Lab Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite: Which Sparkles More?
Choosing the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring or special piece of jewelry can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Two of the most popular choices today are lab grown diamonds and moissanite, each offering unique advantages and appeal.
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite provide stunning brilliance, but they come with distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences. This comparison will delve into the key aspects of each gemstone.
We’ll explore the origins, appearance, durability, and cost of both lab grown diamonds and moissanite. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which gemstone best suits your needs and personal style. Get ready to discover the perfect sparkle!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Lab Grown Diamonds | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pure Carbon | Silicon Carbide |
| Brilliance (Fire) | Excellent | Exceptional |
| Sparkle (Scintillation) | Excellent | Very Good |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 10 | 9.25 |
| Durability | Excellent | Very Good |
| Color | Colorless to Near Colorless | Colorless to Yellowish/Greenish |
| Clarity | VS1-SI2 (Varies) | VVS-SI2 (Varies) |
| Refractive Index | 2.42 | 2.65-2.69 |
| Dispersion (Fire) | 0.044 | 0.104 |
| Cut | Excellent to Good | Excellent to Good |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Origin | Grown in a lab | Grown in a lab |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Appearance
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds are visually identical to natural diamonds, exhibiting the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation. They offer a wide range of colors and clarity grades, allowing for customization. However, the price can still be relatively high depending on these factors.
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a slightly higher refractive index than diamonds, resulting in more brilliance and fire. Some may find the double refraction noticeable. It generally comes in a near colorless grade.
- Winner: Tie
Durability
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds are incredibly durable, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, the same as natural diamonds. They are highly resistant to scratches and damage, making them suitable for everyday wear.
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable and resistant to scratches, but slightly less so than a diamond.
- Winner: lab grown diamonds
Cost
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds are significantly less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. This makes them an attractive option for those seeking a larger stone or a higher quality grade within a budget.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is typically less expensive than lab grown diamonds, offering a more budget-friendly alternative. However, the price difference has narrowed over the years, especially with higher quality moissanite.
- Winner: moissanite
Color
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds are available in a wide range of colors and can be graded with the same color scale as natural diamonds. You can find colorless, near-colorless, and fancy-colored lab grown diamonds.
- Moissanite: Moissanite typically appears near colorless, but can exhibit slight yellow or green tints in certain lighting conditions, especially in larger stones. Newer grades have improved color.
- Winner: lab grown diamonds
Clarity
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds can have excellent clarity, with grades ranging from Flawless to Included. The clarity grade impacts the overall brilliance and sparkle of the stone.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is typically available in excellent clarity grades, though inclusions can be more visible due to the stone’s higher refractive index.
- Winner: lab grown diamonds
Cut
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds can be cut into the same shapes and styles as natural diamonds, offering a wide variety of options to suit any preference. The cut significantly affects the stone’s brilliance and overall appearance.
- Moissanite: Moissanite can also be cut into various shapes. The cut is crucial for maximizing brilliance and fire, and is a key factor in the overall appearance of the stone.
- Winner: Tie
Ethical Considerations
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds are ethically produced, as they do not involve mining and the associated environmental and social concerns. They offer a conflict-free alternative to natural diamonds.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is also ethically produced, as it is created in a lab setting, eliminating any concerns about unethical mining practices.
- Winner: Tie
Resale Value
- Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab grown diamonds generally have a lower resale value compared to natural diamonds. However, the resale market is still developing.
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a relatively low resale value. It is generally purchased for its initial value and not as an investment.
- Winner: lab grown diamonds
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Lab Grown Diamond |
| Fire (Dispersion) | Moissanite |
| Overall Brilliance | Tie |
| Price | Moissanite |
| Chemical Composition | Lab Grown Diamond |
What They Have in Common
- Appearance: Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are known for their brilliance and sparkle, making them excellent choices for jewelry.
- Durability: Both gemstones are durable enough for everyday wear, resisting scratches and damage.
- Ethical Sourcing: Both are ethically sourced, eliminating the environmental and social concerns associated with mined diamonds.
- Versatility: Both can be cut into various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for different jewelry designs.
- Lab Creation: Both are created in controlled laboratory environments, offering consistency in quality and characteristics.
- Affordability: Both are more affordable than natural diamonds, providing cost-effective alternatives for beautiful jewelry.
Lab Grown Diamonds Vs Moissanite Buying Guide
Clarity and Brilliance
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite offer exceptional brilliance, but their optical properties differ slightly. Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale as mined diamonds, ranging from Flawless to Included. This means you can choose a lab grown diamond with excellent clarity and minimal imperfections. Moissanite, on the other hand, is known for its high refractive index, giving it a fire and brilliance that can sometimes surpass that of a diamond. However, the “fire” can sometimes appear as a rainbow effect under certain lighting conditions, which might not be to everyone’s taste. Consider your preference for clarity and fire when making your choice.
