Moissanite vs Lab Created Diamonds: Which Sparkles More?
Choosing the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring or special piece of jewelry can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, understanding the differences is key to making an informed decision. Two popular choices that often spark debate are moissanite and lab created diamonds, each offering unique advantages.
This comprehensive comparison will delve into the details, helping you navigate the world of sparkling gems. We’ll explore everything from brilliance and durability to cost and ethical considerations. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind moissanite and lab created diamonds.
Whether you’re drawn to the fiery sparkle of moissanite or the classic elegance of lab created diamonds, this guide will provide the insights you need. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the gemstone that best suits your style and budget.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Moissanite | Lab Created Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon Carbide | Carbon |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9.25-9.5 | 10 |
| Brilliance (Refractive Index) | High (2.65 – 2.69) | High (2.42) |
| Fire (Dispersion) | High | Moderate |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Color | Can exhibit slight yellow or green hues | Can be colorless |
| Clarity | Typically eye-clean | Typically eye-clean |
| Cut | Various cuts available | Various cuts available |
| Source | Created in a lab | Created in a lab |
| Carat Weight | Available in various carat sizes | Available in various carat sizes |
| Ethical Considerations | No mining involved | No mining involved |
| Maintenance | Requires similar cleaning methods as diamonds | Requires similar cleaning methods as diamonds |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Brilliance (Sparkle)
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, leading to more “fire” or colorful sparkle. However, some find its brilliance to be more “disco ball” like, which isn’t for everyone. It can sometimes appear overly sparkly.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds exhibit the same brilliance as natural diamonds, offering a classic and familiar sparkle. The sparkle is generally considered more subtle and refined than moissanite.
- Winner: Tie
Durability (Hardness)
- Moissanite: Moissanite scores a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly durable and resistant to scratching and abrasion. It’s suitable for everyday wear.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the highest possible, making them incredibly durable and scratch-resistant. They are ideal for daily wear and tear.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Color
- Moissanite: Moissanite can have slight color tints, especially in larger sizes. While improvements have been made, some may notice a yellowish or greenish hue, particularly in certain lighting conditions.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are graded on the same color scale as natural diamonds, ranging from colorless (D) to faint yellow (Z). Color can be selected to match desired preferences.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Price
- Moissanite: Moissanite is significantly more affordable than both natural and lab-created diamonds of comparable size and quality. This makes it a budget-friendly option for larger stones.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are generally less expensive than natural diamonds but more expensive than moissanite. The price is determined by the 4Cs (cut, clarity, carat, and color).
- Winner: moissanite
Ethical Considerations
- Moissanite: Moissanite is ethically sourced, as it’s created in a lab. There are no concerns about conflict diamonds or environmental impact related to mining.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are ethically produced, eliminating the concerns associated with conflict diamonds and reducing the environmental impact of mining.
- Winner: Tie
Appearance
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a distinct look due to its high refractive index. Some find its fire to be more noticeable, while others may prefer a more subtle sparkle. Color can sometimes be a consideration.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds look identical to natural diamonds. They offer the classic diamond look with the same brilliance and fire.
- Winner: lab created diamonds
Cut Availability
- Moissanite: Moissanite is available in a wide variety of cuts, similar to diamonds, including round, princess, cushion, and more. Availability can be slightly more limited than diamonds.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are available in the same wide range of cuts as natural diamonds, providing ample options for customization.
- Winner: Tie
Resale Value
- Moissanite: Moissanite generally has a lower resale value compared to diamonds. It’s often considered a fashion stone rather than an investment.
- Lab Created Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds also have a lower resale value compared to natural diamonds. While the market is evolving, they do not hold their value as well as natural diamonds.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Brilliance | Moissanite |
| Hardness | Lab Created Diamonds |
| Fire (Dispersion) | Moissanite |
| Price | Moissanite |
| Chemical Composition | Lab Created Diamonds |
| Appearance | Subjective |
What They Have in Common:
- Origin: Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments, eliminating the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional mining.
- Durability: Both gemstones are incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear, resisting scratches and damage.
- Brilliance: Both offer exceptional brilliance, reflecting light and creating a dazzling sparkle.
- Clarity: Both are generally available with excellent clarity grades, meaning they are free from visible inclusions.
- Sustainability: Both are considered sustainable alternatives to mined diamonds, reducing the environmental impact of jewelry production.
- Versatility: Both can be cut into various shapes and sizes, suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs.
Moissanite Vs Lab Created Diamonds Buying Guide
Budget Considerations
When comparing moissanite and lab-created diamonds, your budget will play a significant role. Moissanite is generally the more affordable option, often costing significantly less than lab-created diamonds of comparable size and quality. This price difference allows you to potentially get a larger stone or a more elaborate setting with moissanite. Lab-created diamonds, while less expensive than natural diamonds, can still be a significant investment, especially for larger sizes or higher grades. Consider how much you’re comfortable spending and what size and quality are most important to you.
