Do Moissanite Engagement Rings Look Cheap?

It’s a fair question.
Moissanite is more affordable than diamond, and in the world of luxury jewellery, that sometimes raises eyebrows.

But does a moissanite engagement ring actually look cheap?
Or is that just a lingering myth?

Let’s break it down—because the truth has more to do with design, setting, and perception than price tags.


1. What Actually Makes a Ring Look Cheap?

It’s not the gemstone—it’s the overall craftsmanship.

A ring looks cheap when:

  • The setting is poorly made or mass-produced

  • The metal is low quality (e.g., silver-plated or hollow gold)

  • The stone is badly cut or overly large for the design

  • It lacks cohesive styling or feels outdated

💡 Moissanite, when paired with high-end craftsmanship, looks just as luxurious as diamond—sometimes more so.


2. Moissanite Is Used in High-End Jewellery

Moissanite is not a "budget simulant." It's a real, lab-created gemstone known for:

  • Exceptional brilliance and fire

  • Durability (9.25 on Mohs scale)

  • Sustainability and low environmental impact

  • Premium clarity and colour (often DEF and VVS1)

Many modern luxury jewellers—including Diamond Lab—design custom, handcrafted rings using moissanite that rival or surpass mined diamonds in visual quality.


3. How to Make Moissanite Look Luxurious

Here’s how to ensure your moissanite engagement ring looks anything but cheap:

✔ Choose a high-quality setting

Select solid 14K/18K gold or platinum—avoid plated metals or lightweight designs.

✔ Invest in custom or well-crafted design

Mass-market settings often feel generic. A tailored design elevates the entire ring.

✔ Select a classic or timeless style

Solitaire, bezel, or three-stone settings offer sophistication without excess.

✔ Pick the right stone size for your finger

Oversized moissanite may look flashy in some styles. Proportional sizing = elegance.

✔ Consider cut and shape carefully

Brilliant and crushed ice cuts look different—choose one that suits your personal style.


4. Moissanite vs Cheap Simulants

Don’t confuse moissanite with:

  • Cubic zirconia (CZ): lower durability, loses shine over time

  • Glass or plastic simulants: often used in costume jewellery

  • Rhinestones: decorative, not meant for fine jewellery

Moissanite does not cloud or dull, and retains its brilliance for a lifetime. That’s why we back ours with full quality assurance.


5. What People Actually Notice

Most people don’t walk around with gem testers.
When they see your ring, they’ll notice:

  • How it sparkles

  • How it sits on your hand

  • Whether it looks well-designed

  • Whether it reflects your taste and values

They won’t be able to tell whether it’s diamond, lab-grown, or moissanite—and they won’t care if it looks stunning.

💡 When chosen thoughtfully, moissanite often looks even more captivating than diamond.


Explore This Look:

Luna Pear Solitaire Ring – Lab Diamond or Moissanite
Sleek, timeless, and designed to celebrate the centre stone—this ring proves that moissanite and luxury go hand-in-hand.


Final Verdict: Moissanite Doesn’t Look Cheap—Poor Design Does

Moissanite is beautiful, durable, and modern. When paired with expert craftsmanship and thoughtful design, it creates an engagement ring that feels luxurious, intentional, and uniquely yours.

If you’re concerned about aesthetics, focus on how the ring is made—not what the stone costs.


Ready to Design Yours?

At Diamond Lab, we’ll help you create a custom moissanite engagement ring that looks as elevated as your love story deserves.

📍 Book your design consultation in our Perth showroom or online.

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