Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds: Whats The Best Option?

In the moissanite vs lab diamonds debate, buyers seek clarity on sparkle, expense, and ethical production. Weigh the differences with our direct comparison that aims to shape your decision-making, ensuring a choice that resonates with your values and wallet.

Key Takeaways

• Moissanite and lab diamonds are appealing, ethically sourced alternatives to mined diamonds, with moissanite being silicon carbide and lab diamonds being carbon-based, created to mimic the properties of natural diamonds.
• While both gemstones offer durability and clarity, making them suitable for daily wear, moissanite is known for its higher brilliance and fiery, rainbow-colored sparkle, whereas lab diamonds exhibit a classic, balanced sparkle and highest hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale.
• Cost-wise, moissanite is more affordable than both lab and natural diamonds, but lab diamonds present a cost advantage over natural diamonds while also offering the classic diamond appearance and being graded similarly.

Understanding Moissanite and Lab Diamonds

Moissanite and lab diamonds might appear similar at first glance, as they both catch the light, shimmer, and serve as eye-catching centerpieces in all types of jewelry. But did you know that they are fundamentally different at a molecular level? Moissanite is based on silicon carbide, a compound that can be found in nature or created in a lab. It’s not a lab-grown diamond, but a distinct gemstone in its own right, recognized for its exceptional brilliance and affordability.

Lab created diamonds, on the other hand, are carbon-based gemstones that perfectly replicate the properties of natural diamonds. Through a controlled, accelerated process that mirrors the natural diamond formation, lab diamonds are created with remarkable precision. They are graded similarly to natural diamonds based on:

• Clarity
• Color
• Cut
• Carat

Unlike moissanite which is primarily graded on color.

Moissanite and lab diamonds are increasingly popular due to their affordability and ethically conscious alternative to mined diamonds.

Essence of Moissanite

Moissanite is truly a gem of the stars. The natural moissanite was first discovered in a meteorite crater in Arizona in 1893 by Henri Moissan, hence the name. However, due to its rarity in nature, most moissanite available today is created in labs. This lab-created moissanite is valued for its gleaming appearance and durability, often being graded based on its whiteness.

The process of creating moissanite, which mirrors natural formation conditions, is completed within 2-3 months and provides an energy-saving alternative to conventional mining methods.

The Making of Lab Diamonds

The creation of lab diamonds is nothing short of a marvel of modern science. There are two primary methods that are used: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Each method has its own distinct characteristics and applications. The HPHT method uses extreme pressure and temperature to transform carbon into diamond around a small seed, while the CVD process involves exposing a diamond seed to a mixture of carbon-rich gases in a heated chamber, where carbon atoms are deposited onto the seed, layer by layer, to grow the diamond. Both these methods replicate the natural process of diamond formation, but in a controlled setting and over a much shorter period.

Visual Appeal: Moissanite vs Lab Diamond

The visual appeal of a gemstone is a significant factor when selecting one for your jewelry. Moissanite is renowned for its exceptional brilliance and vibrant rainbow-colored sparkle. When light hits a moissanite stone, it breaks into a spectrum of rainbow colors, creating a fiery effect that’s hard to miss. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, offer a classic and timeless sparkle that’s comparable to natural diamonds. They reflect light in complex ways, contributing to their balanced, iconic sparkle.

Both moissanite and lab diamonds offer exceptional clarity; they appear almost flawless when viewed without magnification. The cut of the gemstone also plays a critical role in reflecting light to maximize their brilliance and sparkle. So whether you prefer the vibrant rainbow-colored fire of moissanite or the classic sparkle of lab diamonds, be assured that both gemstones offer stunning visual appeal.

Brilliance and Fire

When it comes to brilliance and fire, both moissanite and lab diamonds have their unique characteristics. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, higher than that of natural diamonds, leading to its signature fiery brilliance. The fire in a gemstone refers to the rainbow-colored light reflections it exhibits, and moissanite, thanks to its high refractive index, is particularly good at this. Its double-refractive nature enhances its sparkle and brilliance, sometimes even making it appear ‘too sparkly’ with a distinct rainbow-colored effect.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds reflect light in a complex manner, through brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation, resulting in their iconic, balanced sparkle.

