What Is Moissanite? A Complete Guide for South African Buyers
Learn what moissanite is, how it compares to diamonds, pricing in South Africa, durability, and why couples choose it for engagement rings.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone used in fine jewellery that looks similar to a diamond but performs differently in price, sparkle, and sourcing. In South Africa, it has become a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, and everyday fine jewellery.
This page explains what moissanite is, how it compares to diamonds, how durable it is, how much it costs, and why buyers choose it over traditional options.
What Exactly Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is made from silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 by scientist Henri Moissan. Natural moissanite is extremely rare. The stones used in jewellery today are created in controlled laboratory environments.
This process allows for consistent quality, precise cuts, and reliable availability.
Moissanite is not a diamond substitute. It is a distinct gemstone with its own properties.
How Moissanite Is Made
Modern moissanite is produced in laboratories using advanced growth methods. This allows jewellers to control clarity, colour, and structure.
The result is a gemstone with:
High optical performance
Consistent grading
Predictable durability
Lower production cost than mined diamonds
Because the process is controlled, moissanite stones are uniform and reliable.
How Moissanite Compares to Diamonds
Many buyers compare moissanite to diamonds before making a decision. Here is a clear breakdown.
Appearance
Moissanite reflects more light than a diamond. This creates stronger sparkle and visible flashes under both natural and indoor lighting.
Diamonds reflect light in a more subdued pattern. Some buyers prefer this. Others prefer higher brilliance.
Durability
Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Diamonds score 10.
Both are suitable for daily wear. Moissanite resists scratching, chipping, and cracking under normal use.
Colour
High-quality moissanite is available in colourless and near-colourless grades. When set correctly, it appears white in most lighting conditions.
Price
Moissanite costs significantly less than diamonds of the same size and visual impact.
This allows buyers to:
Choose larger stones
Upgrade settings
Stay within budget
What is Moissanite South Africa
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds. Moissanite is a different gemstone.
Key differences:
Moissanite has higher brilliance.
Lab grown diamonds follow diamond grading standards.
Moissanite offers lower price per carat.
Both are popular in South Africa for couples looking for engagement rings. The choice depends on preference and budget.
You can explore both options in our engagement ring collections.
Why Moissanite Is Popular in South Africa
South African buyers are practical and value-focused. Moissanite fits this approach.
Key reasons for demand:
Lower cost without sacrificing appearance
Availability in custom designs
Strong durability for daily wear
Clear pricing without inflated premiums
Moissanite engagement rings are especially popular in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.
What is Moissanite South Africa
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Shop Moissanite Engagement Rings By Style
Whether you dream of a classic solitaire, a glamorous halo, or a modern trilogy ring, our South African collection has something for every taste. Each ring is handcrafted with precision and care, combining durability with elegance.
Browse our engagement rings collections to discover the perfect design, that speaks to your heart
What is Moissanite South Africa
Moissanite for Engagement Rings
Moissanite works well in all engagement ring styles.
Popular options include:
Moissanite performs well in round, oval, cushion, pear, emerald, princess, marquise and radiant cuts.
You can view our moissanite engagement rings designed for South African buyers.
Moissanite for Wedding Rings and Bands
Moissanite is also used in:
Accent stones in mens wedding rings
It holds up well to daily wear and maintains clarity over time.
How Much Does Moissanite Cost in South Africa?
Pricing depends on size, cut, and setting.
Average ranges:
0.50 to 1.00 carat equivalent: R5 000 – R12 000
1.00 to 2.00 carat equivalent: R10 000 – R25 000
Custom designs: R15 000 and up
These prices are significantly lower than diamond equivalents.
Explore our Engagement Ring Prices in South Africa Guide for a detailed breakdown.
Why Choose Moissanite?
The modern choice for brilliance, beauty and values that last a lifetime.
What is Moissanite South Africa
Common Questions About Moissanite
Does moissanite look fake?
No. Moissanite has strong sparkle and clarity. Most people cannot distinguish it from a diamond without tools.
Will moissanite lose its shine?
No. Moissanite does not dull or fade over time.
Can moissanite be resized?
Yes. Resizing depends on the ring design and metal, not the stone.
Is moissanite suitable for custom rings?
Yes. It is commonly used in custom engagement rings and bespoke designs.
Choosing the Right Moissanite Jeweller
When buying moissanite in South Africa, look for:
Clear stone specifications
Accurate carat equivalent details
Local support and contact information
Transparent pricing
Real product images or videos
Avoid sellers who use vague descriptions or stock photos only.
8. What payment options do you accept?
You can pay for your order using any of the following payment options at checkout:
- Yoco® – For Credit Card payments
- PayFast – For Instant EFT or Credit Card payments
- PayJustNow – For payment over 3 equal interest-free instalments
- HappyPay
- Float
- Payflex
- Mobicred payment plan
- Direct Bank Transfer (EFT)
Where to Buy Moissanite in South Africa
Moissanite By Design offers moissanite engagement rings, lab diamond engagement rings and custom jewellery designed for South African buyers.
You can:
- Request a quote
Compare sizes and prices clearly
Order with nationwide delivery
Visit moissanitebydesign.com to view current designs.
Is Moissanite Suitable for Daily Wear?
Yes. Moissanite is designed for everyday use.
It resists:
Scratches
Heat damage
Clouding
Normal impact
With basic care, moissanite maintains its appearance for many years.
How to Care for Moissanite Jewellery
Maintenance is simple.
Follow these steps:
Clean weekly with mild soap and warm water
Use a soft brush for buildup
Avoid harsh chemicals
Store separately to prevent contact with other jewellery
Professional cleaning every six months keeps the stone and setting secure.
What is Moissanite South Africa
Engagement Rings South Africa
In the Hands of Love, As Worn by Our Clients
Discover the beauty of our jewellery in the moments it was made for. From engagement rings and wedding bands to bespoke fine jewellery, every piece is handcrafted in South Africa and worn with love by our clients. Let these creations inspire your own design and show you what is possible when craftsmanship meets personal meaning.
Start Your Custom Engagement Ring
Bring your dream ring to life with Moissanite By Design, South Africa’s trusted jeweller.
Work with us to craft your one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Choose your stone, carat size, metal, and design details. Our artisans will bring your vision to life with precision and care.
Moissanite By Design As Seen In
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Follow along on our Instagram profile for fresh designs, behind-the-scenes moments and endless inspiration.
