Picture this: You’re about to propose, and you’ve found the perfect moissanite ring. It sparkles like a disco ball under the jeweler’s lights, but then a question creeps in—does moissanite have flaws? Maybe you’ve heard it’s “too perfect” or worried it might be riddled with imperfections you can’t see yet.
Let’s clear this up right now: Yes, moissanite can have flaws, but here’s the thing—they’re usually so minor you’d need a jeweler’s loupe and the patience of a monk to spot them. Unlike diamonds, which are graded on a complex clarity scale from “Flawless” to “Included,” moissanite is typically produced to near-perfection in a lab. But “near-perfection” doesn’t mean “absolutely perfect.” Let’s dig into what that actually means for you.
What Are Flaws in Gemstones, Anyway?
Think of flaws (or “inclusions” in gem-speak) as the fingerprints of a stone. In natural diamonds, these are tiny crystals, feathers, or clouds trapped inside during the stone’s formation deep underground. They tell a geological story millions of years in the making.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is created in a lab, where scientists control temperature, pressure, and chemical composition with surgical precision. This means most moissanite stones come out cleaner than diamonds—often ranking as “eye-clean,” meaning you won’t see inclusions without magnification.
But here’s where it gets interesting: even lab-grown moissanite can have tiny inclusions. These might be microscopic gas bubbles, needle-like structures, or faint cloudiness. The difference? These flaws are rare and typically invisible to the naked eye.
The Clarity Advantage: Why Moissanite Outshines Diamonds
Let’s compare apples to apples—or rather, stones to stones.
Diamonds are graded on a clarity scale ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). A Flawless diamond? You’re looking at $10,000+ per carat. Most people settle for VS1 or VS2 (Very Slightly Included), where tiny flaws exist but are hard to spot without 10x magnification. Anything below SI1 (Slightly Included), and you might start seeing inclusions with your bare eyes—especially in larger stones.
Moissanite, by contrast, is almost always produced at a clarity level equivalent to VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) or better. Translation: You’re getting near-flawless clarity at a fraction of the cost. When you compare 1 carat diamond vs 1 carat moissanite, the price difference is staggering—but the visual difference in clarity? Negligible.
Here’s a real-world example: Sarah, a bride-to-be from Perth, was torn between a 1.5-carat diamond with SI1 clarity ($8,000) and a 1.5-carat moissanite with VVS clarity ($800). She chose moissanite. Six months later, she told me, “Honestly, I’ve had three friends ask where I got my diamond. No one can tell the difference—and I saved enough to book our honeymoon.”
Types of Flaws You Might (Barely) See in Moissanite
Alright, let’s talk specifics. If your moissanite does have inclusions, here’s what they might look like:
1. Needle-Like Inclusions
Tiny, thread-like structures that form during crystal growth. They’re usually white or transparent and blend into the stone’s brilliance. Think of them as the gemstone equivalent of a single strand of hair in a waterfall—barely noticeable unless you’re really looking.
2. Clouds or Haze
Sometimes, a cluster of microscopic inclusions creates a faint cloudy area. If your moissanite ring looks cloudy, though, it’s more likely due to dirt, oils, or residue buildup rather than inherent flaws. A quick clean usually brings back the fire.
3. Gas Bubbles
Occasionally, tiny gas pockets get trapped during the lab-creation process. These look like microscopic pinpoints and are almost impossible to see without magnification.
4. Color Zoning
In rare cases, slight color variations can occur within the stone—like a barely-there gradient. High-quality moissanite (like GRA-certified stones) undergoes strict quality control to minimize this.
Bottom line: These inclusions are so minor that they don’t affect the stone’s durability, sparkle, or visual appeal. Most people will never notice them.
How Moissanite Compares to Other Diamond Alternatives
Still weighing your options? Let’s pit moissanite against the competition.
Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
CZ is often inclusion-free because it’s made from a simpler chemical process. Sounds great, right? Except CZ is softer (8-8.5 on the Mohs scale vs. moissanite’s 9.25), meaning it scratches easily and loses sparkle over time. Moissanite is better than cubic zirconia in durability, brilliance, and longevity. CZ might look perfect at first, but it won’t last a lifetime.
Moissanite vs. Swarovski Crystals
Swarovski crystals are beautiful—for costume jewelry. They’re glass with a fancy coating, not gemstones. They’re softer, less durable, and definitely not engagement-ring material. Moissanite is better than Swarovski if you want something that can handle daily wear.
Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are not the same as moissanite. Both are created in labs, but diamonds (even lab-grown ones) still form inclusions and carry a higher price tag. Moissanite offers comparable clarity at a lower cost, with even more sparkle due to its higher refractive index.
The “Too Perfect” Myth—And Why It Doesn’t Matter
Here’s a question I hear often: “Will people think my moissanite looks fake because it’s too perfect?”
Short answer: No.
Long answer: This myth stems from outdated misconceptions. Early moissanite (pre-2010s) sometimes had a yellowish or greenish tint, which made it easier to distinguish from diamonds. Modern moissanite? Colorless, brilliant, and virtually indistinguishable from diamonds to the untrained eye.
Yes, moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65 vs. diamond’s 2.42), meaning it throws off more fire and brilliance. Some people call this “too sparkly,” but let’s be real—who complains about extra sparkle? (Check out which diamond cut sparkles the most to understand how cut impacts brilliance.)
If someone scrutinizes your ring with a loupe and thermal tester, sure, they might figure it out. But why would anyone do that? And even if they did—so what? You’re wearing a stunning, ethical, affordable gemstone. That’s something to be proud of, not hide. (Still unsure? Here’s a thoughtful take on whether you should tell people your ring is moissanite.)
Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?
Another common worry: “Will my moissanite lose its sparkle?”
The good news: Moissanite doesn’t get cloudy over time. Its chemical structure (silicon carbide) is incredibly stable, meaning it won’t degrade, yellow, or dull with age. A well-maintained moissanite ring will last a lifetime—and beyond.
That said, moissanite can look cloudy if it’s dirty. Oils from your skin, lotions, soap residue—all of this builds up on the surface and dulls the sparkle. The fix? Regular cleaning. Here’s how to clean a moissanite ring in under five minutes using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
Pro tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine, which can damage the metal setting. And while we’re at it—yes, you can get moissanite wet, and no, vinegar won’t damage it (though it’s unnecessary). Just stick to gentle cleaning methods.
What Actually Ruins Moissanite?
Let’s talk worst-case scenarios. What ruins moissanite? Not much, honestly—but here are a few things to avoid:
- Extreme heat: Temperatures above 1,900°F (1,040°C) can damage moissanite. Unless you’re a blacksmith or firefighter, this isn’t a concern.
- Harsh abrasives: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or abrasive scrubbing pads, which can scratch the metal setting (not the stone itself).
- Chemical exposure: Keep moissanite away from harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or chlorine-based cleaners.
- Toothpaste myth: Can you use toothpaste to clean moissanite? Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch softer metals in your ring’s setting.
Treat your moissanite like you’d treat a diamond: with care, but not paranoia. You can wear it every day without worry.
Choosing High-Quality Moissanite: What to Look For
Not all moissanite is created equal. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting a stone with minimal (or no) visible flaws:
1. Buy from Reputable Sellers
Stick with established jewelers who specialize in moissanite. Where to buy a moissanite ring matters—cut corners on the seller, and you might end up with lower-grade stones or poor customer service. Look for transparent return policies and lifetime warranties.
2. Check for Certification
High-quality moissanite often comes with GRA (Gem Research Association) certification, which guarantees the stone’s clarity, color, and cut quality. It’s like a report card for your gemstone.
3. Inspect the Stone (or Ask for Photos)
Reputable sellers provide high-resolution images or videos. Look for transparency—literally. The stone should be crystal-clear with no visible cloudiness or color tints.
4. Understand Grading Standards
While moissanite doesn’t follow the same clarity grading as diamonds, most quality stones rank at VVS or better. Ask your jeweler about the clarity grade before purchasing.
5. Consider Custom Options
If you’re particular about perfection, custom moissanite rings allow you to handpick every detail—including stone quality, setting style, and metal type.
Real-World Perspective: Do Flaws Actually Matter?
Let’s get philosophical for a second. In diamonds, inclusions are often celebrated as proof of authenticity—a reminder that the stone is natural, not synthetic. But with moissanite, the goal is purity. The fewer inclusions, the better.
Here’s the thing, though: even if your moissanite has microscopic inclusions, they don’t affect its beauty, durability, or value. A VVS moissanite with a tiny needle inclusion invisible to the naked eye will sparkle just as brilliantly as a theoretically “perfect” stone.
Think of it like this: Would you reject a stunning painting because, under a microscope, you found a single misplaced brushstroke? Of course not. The same logic applies here.
And let’s not forget: moissanite offers incredible benefits—ethical sourcing, affordability, and durability. A few microscopic inclusions (if they even exist) pale in comparison to these advantages.
Addressing Common Concerns
“Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?”
Sometimes! Moissanite can pass certain diamond testers because both stones conduct heat similarly. However, advanced testers can distinguish between the two. Unless you’re trying to deceive someone (which we don’t recommend), this shouldn’t matter.
“Does moissanite turn green?”
No. Moissanite does not turn green unless it’s been coated with a colored film—which reputable jewelers never do. If your stone has a greenish tint, it’s likely low-quality or not actually moissanite.
“Is $1,000 too cheap for an engagement ring?”
Absolutely not. Is $1,000 too cheap for an engagement ring? The answer depends on your priorities. With moissanite, $1,000 can get you a stunning, high-quality ring that rivals a $10,000 diamond in appearance. It’s about value, not price tags.
The Bottom Line: Flaws Don’t Define Beauty
So, does moissanite have flaws? Sure—sometimes. But they’re so minor, so rare, and so invisible that they’re essentially irrelevant. What you’re really getting is a gemstone with near-flawless clarity, exceptional sparkle, and a price that won’t drain your savings.
Compare that to diamonds, where even high-clarity stones often have visible inclusions, and the choice becomes clear. Moissanite delivers beauty, durability, and ethical peace of mind—all without the flaws (literal or metaphorical) that come with mined diamonds.
Ready to explore your options? Browse Daniel Fine’s offerings or design your dream ring with custom moissanite options. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, you’re not just buying a ring—you’re investing in a symbol of love that’s as brilliant as it is smart.
Final Thoughts: Perfection Is Overrated
Here’s the truth no one tells you: Perfection is boring. It’s the quirks, the tiny imperfections, the unique details that make something—or someone—truly special. Your moissanite might have a microscopic inclusion invisible to everyone but a gemologist with a loupe. So what? It’s still stunning. It still sparkles. It still represents your love, your story, your choice.
And honestly? That’s all that matters.
What do you think? Has this guide answered your questions about moissanite flaws, or is there something else you’d like to know? Drop your thoughts below—or better yet, go find that perfect ring and see the brilliance for yourself.
