Does Moissanite Gemstones Change Colour Over Time?

Are you considering an ethical engagement ring for your upcoming proposal? If so, a moissanite diamond may be the perfect gemstone for you! This beautiful and affordable stone has been gaining traction in the jewellery industry lately, inspiring many couples to choose moissanite as the perfect choice for their unique engagement ring or wedding band. However, as moissanite gems are lab created diamonds, you may be wondering if moissanite gemstones will keep their gorgeous sparkle and colour for life, or does it start to fade with age. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about moissanite engagement rings and answer the question: does moissanite change colour over time?

A hand wearing a moissanite engagement ring while shopping for other engagement rings

What are Moissanite Lab Grown Diamonds?

Moissanite gemstones are a dazzling and beautiful alternative to natural diamonds for those looking for a unique, captivating engagement ring or wedding band. Originally discovered in a meteorite crash by scientist Henri Moissan, natural moissanite gemstones were first introduced as jewelery grade stones in the late 1990s. The majority of moissanite gemstones used today are lab-created from silicon carbide, which helps to keep their price competitive despite their rarity. These stunning stones have near-diamond hardness with a Mohs’ scale rating of 9.25 and some remarkable optical properties – they reflect almost 98% light back compared to diamond’s return of 17%. In addition, moissanite stones make for beautiful, ethical engagement rings for a fraction of the price as natural diamonds.


Fact: Although a lab grown diamond, moissanite should not be compared to cubic zirconia. Click here to read more about the differences between the two diamond alternatives.

Moissanite vs Diamond: What Are the Differences?

You may be wondering what makes moissanite different from mined diamonds, as they both look so similar to one another. To start, moissanite stones have a higher refraction index than mined diamond stones. This means that it can have more brilliance and fire than diamonds when cut into certain shapes. Furthermore, while natural diamonds are known to have colourless properties, moissanite varies in colour hues ranging from white to yellowish green to faint brown shades. Lastly, unlike a natural diamond whose cost goes up with increasing clarity and weight; the price of moissanite is based on the size alone and grade does not affect the cost in any way.

Does the Colour of Moissanite Change Over Time?

People who are interested in conflict free diamonds and lab grown diamonds often have many questions that are different from questions about natural diamonds. As moissanite is a lab grown diamond, you may have heard that moissanite gems change their colour over time — but is it true? The good news is that no, a moissanite stone does not change colour at all. In fact, it has superior durability than other gemstones because of its construction that allows it to have better-preserving qualities than alternative stones like mined diamonds. Since moissanite gemstones don't change colour easily over time, they are the ideal choice for making a timeless and lasting impression — perfect for your engagement ring or wedding band. However, although moissanite does not naturally change colour over time, there are certain situations which can distort the colour of the stone.

Hands holding the collar of a jacket while wearing a moissanite engagement ring

Factors that can Impact the Colour of Moissanite Gemstones in Engagement Rings

Colour is an integral factor in everyone’s decision-making process when it comes to purchasing engagement rings. The colour of a moissanite gemstone can depend on a number of things, including the clarity of the gemstone and the corresponding angles and facets it has. Different cuts and shapes can also affect the way light reflects off the stone, which gives it different colours. For instance, oval-shaped moissanite stones often reflect shades of green or teal because the light reflects off them differently than other shapes.


For the most part, moissanite gemstones retain their colour throughout the years, though there are certain factors that can impact this. Exposure to too much sunlight can cause yellowing, while pollution and harsh chemicals can also discolor the stone. Even ring designs and settings themselves can affect a moissanite's color if they are too tight or of low quality materials, as these may wear down the stone’s surface prematurely. Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by carefully selecting your chosen ring design and setting. Additionally, factors like pre-weathering (which is exposure to radiation over time) can cause a change in hues and saturation from its original colouring. By taking extra caution with your moissanite ring, you will be able to ensure its lasting beauty well into the future.

A close up picture of a women's hand resting on her knee wearing a moissanite engagement ring

How to Care for Your Moissanite Engagement Ring to Prevent Changes in Colour

Taking care of your moissanite fine jewelry can be essential to maintaining the gemstones original colour. Regular cleaning with warm water and gentle soap on a soft cloth is a great starting point ― and you should do this at least once every few weeks. To take the extra step and ensure deeper cleaning, professional cleaning or laser cleaning will keep it looking sparkly and new while avoiding any discoloration that could happen over time due to dirt buildup and oxidation. Although moissanite gemstones are incredibly durable, they should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasives, as this could cause permanent damage. Ultimately, taking proper care of your moissanite engagement ring will help maintain its beauty for years to come!

In conclusion, moissanite is an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy a lab created diamond engagement ring or a wedding band. To ensure that your moissanite ring maintains its beautiful hue for years to come, keep in mind factors such as storing out of direct sunlight, placing it on a smooth surface when putting it on and taking it off, and cleaning with non-abrasive cloths. Additionally, take your time when selecting a style for your moissanite engagement ring or wedding band – considering each of the options available and carefully weighing which is the best fit – both aesthetically and functionally - is important. If you are looking for a beautiful moissanite ring to make your proposal one of a kind, contact us today and we will be happy to help.