As both Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds grow in popularity year on year, a question we’re often asked here at Diamonds Factory is what exactly is the difference between lab grown diamonds vs Moissanite? Although incredibly similar, especially to the naked eye, there are several differences between the two that set them apart. If you’re thinking about buying either a Moissanite Engagement Ring or a Lab Grown Engagement Ring and not sure which one to go with, we’ve compiled together everything you need to know to help make your decision a little easier.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab Grown Diamonds are made from pure Carbon and are chemically and optically the same as
natural diamonds but formed in a laboratory setting instead. A common misconception is that lab grown diamonds are ‘fake diamonds’ but they’re very much still deemed as ‘real’ diamonds, they just differ in terms of their chemical makeup. Lab grown diamonds were discovered a lot later, with the very first batch created in 1954, but have grown in popularity ever since thanks to their affordability and optical similarities to the real thing.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is its own unique gemstone, similar to the likes of
Ruby or
Emerald. Formed from Silicon Carbide, Moissanite was discovered over 120 years ago and has taken the world by storm thanks to its rarity and the fact it can be grown in a lab with very minimal impact on the environment. Believe it or not, Moissanite is even rarer than diamonds. Why we hear you ask? Well simply put, Moissanite has only been discovered in meteorites and upper mantle rocks. So in order to create lab-grown moissanite gemstones, a highly technical process must be undergone that mimics the natural process.
What are the biggest differences between lab grown diamonds and Moissanite?
Often compared against each other due to their similarities, you may be wondering what the biggest differences are that set lab grown diamonds and Moissanite apart. In short, they have various features that differ slightly, including their price, durability, brilliance and colouring. Here we explain a little more on these differences between the two
gemstones.
Price
Lab grown diamonds have continued to grow in popularity thanks to their affordability in comparison with the natural, mined kind. The biggest difference in price between the two is that Moissanite takes this one step further and is even more affordable than a lab grown diamond. Prices will of course vary depending on multiple factors, but generally speaking a Moissanite of the same size will be considerably less in price vs a lab grown diamond of the same stature.
Durability
When ranking the durability of a gemstone, you always refer to the Mohs scale of hardness. On this scale, lab grown diamonds rank slightly higher than Moissanite. Moissanite has a rating of 9.25 whereas lab grown diamonds have a perfect score of 10. That being said, although there is a slight difference both gemstones still rank as an excellent choice durability wise for everyday jewellery pieces and engagement rings.
Brilliance
One of the biggest benefits to Moissanite is their unique and effervescent sparkle. Often related to that same captivating sparkle that a disco-ball emits, Moissanite has a refractive index of double the amount that a lab grown diamond has, which allows it to fire out rainbow-like colours effortlessly when faced with the light. However lab grown diamonds have a brilliance of their own that can’t be matched too, and as they have all the same optical properties as a natural, mined diamond - they share a stunning sparkle and fire that’s loved by many across the globe.
Colour
One of the biggest differences between Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds is the fact that the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grades Lab Grown Diamonds by colour but does not officially grade Moissanite, however the same scale can be applied as a point of reference when it comes to deciding on a Moissanite’s colour. Both gemstones can vary in colour, but Moissanite is known more for being virtually colourless.
Can a jeweller tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and Moissanite?
Yes, a reputable jeweller should be able to tell the difference between a Lab Grown Diamond and a Moissanite stone. Jewellers have specialist tools and high-quality microscopes that can easily decipher the differences between the two gemstones. Moissanites have a slightly different faceted pattern in comparison to Lab Grown Diamonds, meaning that light travels through the stone slightly differently - this is usually the first point of call when comparing the two up against each other.
So which gemstone should I go for?
Ultimately, the choice all comes down to you, or your recipient’s style, taste and preferences. Moissanite is sold based on their size and colour, whereas Lab Grown Diamonds are sold based on the 4 C’s - carat, cut grade, clarity and colour. So figuring out which elements are important to you when buying a gemstone is always a good place to start.
Both are beautiful to the natural eye, so whichever you opt for you’ll be sure to making a great choice especially for an engagement ring. If you prefer to stick to tradition a little more, a lab grown diamond might be the way to go as it features in the diamond family. If you’re working on a tighter budget, you’ll get more gem for your money with a Moissanite. The choice is entirely in your hands, but just know whatever you go for you’ll have a beautifully sparkling and dazzling gemstone that you’ll be sure to love and cherish forever!
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As both Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds grow in popularity year on year, a question we’re often asked here at Diamonds Factory is what exactly is the difference between lab grown diamonds vs Moissanite? Although incredibly similar, especially to the naked eye, there are several differences between the two that set them apart. If you’re thinking about buying either a Moissanite Engagement Ring or a Lab Grown Engagement Ring and not sure which one to go with, we’ve compiled together everything you need to know to help make your decision a little easier.
Prong Setting Plain Engagement Ring
From £422
White Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
From £408
4 Prong Setting Round Moissanite Side Stone Engagement Ring
From £731
4 Prong Setting Round Moissanite Side Stone Engagement Ring
From £1,039
4 Prong Setting Round Moissanite Side Stone Engagement Ring
From £1,011
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
What is Moissanite?
What are the biggest differences between lab grown diamonds and Moissanite?
Price
Durability
Brilliance
Colour
Can a jeweller tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and Moissanite?
So which gemstone should I go for?
Both are beautiful to the natural eye, so whichever you opt for you’ll be sure to making a great choice especially for an engagement ring. If you prefer to stick to tradition a little more, a lab grown diamond might be the way to go as it features in the diamond family. If you’re working on a tighter budget, you’ll get more gem for your money with a Moissanite. The choice is entirely in your hands, but just know whatever you go for you’ll have a beautifully sparkling and dazzling gemstone that you’ll be sure to love and cherish forever!