Durability and Hardness
In terms of durability, both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are excellent choices for everyday wear. Lab grown diamonds are incredibly hard, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them virtually scratch-resistant. Moissanite is also very hard, scoring a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which is just below a diamond. This means it’s highly resistant to scratches and abrasion, making it suitable for rings and other jewelry worn daily. Both materials are very durable, ensuring your jewelry retains its beauty for years to come.
Price Comparison
The price difference is a significant factor when comparing lab grown diamonds and moissanite. Lab grown diamonds are generally more expensive than moissanite, but they are still considerably more affordable than mined diamonds. The price of a lab grown diamond is determined by the 4Cs (cut, clarity, carat, and color), just like mined diamonds. Moissanite is a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent brilliance and durability at a lower cost. If budget is a primary concern, moissanite is the clear winner. Consider your budget constraints when choosing between these two options.
Ethical Considerations
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite offer ethical advantages over mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment, eliminating the environmental and social concerns associated with diamond mining. This includes issues such as habitat destruction, fair labor practices, and conflict diamonds. Moissanite is also a conflict-free and environmentally friendly option, as it is created in a lab. If ethical sourcing is important to you, both options are excellent choices, providing peace of mind knowing your purchase supports responsible practices.
Color and Cut
Lab grown diamonds are available in a wide range of colors and cuts, just like mined diamonds. You can find colorless diamonds (D-F color grades) as well as fancy colored diamonds (yellow, pink, blue, etc.). The cut of a lab grown diamond significantly impacts its brilliance and fire. Moissanite also comes in various cuts, but the color range is typically more limited. While colorless moissanite is available, it might exhibit a slight yellow or green tint in some lighting conditions. Consider the color and cut options available and which best suits your style and preference.
Maintenance and Care
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite require similar maintenance and care. Clean your jewelry regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as they can potentially damage the setting or stone. Both materials are resistant to scratches, but it is still important to store your jewelry separately to prevent them from scratching each other. With proper care, both lab grown diamonds and moissanite will retain their beauty and sparkle for years to come. Regular professional cleaning and inspections are also recommended.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy lab grown diamonds If…
- You prioritize the chemical composition and structure of a real diamond.
- You prefer a gemstone that is known for its timelessness and investment potential (though lab grown diamonds are not an investment).
- You want a gemstone with excellent hardness and durability.
- You value a slightly more subtle fire compared to moissanite.
Buy moissanite If…
- You are looking for a gemstone with exceptional brilliance and fire.
- You want a gemstone that offers a slightly higher refractive index, leading to more sparkle.
- You are looking for a more affordable option that still looks stunning.
- You want a gemstone that can be cut into a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lab grown diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond that is created in a laboratory, rather than mined from the earth. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as mined diamonds. They are made using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process. Lab grown diamonds offer a more ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds while maintaining the same beauty.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone that is often used as a diamond simulant. It is composed of silicon carbide and is created in a lab. It’s known for its high brilliance and fire, often appearing more sparkly than a diamond. Moissanite is a durable and affordable alternative to diamonds, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. It is also ethically sourced.
How do lab grown diamonds and moissanite compare in terms of brilliance?
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are known for their brilliance. Lab grown diamonds offer classic brilliance, while moissanite has a higher refractive index, resulting in a more intense sparkle and “fire.” Moissanite can sometimes display more color flashes. The choice depends on personal preference; some prefer the subtle brilliance of diamonds, while others are drawn to moissanite’s vibrant sparkle.
Are lab grown diamonds and moissanite ethical choices?
Yes, both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are considered ethical choices. Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, eliminating the environmental and social issues associated with diamond mining. Moissanite is also ethically sourced, as it’s created in a lab. Both offer a conflict-free and environmentally responsible alternative to mined diamonds.
How durable are lab grown diamonds and moissanite?
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are very durable gemstones, suitable for everyday wear. Lab grown diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, while moissanite scores a 9.25. Both are highly resistant to scratches and abrasion, meaning they will retain their beauty for many years. Regular maintenance like cleaning is recommended to preserve their shine.
What is the price difference between lab grown diamonds and moissanite?
Lab grown diamonds are generally more expensive than moissanite, but they are still more affordable than mined diamonds. The price of a lab grown diamond is determined by the 4Cs (cut, clarity, carat, and color). Moissanite is a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent brilliance and durability at a lower cost, making it a great value proposition.
Which is better for an engagement ring?
The “better” choice for an engagement ring depends on personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize the diamond name, classic appearance, and are willing to pay more, lab grown diamonds are an excellent choice. If you are looking for exceptional brilliance, a budget-friendly option, and ethical sourcing, moissanite is a fantastic choice, and is growing in popularity.
Final Verdict
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite offer compelling alternatives to mined diamonds, each with its unique advantages. Lab grown diamonds provide the classic look and feel of a diamond with ethical sourcing and affordability. Moissanite offers exceptional brilliance and affordability, making it a great value. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities, budget, and style preferences. Consider your needs and make the decision that’s right for you.
Winner: Moissanite