✨ What Are Moissanite and Diamond? (Quick Overview)
Diamond:
- Formed naturally from pure carbon over billions of years.
- The hardest natural material known (10 on the Mohs scale).
- Traditional symbol of forever and luxury.
Moissanite:
- Originally discovered in a meteor crater!
- Now lab-created using silicon carbide.
- Nearly as hard as diamond (9.25 on the Mohs scale) but with more fire (rainbow flashes).
🎥 How We Did the Sparkle Test
At JewelNests, we wanted real-world results, so we tested each stone in three natural lighting environments common in North America:
| Lighting Type | Location | Why It Matters |
| Morning Light | Toronto backyard, direct sun | Shows true brilliance and fire |
| Overcast Light | Downtown Montreal, cloudy day | Tests subtlety and glow |
| Indoor Mall Lighting | Vancouver shopping center | Mimics everyday viewing conditions |
Each stone was recorded side-by-side in 4K UHD, without filters or lighting enhancements.
💡 What We Observed in 4K Video
1. Morning Light (Direct Sunlight)
- Diamond:
Subtle, crisp white sparkles. It had flashes of brilliance but felt classic and understated. - Moissanite:
Intense rainbow flashes! Every movement sent bright prisms of color flying.
It appeared livelier and more vibrant, almost dramatic.
Best For:
- Diamond: Traditionalists, minimalist styles.
- Moissanite: Those who love head-turning brilliance.
2. Overcast Light (Cloudy Day)
- Diamond:
A steady, soft glow without harsh flashes. Still elegant but much more subdued. - Moissanite:
Still sparkled, but the rainbow effect was softer, creating a dreamy, ethereal look.
Best For:
- Diamond: Those who want an everyday, “quiet luxury” look.
- Moissanite: Creative personalities who love romantic vibes.
3. Indoor Mall Lighting (Artificial LED Light)
- Diamond:
Consistent sparkle, but not overwhelmingly flashy. Great under display lights or restaurant lighting. - Moissanite:
Extreme sparkle under LED lights — creating a “disco ball” effect at times.
Best For:
- Diamond: Formal occasions, classic wearers.
- Moissanite: Social events, parties, or if you want maximum attention.
📊 Technical Sparkle Stats
| Feature | Diamond | Moissanite |
| Brilliance (white light reflection) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fire (rainbow light dispersion) | Low to Moderate | Very High |
| Scintillation (sparkle when moving) | Classic twinkle | Dramatic rainbow flashes |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 10 | 9.25 |
| Price (similar size, quality) | Higher | Lower (up to 70% savings) |
🎯 Who Should Choose What?
Choose a Diamond If You:
- Love timeless elegance.
- Want an heirloom piece that holds traditional value.
- Prefer a subtle, refined sparkle.
- Appreciate natural gemstones.
Choose a Moissanite If You:
- Love intense rainbow sparkle.
- Prefer a larger look for a lower price.
- Value ethical sourcing (since it’s lab-created).
- Like a unique, vibrant personality in your jewelry.
🔥 Real Canadian and U.S. Trends (2025)
- In Canada, moissanite has risen 35% in engagement ring searches this past year — especially in urban areas like Toronto and Vancouver.
- In the U.S., diamonds still dominate, but moissanite sales are exploding among Millennials and Gen Z buyers who value affordability and sustainability.
At JewelNests, we’ve seen requests for moissanite rings triple among customers aged 23–34 in just the past year!
🛍️ Final Thoughts: It’s All About You
There’s no “better” stone — only what fits your style, budget, and story.
- Want a classic, understated sparkle that never goes out of fashion? Diamond’s your go-to.
- Want larger, livelier sparkle and better bang for your buck? Moissanite could be your perfect match.
Either way, your love — like your jewelry — is meant to last a lifetime.
At JewelNests, we proudly offer customizable options for both diamonds and moissanite — all handcrafted with love in Canada.