Black Moissanite: The Stone Behind Our Darkest Rings
Black is the hardest colour to get right in a stone. Too flat, and it looks like plastic. Too uneven, and it looks like a flaw. When we set our darkest rings, the stone we reach for is black moissanite, and this is why.
What is black moissanite?
Moissanite is silicon carbide, a crystal first identified in 1893 in fragments of a meteorite. Natural moissanite is so rare that almost all moissanite used in jewellery is created in a laboratory, under controlled conditions, with the same crystal structure as the natural mineral.
Black moissanite is moissanite that is black all the way through, not coated on the surface. It is not a diamond, and we'll never call it one. It is its own stone, with its own strengths.
How durable is it?
Very. Black moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond among stones used in fine jewellery. It resists scratching in daily wear, it doesn't cloud or discolour over time, and it holds up to the life an engagement ring leads.
How does it compare with black diamond?
| Black moissanite | Natural black diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Lab-created silicon carbide | Natural diamond, dense with inclusions |
| Hardness | 9.25 | 10 |
| Colour | Deep and consistent from stone to stone | Varies; most are colour-treated to achieve an even black |
| Light | Visible sparkle across its facets | Metallic surface lustre, little sparkle |
| Edges | Tough and consistent | Inclusions can make edges more vulnerable to a hard knock |
| Price | A fraction of the cost | Many times the price |
The honest summary: a natural black diamond is rarer. Black moissanite is more consistent, shows more fire, and is tough enough for every day.
Why we set our darkest rings in black moissanite
Consistency. Every stone in a set should match. Black moissanite gives us an even, deep black from centre stone to side stones, which is what makes a gothic ring set look intentional rather than assembled.
Fire. Moissanite bends light more strongly than diamond. In black, that shows up as a flash of light across each facet as your hand moves, rather than a flat, matte surface.
Where the value goes. Because the stone itself costs less, more of what you pay goes into what you'll notice every day: the design, the setting and the metal. That's why many of our clients choose black moissanite set in 14K or 18K white gold under our black ruthenium finish.
Choosing a black moissanite ring
Cut. Coffin, pear and kite cuts show off black moissanite's fire best, because their long facets catch the light as the hand moves. Round and oval cuts read as quieter and more classic.
Setting. Black moissanite is tough enough for most settings. For a sharp-cornered cut like a coffin or kite, choose prongs or a bezel that protect the points.
Metal. Choose 925 sterling silver for a lighter price, or 10K, 14K or 18K white gold for a piece meant to last generations. Add our black ruthenium finish for an all-black look, or leave the metal bright and let the stone carry the darkness. Read Does black gold fade? before you decide.
Set or single. Our black moissanite ring sets are designed so the engagement ring and band sit perfectly together, which is worth considering if you're choosing your wedding band at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Is black moissanite a real diamond?
No. Black moissanite is lab-created silicon carbide. It is a different stone from diamond, with its own properties: slightly softer, more brilliant, and far more affordable.
Is black moissanite durable enough for an engagement ring?
Yes. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it is one of the hardest stones used in jewellery and handles daily wear well.
Will black moissanite lose its colour?
No. The black runs through the stone itself rather than sitting on the surface, so it won't wear off or fade.
Does black moissanite sparkle?
Yes, more than most people expect. Its facets flash with light as the hand moves, which is why it looks alive rather than flat.
Why is black moissanite less expensive than black diamond?
Because it is created rather than mined, and its supply is consistent. The difference lets more of your budget go into the design and metal of your ring.
Related reading: Dark Gemstones for Engagement Rings · Does Black Gold Fade? · Choosing an Engagement Ring Together