Color Considerations

A gemstone’s color is another influential aspect that affects its visual appeal. Moissanite typically presents a colorless or icy white appearance, but can sometimes exhibit a slight yellow or grayish hue in certain lights.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are graded on the same color scale as natural diamonds, which range from colorless to light yellow or brown. When selecting between moissanite and lab diamonds, buyers should consider the icy white hues typically associated with moissanite and the wider color range of lab diamonds, from colorless to light yellow.

Durability and Daily Wear

Selecting a gemstone for daily wear involves more than just considering its visual appeal; it should also possess sufficient durability to endure daily activities. The Mohs Scale of Hardness is a measure of a gemstone’s ability to resist scratches, which is vital for considering its suitability for everyday jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds rate the highest on the Mohs scale with a perfect score of 10, indicating maximum resistance to scratching. Moissanite follows closely behind lab-grown diamonds on the Mohs scale with a rating of 9.25, showcasing its high durability.

Both of these gemstones, due to their high Mohs ratings, are ideal for daily wear in jewelry. Moissanite is especially tough against chipping, while lab diamonds offer unparalleled scratch resistance. So, whether you’re an active individual or someone who prefers a low-maintenance lifestyle, both moissanite and lab diamonds make excellent choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry that are worn daily.

Mineral Hardness

One of the reasons why both moissanite and lab diamonds are ideal for everyday wear is their impressive mineral hardness. Moissanite has a high hardness rating on the Mohs scale, rated at 9.25, which contributes to its durability and suitability for use in engagement rings and other jewelry. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, possess the highest rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which is 10, making them exceptionally durable and scratch-resistant.

So regardless of the hustle and bustle of your daily activities, both these gemstones can maintain their sparkle and structure even with daily use, making them excellent choices for jewelry that will last a lifetime.

Resilience Over Time

When you invest in a piece of jewelry, you need to ensure that it will last over time. Moissanite maintains its clarity over time with proper care, avoiding a hazy appearance that can occur without regular cleaning using a polishing cloth.

Lab-grown diamonds share the same level of hardness as mined diamonds—10 on the Mohs scale—implying high durability and the potential to last indefinitely with the right maintenance. Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, due to their inherent durability and resistance to tarnishing and breaking, are sustainable choices that do not need to be replaced frequently and can last many years or generations with appropriate care, just like a mined diamond.

Ethical and Sustainable Choices

The allure of a beautiful gemstone extends beyond its physical properties to include its unique backstory. Moissanite production avoids environmental damages associated with diamond mining, such as ecosystem disruption and heavy carbon footprint, through sustainable manufacturing processes. Lab-grown diamonds use considerably less water and have a smaller carbon footprint than mined diamonds, reflecting an environmentally-conscious gemstone option.

Furthermore, diamond mining has been criticized for labor violations and poor working conditions, while lab diamonds can be ethically sourced and have more transparent supply chains. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are guaranteed to be conflict-free, mitigating concerns around the ethical implications of diamond sourcing. With ethical and environmental factors being paramount, consumers are increasingly considering lab-grown diamonds as a more ethical alternative despite similar pricing to natural diamonds.

Conflict-Free Gemstones

One major benefit of both moissanite and lab diamonds is their conflict-free sourcing. They offer a conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds, highlighting their ethical creation and sustainable sourcing practices. Lab-grown diamonds avoid many of the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining due to their production in developed countries utilizing short supply chains and without the negative impact of large-scale mining.

Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process has been largely ineffective at eliminating conflict diamonds, as very few diamonds can be fully verified as ethical unless they come from tightly controlled supply chains.

