Let's be blunt. You've discovered moissanite, you love the fire, the price, and the ethics, but there's one question that stops you: "Will people think it's fake?" This fear isn't really about the stone, it's about social pressure and wanting to feel proud of your jewellery.
Moissanite is a real gemstone. The "fake" look comes from poor quality, bad cuts, and cheap settings, not from the stone itself. A well-cut moissanite in a solid setting looks like what it is: a stunning, fiery gemstone.
What Makes a Ring Look "Fake"?
The "fake" perception comes from specific visual problems.
The "Disco Ball" Effect
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65 to 2.69) than diamond (2.42), so it produces more intense rainbow flashes. In large stones or under direct sunlight, this can look excessive compared to a diamond's balanced sparkle.
This is the main visual difference.
Colour Tints
Low-grade moissanite shows yellow, grey, or green tints that signal poor quality. High-quality moissanite should be colourless or near colourless.
Glassy Appearance
Poor cuts don't reflect light properly. The stone looks dull and glassy, like cheap cubic zirconia.
Cheap Settings
A beautiful stone in a thin, plated, or flimsy setting makes the entire ring look cheap. The setting matters as much as the stone.
How to Make Your Moissanite Look Premium
Choose Your Cut Wisely: The cut controls the sparkle intensity.
For less rainbow fire (more diamond-like):
- Step Cuts (Emerald, Asscher): Long, linear facets create a "hall of mirrors" effect with more white light and less fire.
- Crushed Ice Cuts (Radiant, Cushion): Small, irregular facets scatter rainbow flashes for subtle, diamond-like sparkle.
For maximum brilliance:
- Round Brilliant: Hard to distinguish from diamond at a glance because it's optimised for pure brilliance.
Get Top-Tier Stone Quality
Colour: Only accept colourless (D to F) or near colourless (G to I). Lower grades show tints. We use D-grade exclusively.
Clarity: Get VVS1 or better. Moissanite is lab-created, so it should be virtually flawless. Visible inclusions mean poor quality control.
Invest in the Setting
Metal: Use solid 14k gold, 18k gold, or platinum. Avoid plated settings. The plating wears off and exposes cheap metal underneath.
Prongs: Get substantial, symmetrical, cleanly finished prongs. Thin or clumsy prongs look mass-produced.
How to Spot Real Moissanite vs. Fake
Diamond Tester Method
A thermal conductivity diamond tester reads moissanite as "diamond" because they have similar thermal properties. Cubic zirconia won't register. If your stone fails this test, it's not moissanite.
Sparkle Test
- Moissanite: Intense, vivid rainbow fire
- Diamond: Mix of white light and less intense rainbow flashes
- CZ: Some colour sparkle but looks glassy, lacks depth, gets cloudy quickly from oils
Weight Check
Moissanite is 15% lighter than diamond at the same size. Cubic zirconia is 75% heavier.
Laser Inscription
Reputable moissanites have a tiny serial number engraved on the girdle. You need a jeweller's loupe to see it.
Red Flags When Buying Online
Unrealistic Prices
A 2-carat ring in solid gold for $100 is a scam. The gold alone costs more. The stone is cubic zirconia.
Vague Terms
Avoid "moissanite simulant," "imitation moissanite," or "man-made diamond." The listing should clearly state it's moissanite.
Stock Photos
If professional photos appear on multiple unrelated sites, they're not showing the actual product.
How to Talk About Your Choice
If someone asks about your ring, be direct.
"It's moissanite. I chose it for the sparkle and how it catches light."
"It's moissanite. We wanted an ethical choice and could get the exact design we wanted."
You're wearing a beautiful, durable gemstone. There's nothing to defend.
A high-quality moissanite in a solid setting looks better than a low-quality diamond. Focus on quality stone, solid setting, and a cut you love. You're not getting a "diamond alternative." You're choosing fine jewellery that will last a lifetime.
Check out our Moissanite Earrings, Moissanite Bracelets & Moissanite Necklaces.
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie
