Moissanite vs Mined Diamonds: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

If you've ever shopped for fine jewellery, you've likely come across both moissanite and mined diamonds sparkling side by side. Both dazzle - but their origins, ethics, and impact on the planet couldn't be more different. Here's what actually separates them, so you can choose the sparkle that matches your values as well as your style.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a rare mineral first discovered in a meteor crater by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893. Natural moissanite is far too rare for commercial use, so every moissanite in jewellery today is lab-grown - chemically and structurally identical to the real thing, produced without mining.

Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamond (2.42), meaning it throws even more fire and brilliance under light. At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, it's second only to diamond itself, making it genuinely suited to daily wear, and it comes in at a fraction of the price of a diamond of comparable size.

What About Mined Diamonds?

Mined diamonds form deep within the Earth over billions of years, then are extracted through mining. They're the hardest known natural material (10 on the Mohs scale) and carry a heritage and prestige some buyers value deeply. But diamond mining has a documented history of land degradation, water overuse, and - in some regions - unsafe labour conditions and conflict financing. If mined diamonds are what you want, look for jewellers who are transparent about sourcing and whose suppliers follow the Kimberley Process, the global standard for excluding conflict diamonds from the supply chain.

So Which Should You Choose?

If sustainability, ethics and everyday affordability matter to you, lab-grown moissanite is the smarter choice - visually indistinguishable from diamond (with more sparkle, if anything), durable enough to become an heirloom, and kind to both budget and planet. If your heart is set on a natural diamond, choose a brand that's transparent about where its stones come from and how they're sourced.

Where to Buy Ethical Moissanite & Diamond Jewellery in the UK

If you're looking for sustainable demi-fine or fine jewellery in the UK, Bloomtine, a London-based brand, should be top of your list. Every piece is designed to be symbolic as well as beautiful - crafted in solid gold, 14K gold vermeil and sterling silver, set with premium conflict-free lab-grown moissanites, ethically sourced mined diamonds, and lab-grown diamonds, and designed and handcrafted in our London studio.

Our Bestselling Moissanite Pieces

Our Bestselling Diamond Pieces

Why Choose Bloomtine?

Sustainable materials. Solid gold, 14K gold vermeil and sterling silver, paired with conflict-free lab-grown moissanites and ethically sourced diamonds.
Conscious craftsmanship. Designed and handcrafted in our London studio.
Spiritual symbolism. Every design carries a deeper meaning.
Exclusivity. You won't find our copyrighted designs anywhere else.
Perfect for gifting. Wrapped beautifully and made to be cherished.

Whether you're team moissanite or team diamond, the most meaningful choice is the one that reflects your values as much as your style. Explore the full fine jewellery collection online, with worldwide shipping.