Sparkle and Brilliance
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds offer exceptional brilliance, but their sparkle differs slightly. Moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index than diamonds, leading to a more fiery, rainbow-like sparkle known as ‘dispersion’. This can be a desirable feature for some. Lab-created diamonds, on the other hand, offer a more classic, white sparkle, closely resembling the appearance of natural diamonds. The choice often comes down to personal preference; some prefer the bold fire of moissanite, while others favor the subtle elegance of a diamond.
Durability and Hardness
Durability is a crucial factor when choosing a gemstone for everyday wear. Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are durable enough for daily wear, but their hardness differs slightly. Lab-created diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them incredibly resistant to scratches. Moissanite scores a 9.25, still very durable but slightly more susceptible to scratches over time. For active lifestyles, lab-created diamonds might be the more resilient choice, though both are excellent options for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Color and Clarity
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are available in a range of colors and clarities. Lab-created diamonds are graded using the same color and clarity scales as natural diamonds, allowing for precise assessment of their appearance. Moissanite can sometimes exhibit a slight yellow or green tint, although near-colorless options are readily available. When choosing, carefully assess the color grade and clarity to ensure the stone meets your aesthetic preferences. Consider the setting; a yellow gold setting can complement a warmer-toned stone, while white gold or platinum highlights the whiteness.
Ethical and Environmental Impact
Both moissanite and lab-created diamonds offer ethical advantages over mined diamonds. Lab-created diamonds eliminate the environmental and social concerns associated with diamond mining, such as habitat destruction and labor exploitation. Moissanite is created in a lab setting, eliminating these issues as well. If ethical sourcing is a priority, both options provide peace of mind. Consider the environmental footprint of the manufacturing process, as lab-created diamonds might require significant energy to produce.
Personal Preferences and Style
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and style. Consider the overall look you desire, including the sparkle, color, and setting of the ring. Think about your lifestyle and how often you’ll wear the jewelry. Do you prefer a classic, timeless look or something with a unique twist? Try on both moissanite and lab-created diamonds to see which one resonates with you. Consider the shape and size you want and how it complements your hand and personal style.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy moissanite If…
- You want a gemstone with exceptional brilliance and fire.
- You are looking for a more affordable alternative to a diamond.
- You appreciate a gemstone with a unique sparkle and rainbow-like flashes.
- You prioritize ethical and sustainable choices in your jewelry.
Buy lab created diamonds If…
- You desire a gemstone that is chemically identical to a natural diamond.
- You prefer a gemstone with the highest possible hardness (Mohs 10).
- You want a gemstone that is viewed as a “diamond”.
- You are comfortable with a slightly higher price point for a diamond alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between moissanite and lab-created diamonds?
The primary difference lies in their composition. Lab-created diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, while moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone. This difference affects their appearance, with moissanite exhibiting more fire (rainbow sparkle) and lab-created diamonds offering a more classic brilliance. Both are excellent alternatives to natural diamonds, offering a variety of benefits.
Is moissanite as sparkly as a diamond?
Moissanite is exceptionally sparkly, often exhibiting more fire (rainbow-colored flashes) than a diamond. This is due to its higher refractive index. Lab-created diamonds have a more traditional sparkle, which some people prefer. The choice of which is “sparklier” comes down to personal taste; both offer a beautiful and eye-catching display of light.
Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-created diamonds are real diamonds. They possess the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds. They are grown in controlled laboratory environments, but they are not imitations. The primary difference is their origin, not their nature. They are graded and certified the same way as natural diamonds.
How durable is moissanite?
Moissanite is very durable, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. This makes it highly resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear. While slightly less hard than a diamond (10 on the Mohs scale), moissanite is more than durable enough for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces meant for daily use.
Do moissanite stones get cloudy over time?
High-quality moissanite stones do not get cloudy over time. The material is designed to maintain its clarity and brilliance. Lower-quality moissanite or moissanite that has accumulated dirt and grime may appear cloudy. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water can help maintain its sparkle and clarity for years to come.
Are lab-created diamonds ethically sourced?
Yes, lab-created diamonds are considered ethically sourced. They eliminate the environmental and social concerns associated with diamond mining, such as habitat destruction and labor exploitation. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize ethical and sustainable options when purchasing jewelry. Their origin is traceable.
What is the price difference between moissanite and lab-created diamonds?
Generally, moissanite is more affordable than lab-created diamonds. The price difference can be significant, allowing you to potentially get a larger stone or a more elaborate setting with moissanite. However, the price of lab-created diamonds has decreased in recent years, making them a more accessible option than ever before.
Final Verdict
Moissanite and lab-created diamonds both offer compelling alternatives to natural diamonds. Lab-created diamonds provide the same composition and characteristics as natural diamonds, making them a direct substitute. Moissanite provides exceptional brilliance and fire at a more affordable price. The best choice hinges on personal preference, budget, and desired aesthetics. Each offers ethical and environmental benefits.
Winner: Tie