Eco-Friendly Credentials

In addition to being conflict-free, moissanite and lab diamonds have impressive eco-friendly credentials. Moissanite is recognized for its sustainability and ethical sourcing, as it is a lab-created gemstone that avoids the environmentally damaging mining process. Lab-grown diamonds utilize production processes that aim to minimize water usage, which is substantially less than that of traditional diamond mining, bolstering their sustainability credentials in terms of water conservation.

Moreover, the creation of lab-grown diamonds prevents the significant ecological harm caused by diamond mining, such as the disturbance of local ecosystems and landscape alterations.

Cost Analysis: Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds

Cost is a significant determinant when deciding between moissanite and lab diamonds. Moissanite is priced based on size in millimeters and generally ranges from $300 to $600 for a 1-carat stone, while lab-grown diamonds for similar size typically cost between $800 to $1,500. It’s worth noting that the cut quality influences the cost of lab-grown diamonds similarly to natural diamonds, with better cuts commanding higher prices, whereas moissanite pricing is more uniform and not significantly affected by cut quality.

To put things in perspective, here is a comparison of the cost of different types of stones:

• A quality 1-carat natural diamond can cost around $5,500
• A similar quality lab-created diamond can cost around $1,800
• A comparable moissanite can cost around $500

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamond, offer a cost advantage over natural diamonds, providing at least 20% more stone for the same money. Moissanite presents an even greater affordability, offering bigger stones for the same investment.

Affordability Factors

Moissanite typically costs significantly less than mined diamonds, with the price often being about a tenth, and is more affordable than lab diamonds as well, making it a budget-friendly option. Controlled manufacturing conditions in the lab ensure that moissanite comes with higher clarity and color grades, in contrast to the significant price scaling by grade that diamonds experience, enhancing moissanite’s cost-effectiveness.

So, while some consumers may prioritize the traditional appeal and market value of diamonds, others are inspired by the unique sparkle and dramatically lower costs associated with moissanite.

Investment Potential

While moissanite and lab diamonds are more affordable upfront, it’s also important to consider their long-term investment potential. Here are some factors to consider:

• Moissanite typically resells for around 30%-50% of the original price.
• Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite generally do not have substantial resale value compared to natural diamonds.
• The resale value of lab-grown diamonds is impacted by their mass production and lack of rarity.
• Natural diamonds maintain high value due to perceived scarcity and historical demand influenced by marketing.

However, moissanite maintains its value better over time compared to lab-grown diamonds, partly thanks to its longer establishment in the market as a diamond alternative. There is some uncertainty for consumers regarding the long-term value of lab-grown diamonds, as they have not yet shown a proven track record of value retention like natural diamonds, which are valued for their rarity.

But with the growing demand in the market, lab diamonds present a potential investment value compared to moissanite and natural diamonds.

Identifying Your Ideal Stone

The choice between moissanite and lab diamonds is not a universal decision and varies from person to person. It largely depends on your personal preference, lifestyle, and budget considerations. Some people may prefer the vibrant, rainbow-colored sparkle of moissanite, while others may favor the classic, balanced sparkle of lab diamonds. The ideal stone should correspond with your lifestyle and be practical for your day-to-day activities. A trained jeweler with the appropriate equipment can definitively determine whether a stone is moissanite or a lab-created diamond.

However, it’s worth noting that specialized diamond testers can sometimes mistakenly identify moissanite as diamond due to similar thermal conductivity. However, moissanite testers measuring electrical conductivity can distinguish them, as diamonds do not conduct electricity.

So when it comes to identifying your ideal stone, it’s important to consider all aspects:

• Personal style and preference
• Lifestyle suitability
• Budget
• Ethical values

Personal Style and Preference

Personal style and preference play a significant role in choosing between moissanite and lab diamonds. Moissanite allows for a larger stone size for the same budget, which can cater to those who desire a more pronounced look in their personal style while enjoying considerable sparkle.

