Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond: 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 between them is key to making the right choice. Today, we’re diving deep into a fascinating comparison: moissanite vs lab grown diamond.
Both of these dazzling options offer incredible beauty and brilliance, but they come with distinct characteristics that set them apart. This guide will help you navigate the world of gemstones, exploring factors like sparkle, durability, price, and ethical considerations. Get ready to discover which gem shines brightest for you.
Whether you prioritize affordability, environmental impact, or sheer visual appeal, this comparison will provide the insights you need. We’ll examine the unique qualities of moissanite and lab grown diamonds, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your values and preferences. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Moissanite | Lab Grown Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon Carbide | Carbon |
| Brilliance (Refractive Index) | High (2.65 – 2.69) | High (2.42) |
| Fire (Dispersion) | High | Moderate |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9.25-9.5 | 10 |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Color | Can exhibit color tints | Colorless to fancy colors |
| Cut | All cuts available | All cuts available |
| Clarity | Generally eye-clean | Generally eye-clean |
| Origin | Lab-created | Lab-created |
| Appearance | Similar to diamond | Similar to diamond |
| Sparkle | Very high | High |
| Ethical Considerations | Generally ethical | Ethical |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Brilliance (Sparkle)
- Moissanite: Moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index than diamonds, leading to more “fire” or colorful sparkle. However, some may find the sparkle to be too much or have a “disco ball” effect.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds offer a sparkle that is virtually identical to natural diamonds. They provide a classic, refined brilliance that many prefer.
- Winner: Tie
Durability (Hardness)
- Moissanite: Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it very durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion. It’s suitable for everyday wear.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds have the same hardness as natural diamonds, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes them incredibly durable.
- Winner: Tie
Color
- Moissanite: Moissanite can sometimes exhibit a slight yellow, green, or gray tint, especially in larger sizes. Color grades can vary.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds are available in a wide range of colors, including colorless grades that are identical to natural diamonds. Color is graded the same way as natural diamonds.
- Winner: lab grown diamond
Clarity
- Moissanite: Moissanite generally has excellent clarity, with few inclusions visible to the naked eye. However, inclusions can sometimes be present.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds also offer excellent clarity, with inclusions graded and assessed using the same standards as natural diamonds.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Moissanite: Moissanite is significantly less expensive than both natural and lab grown diamonds, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds are typically less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality, but more expensive than moissanite.
- Winner: moissanite
Ethical Considerations
- Moissanite: Moissanite is lab-created, eliminating the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, such as conflict diamonds.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds are also ethically sourced, as they are created in a controlled laboratory environment, eliminating the need for mining.
- Winner: Tie
Appearance
- Moissanite: Moissanite can sometimes be identified by its “disco ball” effect or its more intense fire. Some people find this appealing, while others prefer the more subtle brilliance of a diamond.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds, offering the same classic look and brilliance.
- Winner: lab grown diamond
Resale Value
- Moissanite: Moissanite typically has a lower resale value compared to diamonds.
- Lab Grown Diamond: Lab grown diamonds have a resale value, but it is typically less than natural diamonds.
- Winner: lab grown diamond
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Brilliance | Moissanite |
| Hardness | Lab Grown Diamond |
| Fire | Moissanite |
| Price | Moissanite |
| Chemical Composition | Lab Grown Diamond |
| Overall Value | It Depends |
What They Have in Common:
- Origin: Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are created in a lab, eliminating the environmental and ethical concerns associated with mining.
- Durability: Both gemstones are incredibly durable and suitable for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry.
- Appearance: Both offer a brilliant sparkle and can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, making them aesthetically similar to natural diamonds.
- Ethical Sourcing: Both options bypass the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, offering a conflict-free alternative.
- Customization: Both can be customized, allowing you to select the cut, color, and carat weight that best suits your preferences and budget.
- Variety: Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
Moissanite Vs Lab Grown Diamond Buying Guide
Cost and Budget
When considering cost, moissanite generally presents a more budget-friendly option compared to lab-grown diamonds. Moissanite is significantly less expensive, often costing a fraction of the price for a similar size and appearance. This makes moissanite an attractive choice for those looking for a larger stone without exceeding their budget. Lab-grown diamonds, while more affordable than mined diamonds, still command a higher price point than moissanite, reflecting their chemical similarity to natural diamonds and the more complex manufacturing processes involved. Consider your budget and the desired carat weight when making your decision.
