Agape diamonds vs moissanite is a topic worth debating, especially with the close resemblance between both compounds.
For the untrained eye, both particles can pass for the same thing in terms of beauty and brilliance.
However, both substances have specific differences, ranging from their creation method to their prices.
What then marks the similarities and differences between agape diamonds vs moissanite, and which is better for you?
When considering agape diamonds vs moissanite, there are many similarities and differences.
Agape diamonds are not natural diamonds but are made in a laboratory with the features of genuine diamonds.
On the other hand, moissanite is a simulant – it resembles a diamond, but it’s not one. They are similar in appearance, clarity, durability, and cut but different in price, color, and hardness.
It’s a brilliant idea to be able to compare agape diamonds vs moissanite and avoid being scammed.
Keep reading to better understand both substances and appreciate their beauty. Ensure you read to the end so you don’t miss anything relevant.
What Are Agape Diamonds?
The term “agape diamonds” refers to diamonds created in a laboratory.
This diamond variant is different from a natural diamond that catches everyone’s eye, but only in production and quality.
A real diamond follows a natural process to form, which is something most of us don’t get to see.
They begin as carbon atoms bonding together and developing crystals under extreme conditions of heat and pressure.
Incredibly strong covalent bonds between the carbon atoms are formed at these temperatures.
Each carbon atom in a diamond is involved in four of these powerful covalent connections. Consequently, you end up with a solid substance, which is why diamonds are so tough.
The ancient Greeks called diamonds “Adamas”, which means “invincible”.
They believed that diamonds gave their wearers invincibility in combat, so they wore them proudly to symbolize might.
Diamonds have been prized for their durability and elegance for centuries. The legendary power of these stones has inspired their use by several world leaders.
Due to their incredible hardness (a perfect ten on the Mohs scale), it’s no surprise that diamonds represent indestructibility.
It’s also no surprise that science has found a way to produce a copycat.
One such successful copycat is the product known as Agape Diamonds. In many ways, they are the closest thing to diamonds you will find.
Since lab-created diamonds can be mass-produced with more uniformity, they are less expensive.
They are also free from many ethical difficulties associated with mined diamonds, which has led to their rising popularity.
Diamonds mined from the ground have the same or closely similar chemical qualities as agape diamonds. Hence, agape diamonds can last just as long and are equally tough.
What Is Moissanite?
Imitation diamonds do not have the same qualities as either natural or synthetic diamonds.
Diamond simulants are artificial gemstones that are inexpensive and designed to resemble diamonds.
However, they do not have the same brilliance, hardness, or polish as genuine diamonds.
Most counterfeits look nothing like diamonds because they are either too dull or too shiny. However, there are differences among these stimulants or imitations.
Due to its superior hardness rating compared to other simulants, many believe cubic zirconia and moissanite are the most commonly used. This brings us to what moissanite is.
The almost colorless gemstone, moissanite, is composed of silicon carbide.
In a crater caused by a meteor’s impact on Earth, a French scientist, Henri Moissan, discovered moissanite for the first time.
This was as far back as 1983, and he believed he had found authentic diamonds.
However, it took years before anyone realized it was something else. In fact, it was something entirely new and was, thus, named after Moissan.
What the moissanite Moissan had discovered was the first genuine piece of moissanite. But this gemstone is rare, and you can hardly find natural moissanite anymore.
Hence, modern moissanite is synthesized in laboratories for use in the jewelry industry.
To the untrained eye, moissanite and diamonds may seem identical, but they are very different.
The pure silicon carbide that makes up moissanite is a highly uncommon mineral in nature. On the other hand, carbide is the material that diamonds are made of.
Agape Diamonds vs Moissanite: Similarities
The relationship between agape diamonds and moissanite is unusual. Since moissanite was made to imitate diamonds, there are indeed similarities.
But in their similarities also lie their differences. Below are some of the similarities between agape diamonds vs moissanite.
Appearance
As stated earlier, the first glance at both precious stones can make someone confuse one for the other.
However, a novice will hardly tell them apart based merely on appearance. Moissanite has a similar brilliance to an agape diamond, though it’s not exactly the same.
