15% OFF Your First Online Order - Sign Up HERE

Free Delivery On All UK Mainland Orders

Il tuo carrello

Il tuo carrello è vuoto

What is Moissanite?

What is Moissanite?

Scritto da: Natasha Lyons

|

|

Tempo di lettura 3 min

If you’ve ever admired the brilliance of a diamond but hesitated at the price, you’re not alone. Enter moissanite – a sparkling, sustainable, and surprisingly little-known gemstone that’s gaining serious attention in the jewellery world.


At Tish Lyon, we’re all about high-quality pieces that don’t compromise on style, ethics or comfort – and our new moissanite and titanium stud earrings are a perfect example. Whether you’re building your ear stack or searching for everyday sparkle, moissanite is a stone worth knowing.

Moissanite 101: What Is It, Really?


Moissanite is a gemstone originally discovered in a meteor crater by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893 (yes, it literally came from space). What he found was silicon carbide – a crystal so brilliant and durable that it was soon dubbed a diamond alternative.


Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, which is why the stones used in jewellery are lab-grown – offering the same chemical structure and brilliance, but at a much more accessible price point.

A sparkling moissanite gemstone, held by a pair of tweezers in front of a white wall.

How Does it Compare?

Moissanite vs Diamond

Moissanite has a very similar look to diamond, with a high level of brilliance and fire – in fact, it often sparkles more. It’s also extremely hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale), making it suitable for everyday wear. To most people, it’s visually indistinguishable from a diamond, but comes at a significantly lower price.

Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Compared to CZ, moissanite is much more durable and keeps its sparkle over time. CZ can scratch more easily, cloud with age, and tends to have a flatter, more glassy look. Moissanite offers a clearer, more diamond-like appearance that lasts – making it a smarter long-term choice.

Can You Tell the Difference?

While moissanite looks remarkably similar to diamond, experts use a few tricks to tell them apart:

  • Double Refraction : When viewed under a loupe, moissanite displays two slightly blurred lines – a natural effect called double refraction.

  • Diamond Testers : Moissanite can pass thermal-based diamond testers because of its excellent heat conductivity, though specialist tools can still distinguish the two.

Why We Love Moissanite (and Think You Will Too)


✨ Guilt-Free Glamour

Moissanite is conflict-free and created in controlled lab conditions, making it an ethical choice without compromising on aesthetics.


💸 Luxury Without the Markup

You get serious sparkle at a fraction of the cost of a diamond – ideal if you want luxe-looking jewellery that doesn’t blow your budget.


🧼 Low-Maintenance Beauty

It’s scratch-resistant and doesn’t cloud or fade over time. A quick clean is all it needs to stay brilliant.

Close up of a blonde woman

Introducing: Moissanite & Titanium Stud Earrings


We’ve paired this stunning stone with high-grade implant-grade titanium , known for its hypoallergenic, skin-safe properties. The result? Stud earrings that combine clean sparkle with everyday wearability .


Available in a choice of platinum or 18ct gold titanium finishes , our studs are perfect for:

  • First and second lobe piercings
  • Everyday wear or occasion shine
  • A diamond look without the diamond price
  • Sensitive ears and skin-safe jewellery lovers

Is Moissanite Right for You?


If you love the look of diamonds but want a more ethical or accessible option, moissanite is a smart, stylish choice.


Moissanite is fast becoming a favourite for engagement rings and fine jewellery. It’s scratch-resistant, retains its clarity, and is safe to wear every day – including in the shower. Unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite doesn’t cloud, dull, or discolour over time, making it ideal for long-term wear. To most eyes, moissanite and diamond look nearly identical – especially in smaller sizes.


Close up of a brunette woman

The Bottom Line


Moissanite might be new to your radar, but once you see it in person, you’ll understand why it's quickly becoming a go-to alternative to traditional diamonds. And when set in platinum or 18ct gold titanium, it becomes an everyday jewellery essential, proving that high-impact sparkle doesn't have to come with a high price tag.


Explore the full collection of moissanite and titanium earrings and discover the Tish Lyon take on everyday luxury – designed for real life, made to shine.

Stay up to date with latest trends and offers, Sign Up to the Tish Lyon Newsletter for 15% off your next order.