Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Which Option Should You Choose?
Moissanite and lab diamonds are popular diamond alternatives. Created inside a laboratory, each gemstone offers beauty, brilliance, and dazzle without the cost of mined diamonds. If you are in the market for a diamond alternative but aren’t sure which of these two options works best, read on as we discuss each gemstone in detail. You’ll learn significant differences and similarities between the stones, which can help ease the purchase decision.
All About Lab-Grown Jewelry
Both Moissanite and lab diamonds are created inside a laboratory. Scientists control the entire production process. When the gemstone forms, Scientists cut it to size, polish it, and set it in jewelry.
The process takes months and is far more feasible than mining the actual gemstone. You see, Moissanite is found in meteorites, which we do not encounter every day here on Earth. Mining diamonds can take thousands of years, factoring in the time it takes diamonds to form in volcanic areas.
Choosing lab-grown gemstones is not just about the beauty and cost-effectiveness. It’s also a conscious decision. The concerns over fair wages to miners, conflicts in war zones, and other issues that plague the diamond mining industry are eliminated when you opt for lab-grown gemstones.
We cannot forget the numerous environmental effects diamond mining causes. For example, mining consumes excessive amounts of energy and water resources, resulting in a significant carbon footprint.
Moissanite and lab diamonds eliminate the many concerns associated with mining, delivering shoppers a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing piece of jewelry that mimics the look of a diamond at a fraction of the cost.
Differences Between Moissanite and Lab-Created Diamonds
- Natural diamonds are made from pure carbon, the same as lab-grown gemstones. Lab diamonds are chemically and structurally identical.
- Lab diamonds use either Chemical Vapor Deposition or High Pressure High Temperature processes to make them.
- Moissanite is created from silicon carbide. Highly specialized equipment uses heat and pressure to formulate the gemstones.
- When the process completes, the scientist cuts and polishes the gemstones for placement inside jewelry.
Other differences between Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds include:
- The Mohs Scale of Hardness assesses a gemstone’s ability to withstand scratching. No gemstone is more durable than a diamond, including lab options, which measure a 10 on the scale. Moissanite is slightly less durable, with a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. Both rocks are suitable for daily wear, making them solid choices as engagement and wedding rings.
- Lab-grown diamonds can vary in color the same way as natural diamonds. They are graded using the same standards, with D being colorless and a Z being yellow or brown. Moissanite stones are not graded on the scale, but often feature some color, especially when held in light.
- Moissanite exudes a different type of brilliance than a diamond. It generally has reflective rainbow flashes. Lab diamonds reflect light differently and sparkle in light.
- Moissanite is lower in price than a lab-grown diamond. Lab-made jewelry is more affordable than mined pieces. The cost of any gemstone varies based on the 4 Cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity, its shape, and other factors.
Moissanite or Lab-Grown: Which Gemstone Should You Choose?
Only you can decide which gemstone is best suited for your needs. Rest assured, both options provide you with a high-quality, beautiful piece of jewelry that will be cherished for a long time to come. Both gemstones mimic the look of a diamond. Only experts can discern the difference, and many require specialized tools to test the gemstones and differentiate between them.
When deciding between the two stones, consider the following:
- Budget: Lab-grown diamonds cost slightly more than Moissanite, but many people spend the extra since they value its more diamond-like features. Set your budget before shopping, which can further ease the decision-making process.
- Preferences: Some shoppers prefer diamonds over other gemstones. In such a case, lab-grown diamonds are a better choice than Moissanite.
- Longevity: Both Lab-grown stones and Moissanite offer long-lasting durability, although lab diamonds offer less worry and more stability than the alternative.
- Occasion: Are you shopping for an engagement ring or a wedding band? Do you need a dazzling ring for another memorable occasion? Most people choose lab-created diamonds to mark special and significant occasions in life.
Lab Diamonds vs. Moissanite: FAQ
- Does Moissanite have a resale value? Many people upgrade jewelry as time passes, or no longer want certain pieces. In such cases, reselling jewelry is an option. However, neither Moissanite nor lab diamonds offers much of a resale value. Sure, the pieces can be resold, but the profits are minimal.
- Can anyone tell I’m wearing a lab-grown diamond? Many shoppers worry about the appearance of their jewelry to others. Rest assured, lab and naturally mined diamonds look so similar, only you will know that it’s made in a lab. Remember, lab diamonds are real, not fake! Moissanite is equally impressive, although it can reflect color in light, depending on the quality. Overall, most people believe they are looking at a diamond.
- Can I buy Moissanite and lab diamonds online? Many people prefer the convenience of shopping for jewelry online. Both lab-grown and Moissanite resellers are available online, offering a variety of pieces at great prices. We recommend shopping at LabGrown.com where you can find high-quality, certified lab diamonds at superb prices.
- Do Moissanite and lab diamonds require special care? Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds do not require any specialized care. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat, and clean the stones with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and debris. That’s all there is to keeping your jewelry in pristine condition.
The Bottom Line
Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer shoppers a stunning piece of jewelry that looks similar to a naturally mined diamond at a fraction of the cost. At the end of the day, deciding which gemstone is best for you comes down to personal preference and budget. You’ll be amazed at your beautiful jewelry regardless of your choice.