamonds 1.5ct+
• Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and designer jewelry
• Providing discreet, insured, white-glove service

We don’t deal in “pawn shop” tactics. We deal in true value.

FAQ: Moissanite vs Diamond Price

Q: Can you sell moissanite jewelry?
A: Most high-end buyers, including Diamond Buyers, do not purchase moissanite due to low resale value.

Q: Why is diamond more expensive than moissanite?
A: Diamonds are naturally occurring, rare, and hold long-term market demand. Moissanite is lab-made and widely available.

Q: Is moissanite ever a good investment?
A: While moissanite can be affordable and beautiful, it is not considered an investment-grade gemstone.