Moissanite Rings vs Lab Created Diamonds: Which Is Best?
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a monumental decision, and the options available can feel overwhelming. Two popular choices that have captured the hearts of many are moissanite rings and lab created diamonds. Both offer stunning brilliance and affordability, but understanding their differences is key to making the right choice for you.
This comparison dives deep into the world of gemstones, exploring the unique characteristics of both moissanite rings and lab created diamonds. We’ll examine everything from sparkle and durability to cost and ethical considerations. This will help you to make a decision.
Whether you’re drawn to the fiery brilliance of moissanite or the classic allure of lab created diamonds, this guide will provide the insights you need. Learn about the pros and cons of each, ensuring you make an informed decision that reflects your personal style and values. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Moissanite | Lab Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | High | High |
| Fire (Dispersion) | Very High | High |
| Durability (Hardness) | 9.25-9.5 Mohs | 10 Mohs |
| Color | Can range, some have slight color | Colorless to Fancy Colors |
| Clarity | Typically very good | Typically very good |
| Cut | Excellent | Excellent |
| Source | Created in a lab | Created in a lab |
| Chemical Composition | Silicon Carbide | Carbon |
| Refractive Index | High | High |
| Appearance | Similar to diamond | Similar to diamond |
| Sustainability | Environmentally Friendly | Environmentally Friendly |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Easy to clean |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Brilliance & Sparkle
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index than diamonds, resulting in more fire and brilliance. This can sometimes appear as a rainbow-like sparkle. However, the brilliance can be considered less “classic” than a diamond’s.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds possess the same optical properties as natural diamonds, including their brilliance and sparkle. They offer a more traditional and familiar sparkle that many find desirable.
- Winner: Tie
Durability (Hardness)
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it very durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion. This makes it suitable for everyday wear.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale, the highest possible score. They are incredibly durable and highly resistant to scratching, chipping, or breaking.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Color & Clarity
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite can exhibit a slight yellowish or greenish tint in certain lighting conditions, especially in larger sizes. Color grading is less standardized than with diamonds. Clarity is generally good.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds offer a wide range of colors and clarity grades, mirroring natural diamonds. They can be found in colorless (D-F) and near-colorless (G-J) grades, with excellent clarity options.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Price
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite is significantly more affordable than both natural and lab-created diamonds. The cost is often a fraction of the price, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are generally less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. However, they are still typically more expensive than moissanite.
- Winner: moissanite rings
Cut
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite is available in various cuts, just like diamonds. The cut impacts the brilliance and overall appearance of the stone, and the quality of the cut is crucial.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are available in the same wide range of cuts as natural diamonds, allowing for customization and a variety of visual effects.
- Winner: Tie
Ethical Considerations
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite is always ethically sourced, as it’s created in a lab. This eliminates concerns about conflict diamonds and environmentally damaging mining practices.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are ethically sourced, eliminating the need for mining. They provide a sustainable and ethical alternative to natural diamonds.
- Winner: Tie
Appearance
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite’s brilliance and fire can be very striking, with a distinctive sparkle. Some find the “rainbow” effect appealing, while others prefer the classic diamond appearance.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds offer the same appearance as natural diamonds, with a classic and familiar sparkle. They are visually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Resale Value
- Moissanite Rings: Moissanite typically has a lower resale value compared to diamonds, both natural and lab-created.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds, while still not holding the same resale value as natural diamonds, can retain a better value than moissanite. The resale market is still developing.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Brilliance | Tie |
| Fire (Dispersion) | Moissanite |
| Durability | Lab Diamonds (Slightly harder) |
| Price | Moissanite |
| Color | Lab Diamonds |
| Overall Value | Moissanite |
| Appearance to the eye | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Lab Creation: Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments, eliminating the need for mining. This makes both options a more ethical and sustainable choice compared to mined diamonds.
- Brilliance: Both gemstones exhibit excellent brilliance, reflecting light to create a dazzling sparkle. The way they are cut contributes significantly to their brilliance.
- Durability: Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are durable gemstones suitable for everyday wear. They are resistant to scratching and chipping.
- Ethical Sourcing: Both options avoid the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, such as conflict diamonds and environmental damage. This makes them a more responsible choice for consumers.
- Customization: Both gemstones can be cut into various shapes and sizes, allowing for a wide range of ring designs and customization options. You can easily find the perfect setting for either stone.
Moissanite Rings Vs Lab Created Diamonds Buying Guide
Cost Comparison
Moissanite rings typically offer a significant cost advantage compared to lab-created diamonds. The price difference can be substantial, allowing you to get a larger stone or a more elaborate setting for your budget. Lab-created diamonds, while less expensive than natural diamonds, still command a higher price point due to the more complex manufacturing process and the perception of being “real” diamonds. Consider your budget and desired size/quality when making your choice. This section will guide you through the price differences and value proposition.
For those on a tighter budget, moissanite provides a compelling alternative without sacrificing sparkle and brilliance. Lab-created diamonds offer a more traditional investment, holding value better than moissanite, although this is still far less than natural diamonds. It is important to factor in the long-term cost implications.
Sparkle and Brilliance
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds exhibit exceptional sparkle, but they differ slightly in their fire and brilliance. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, leading to more fire, or the dispersion of light into rainbow colors. Lab-created diamonds, on the other hand, offer a more classic diamond sparkle, with a brilliant white light return. The choice here comes down to personal preference.
Some people appreciate the intense fire of moissanite, while others prefer the more subtle sparkle of a lab-created diamond. The cut of the stone also plays a crucial role in maximizing brilliance. Ensure you choose a well-cut stone for the best visual impact, regardless of the material. Consider viewing both stones in person to observe the light performance.
Durability and Hardness
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are durable gemstones suitable for everyday wear. Lab-created diamonds rank a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them incredibly resistant to scratches. Moissanite scores a 9.25, which is also very hard and scratch-resistant, but slightly less so than diamond. This ensures that the ring will withstand the rigors of daily life.
Both materials are suitable for everyday wear and tear. Neither material is likely to chip, crack, or get damaged by regular wear. This makes either choice a practical option for an engagement ring or other jewelry intended for frequent use. Consider your lifestyle and how the ring will be worn.
Ethical Considerations
Both options offer advantages over natural diamonds in terms of ethical sourcing. Lab-created diamonds are grown in controlled environments, eliminating the concerns associated with conflict diamonds and environmentally damaging mining practices. Moissanite is also a lab-created gemstone, avoiding any environmental or social impact associated with traditional diamond mining.
If ethical sourcing is a primary concern, both of these alternatives are excellent choices. They provide peace of mind knowing that your purchase does not contribute to human rights abuses or environmental damage. Choosing either one aligns with a conscious approach to jewelry buying.
Appearance and Aesthetics
The visual differences between moissanite and lab-created diamonds can be subtle, but they are important to consider. Moissanite often has a slightly warmer hue, especially in larger sizes, whereas lab-created diamonds are typically colorless. The choice often comes down to personal preference. The shape and setting of the ring also impact its overall aesthetics.
The cut of the stone significantly impacts its appearance. Carefully consider the cut, clarity, and color grades when choosing either gemstone. Consider your personal style and desired look when making your choice. Some prefer the fiery sparkle of moissanite, while others prefer the classic look of a diamond.
Maintenance and Care
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to maintain their brilliance. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Both gemstones are resistant to scratches, but it is always wise to store your ring separately from other jewelry to prevent potential damage.
Professional cleaning and inspections by a jeweler are recommended periodically to ensure the ring’s integrity. Ensure your ring is properly insured against loss or damage. Both options are relatively low-maintenance, making them practical choices for everyday wear.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy moissanite rings If…
- You want a gemstone with exceptional fire and brilliance.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to a diamond.
- You prioritize a gemstone with a high refractive index for added sparkle.
- You desire a unique look with a slight color tint.
Buy lab created diamonds If…
- You want a gemstone that is identical to a natural diamond in appearance and properties.
- You prefer a gemstone that is graded by GIA or another gemological lab.
- You value the prestige and brand recognition associated with diamonds.
- You want a colorless gemstone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone composed of silicon carbide. It is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, making it a popular diamond alternative. Its durability and affordability also contribute to its popularity. Its light performance is unique in its intense rainbow flashes, setting it apart from other gemstones.
What are lab-created diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory environment. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds. They are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds and offer a more ethical and sustainable option. They are graded using the same criteria as natural diamonds.
How do I tell the difference between moissanite and a lab-created diamond?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between moissanite and a lab-created diamond with the naked eye. Gemologists use specialized equipment to identify them, such as a thermal conductivity tester and a moissanite tester. Moissanite exhibits double refraction, which can sometimes be seen as a slight doubling of facets.
Which is more expensive, moissanite or lab-created diamonds?
Moissanite is generally less expensive than lab-created diamonds. The price difference can be significant, especially for larger stones. This makes moissanite a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a brilliant and durable gemstone. The cost savings allow for larger stones or a more elaborate setting.
Is moissanite as durable as a lab-created diamond?
Moissanite is incredibly durable, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, but lab-created diamonds are slightly harder, at 10 on the Mohs scale. Both are resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear. Both are durable gemstones resistant to chipping, cracking, or damage from regular wear. This makes either choice a practical option.
Do moissanite rings hold their value?
Moissanite rings do not hold their value as well as lab-created diamonds. While moissanite is a beautiful and durable gemstone, it is not considered an investment in the same way diamonds are. The value of moissanite is primarily in its beauty and affordability. Resale value is typically far less than the initial purchase price.
Which is better for an engagement ring?
The best choice for an engagement ring depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If budget is a primary concern, moissanite is an excellent choice. If you desire a classic diamond look and the potential for some resale value, a lab-created diamond may be preferable. Considering both options is recommended.
Final Verdict
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds offer compelling alternatives to natural diamonds, each with distinct advantages. Moissanite shines with exceptional fire and affordability, while lab-created diamonds provide the classic diamond look with ethical sourcing. The best choice depends on personal preferences, budget, and desired aesthetics. Consider the light performance and long-term value when making your decision.
Winner: Lab Created Diamonds