They both absorb and reflect light, making them sparkle like you would expect a diamond to.
Clarity
When describing moissanite, its clarity relates to how many flaws and inclusions may be seen.
Like agape diamonds, moissanite typically contains minor flaws that become more obvious under magnification.
Nearly all moissanite on the market is graded for clarity using a system comparable to that used to evaluate diamonds.
For obvious reasons, according to the GIA’s grading system, moissanite with a clarity grade lower than “VS” is rarely seen in retail.
However, just like agape diamonds, the clarity of moissanite is often relatively high.
Durability
Both the moissanite and agape diamond last a very long time. In fact, they are both capable of lasting a lifetime!
In addition, they are both resistant to the elements that make jewelry wear out.
These features make it questionable to describe moissanite as “fake diamonds”. A more accurate way to put it would be to say they are another unique version of diamonds.
Cut
Moissanite stones, just like agape diamonds, come in several different cuts. Round, oval, pear, cushion, princess, and radiant cuts are all available in moissanite.
Some moissanite was fashioned after the ancient shapes popular for diamonds several centuries ago. And moissanite is also often cut into round, brilliant shapes.
Differences Between Agape Diamonds And Moissanite
When it comes to the differences between agape diamonds and moissanite, there are some notable ones.
These qualities will help you tell these gemstones apart, especially when trying to purchase jewelry.
It would be devastating to mistake moissanite for diamonds, which people often do when making purchases.
Below are the differences between agape diamonds and moissanite:
Price
Four characteristics of a diamond determine its worth and price – cut, color, clarity, and carat. Together, they contribute to the stone’s unique radiance and elegance.
Since most agape diamonds are natural rather than synthetic, there is a wide range in their cost, value, and quality.
In contrast, the price of moissanite is often consistent across the market. Although agape diamonds are more expensive than moissanite, it’s vital to remember their class and quality.
Moissanite is more affordable than agape diamonds, yet the diamonds are more durable and beautiful.
So, if the price is lower, don’t automatically assume you’re receiving a better deal or more value for your money.
Again, it’s important to remember that moissanite is around 15 percent lighter than a diamond.
As a result, it is impossible to compare costs fairly. Moissanite prices are scaled and measured in millimeters rather than carats.
Color
Moissanite stones and agape diamonds may appear to be the same hue from afar or in dim lighting.
However, a closer inspection reveals substantial color variances between the two.
In contrast to diamonds, graded by color on the GIA color scale from D to Z, moissanite is not.
However, unlike diamonds, moissanite comes in a range of colors rather than being colorless.
Under some lighting conditions, moissanite takes on a yellowish-green hue. The more prominent the yellow, gray, or green in moissanite is, the bigger it is.
Hence, the distinction between an agape diamond and moissanite becomes most apparent in larger sizes.
D through J colorless diamonds on the GIA scale have hardly any color at all. However, diamonds and moissanite are easily distinguishable due to their different colors.
Hardness
The hardness or durability of a gemstone may be determined using the Mohs scale.
One of the most glaring contrasts between moissanite and diamond is illustrated by the Mohs scale. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, while a diamond has a hardness of 10.
The lowest point on the scale is 1, and the highest is 10. Therefore, a diamond holds the highest number on the scale.
Diamonds are the toughest natural material, making them very hard and long-lasting. Hence, companies often use them for engagement rings and other jewelry worn frequently.
In fact, diamonds are far harder than other rigid materials like steel, tungsten carbide, and moissanite.
Does this result in the conclusion that moissanite can be scratched? That’s not exactly true.
When compared to agape diamonds, moissanite ranks lower (between 9 and 9.5), yet it is still quite hard.
As such, moissanite is scratch-resistant, and only other moissanite stones and diamonds can damage it.
Conclusion
The agape diamond and moissanite gemstone are two substances with particular audiences. Those who pursue class and uniqueness may go for agape diamonds.
On the other hand, those who want something similar but less expensive may choose moissanite instead.
As long as both substances exist, the agape diamonds vs moissanite comparison will remain a topic for debate.