Appearance and Sparkle
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer brilliance and fire, but they differ slightly in their visual characteristics. Moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index, resulting in more intense sparkle and often a more noticeable “fire” or dispersion of colors. Some find this extra sparkle captivating, while others prefer the more subtle brilliance of a lab-grown diamond. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, closely mimic the appearance of natural diamonds, offering a classic, timeless look with exceptional clarity and brilliance. Assess your personal preference for sparkle when choosing between the two.
Durability and Hardness
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are durable gemstones suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite scores a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly resistant to scratches and damage. Lab-grown diamonds, being chemically identical to natural diamonds, score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest known substance. This exceptional hardness ensures that lab-grown diamonds are exceptionally resistant to scratches and wear, making them a great choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Both options are excellent choices for long-term wear.
Ethical Considerations
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer ethical advantages over mined diamonds. Moissanite is created in a lab environment, eliminating concerns about conflict diamonds and environmentally destructive mining practices. Lab-grown diamonds also avoid the ethical and environmental issues associated with traditional diamond mining. By choosing either option, you can be assured that your purchase supports responsible sourcing and minimizes environmental impact. This makes both options ideal for those prioritizing ethical considerations in their jewelry choices.
Resale Value
The resale value of moissanite and lab-grown diamonds differs significantly. Moissanite typically has a lower resale value compared to lab-grown diamonds. This is due to the perception of moissanite as a diamond simulant. Lab-grown diamonds, being chemically identical to natural diamonds, tend to hold their value better, although still less than natural diamonds. If resale value is a primary concern, lab-grown diamonds might be a better choice. Consider this factor if you anticipate potentially reselling your jewelry in the future.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for moissanite and lab-grown diamonds is relatively simple. Both gemstones can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could potentially damage the setting or the stone itself. Regular cleaning will help maintain the brilliance and sparkle of your gemstone. Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are durable and can withstand the rigors of everyday wear, but it’s always wise to remove your jewelry during strenuous activities.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy moissanite If…
- You want the most sparkle and fire.
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option.
- You prioritize ethical sourcing and a conflict-free gemstone.
- You like the unique brilliance and appearance of moissanite.
Buy lab grown diamond If…
- You desire a gemstone that is chemically and structurally identical to a natural diamond.
- You want a widely recognized and accepted gemstone.
- You prefer a gemstone with a slightly more subtle sparkle and fire.
- You value the investment potential of a lab-grown diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, first discovered in a meteorite. While not a diamond, it closely resembles it in appearance and is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire. Moissanite is created in a lab environment, making it an ethical and affordable alternative to natural diamonds. It is prized for its durability and sparkle, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds that are created in a controlled laboratory environment. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds offer a more sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, as they eliminate the environmental and ethical concerns associated with diamond mining. They are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds.
How do moissanite and lab-grown diamonds differ in appearance?
While both sparkle brilliantly, moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index, resulting in a more intense “fire” or dispersion of colors. Lab-grown diamonds offer a more classic brilliance and closely mimic the appearance of natural diamonds. The choice often comes down to personal preference, with some preferring the extra sparkle of moissanite while others prefer the traditional diamond look of a lab-grown diamond.
Which is more durable?
Lab-grown diamonds are the hardest known substance, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Moissanite scores a 9.25, making it also extremely durable. Both are suitable for everyday wear. Lab-grown diamonds are slightly more resistant to scratches due to their perfect hardness, but moissanite is still highly resistant to damage and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Which is more affordable?
Moissanite is generally the more affordable option. It typically costs significantly less than lab-grown diamonds for a similar size and appearance. This makes moissanite an attractive choice for those looking for a larger stone without exceeding their budget. Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds but still command a higher price point than moissanite.
Are lab-grown diamonds and moissanite ethically sourced?
Yes, both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced. Moissanite is created in a lab, eliminating concerns about conflict diamonds and environmentally destructive mining. Lab-grown diamonds also avoid the ethical and environmental issues associated with traditional diamond mining. Choosing either option ensures your purchase supports responsible sourcing practices.
Which is better for an engagement ring?
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are excellent choices for engagement rings. The best option depends on your priorities. If budget is the primary concern and you desire maximum sparkle, moissanite is a great choice. If you prioritize the look of a traditional diamond and value a potentially better resale value, lab-grown diamonds may be preferred. Consider both the aesthetic and financial factors before deciding.
Final Verdict
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer compelling advantages. Moissanite excels in affordability and its dazzling sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds provide the classic diamond aesthetic, superior hardness, and potentially better resale value. The best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. Ultimately, lab-grown diamonds provide a better overall value due to their closer resemblance to natural diamonds and higher resale potential.
Winner: Lab Grown Diamond