Choosing moissanite for jewelry, particularly for engagement rings, is popular due to its affordability and diamond-like appearance, aligning with a variety of personal style preferences. A moissanite engagement ring is a beautiful and budget-friendly option for those looking to propose.

Budgetary Considerations

Budget considerations can strongly impact the choice between moissanite and lab diamonds. Selecting a gemstone such as moissanite or lab-grown diamonds requires careful consideration of one’s budget and the value placed on qualities like appearance, durability, and ethical considerations.

For instance, if you’re on a tight budget, you might lean towards moissanite, which offers a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a gemstone that closely resembles a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond could be the ideal choice.

Alternatives to Consider

While moissanite and lab diamonds are commendable choices, it’s important to highlight some other alternatives. These include other simulants like Swarovski Zirconia and natural alternatives like white sapphires. These alternatives offer their unique benefits and may appeal to different preferences or needs.

Other Simulants

Swarovski Zirconia is a popular diamond simulant known for its superior quality, brilliance, and clarity. It closely resembles the appearance of high-grade diamonds due to precision cutting and quality control, providing an aesthetically pleasing choice for consumers. Swarovski Zirconia, due to its superior craftsmanship, has become a premium alternative and a preferred choice in fine jewelry markets.

While it’s more expensive than regular cubic zirconia, its higher price is justified by the brand’s reputation for quality and precision in manufacturing.

Natural Alternatives

White sapphires are natural alternatives that offer beauty and durability in jewelry. They are graded on a scale to assess their value and appeal, with higher quality grades reflecting their premium status. The difference in hardness between white sapphires (Mohs hardness of 9) and diamonds (Mohs hardness of 10) is minimal in practical terms, as both resist scratches from everyday wear.

Diamonds offer more brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation than white sapphires, meaning they appear brighter and have more colorful flashes. However, white sapphires present a softer look than diamonds, with a white glow of color without the fireworks of sparkle that diamonds exhibit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about moissanite and lab diamonds:

1. Are lab diamonds considered fake? No, lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and are not considered “fake,” though they are less expensive and differently sourced.
2. Can moissanite be found naturally? Yes, moissanite can be found in nature, though it is rare; most moissanite available today is created in labs.
3. Is moissanite considered a fake diamond? No, moissanite is a distinct gemstone that simulates the look of diamonds due to its lower price and shimmering appearance.
4. How does moissanite’s brilliance compare to that of diamonds? Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, leading to greater brilliance and fire.
5. Are lab diamonds and moissanite graded the same way? No, lab diamonds are graded based on the 4Cs like natural diamonds, while moissanite is usually only graded on color.

Summary

In a nutshell, both moissanite and lab diamonds offer compelling alternatives to natural diamonds. They each have their unique traits that set them apart. Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and vibrant rainbow-colored sparkle, while lab diamonds offer a classic and timeless sparkle comparable to natural diamonds. Both are durable, suitable for everyday wear, and offer ethical and sustainable choices. When it comes to cost, moissanite is generally more affordable than lab diamonds, though both are significantly less costly than natural diamonds. Ultimately, the choice between moissanite and lab diamonds comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and budget. So whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or a new addition to your jewelry collection, remember that understanding the unique qualities of each gemstone can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your style, values, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a jeweler tell between moissanite and diamond?

A jeweler cannot definitively tell the difference between moissanite and diamond without specialized equipment due to their similarity in appearance and properties. Moissanite is considered a genuine alternative to diamond.

Are moissanite diamonds fake?

No, moissanite is not a fake diamond. It is a separate and naturally occurring gemstone with its own unique properties and beauty.

Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Moissanite may pass as a diamond on a standard tester pen due to its high thermal conductivity, similar to diamond. However, other diamond imitatioms like cubic zirconia will not pass the test.

Which is better moissanite or lab created diamond?

Lab-created diamonds are better than Moissanite due to their higher refractive index, resulting in more sparkle and fire. Choose lab-created diamonds for a more brilliant and dazzling appearance.

Are lab diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab diamonds are real diamonds as they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.