Two budget-friendly stone choices – but one clearly comes out on top. Join us as we explore the difference between moissanite vs. lab grown diamonds.
Debating between moissanite vs. diamonds? We’re breaking down everything there is to know about moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help you choose which center stone will suit your dream ring best!
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds Buying Tips
Never be afraid to ask the hard question when it comes to choosing the right gem for your engagement ring. Not all of us require a diamond, and some of us want one but would definitely prefer an option that doesn’t break the bank. So, what questions should you be asking? Is a moissanite ring the way to go? Or is a lab grown diamond center stone the best fit for your budget and personal preference?
We’ll walk you through all there is to know about moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help make your choice an easy one.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite has a different chemical makeup from natural and lab grown diamonds. While a diamond is pure carbon, moissanite is both silica and carbon. As a result, Moissanite sparkles differently, more even, and is slightly less hard than diamond. However, it does look nearly identical to a diamond!
What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond, also known as a man-made diamond is a diamond that is formed in a lab instead of the earth’s crust (don’t you just love science?) Lab diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds, the only difference is in the price tag! You’ll find that lab grown diamonds are three times less expensive than natural diamonds.
Remember, lab grown diamonds ARE real diamonds!
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds
| Moissanite | Lab Grown Diamonds |
|---|---|
| It looks like a diamond | It is a real diamond |
| Significantly cheaper than lab and natural diamonds | A budget-friendly alternative to natural diamonds |
| Sparkles more than diamonds | Sparkles equally to earth-made diamonds |
| Occurs in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades | Occur in every color |
| Diamond is doubly refractive | Diamonds are singly refractive |
| Highly durable | Slightly more durable than moissanite |
| Ethically & environmentally sourced | Ethically & environmentally sourced |
What Are the Differences Between Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds?
As you can see from the table above, both gemstones have their advantages, but what sets them apart from one another?
Color
Moissanite comes in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades. This is perfect if you’re looking for a more traditional-looking center stone. On the other hand, lab grown diamonds come in every color under the rainbow. You will have no trouble finding an affordable white lab diamond or a fancy color lab diamond.
Price
On average, a lab grown diamond engagement ring will cost three times less than that of its natural diamond ring counterpart. But a diamond, regardless of its origin, may still prove to be too costly for a young couple or a couple with a tight budget. That’s where moissanite certainly has an advantage. If you choose to go with a moissanite engagement ring, you’ll pay almost four times less than that of a lab grown diamond ring.
If you’re looking to maximize your budget and the size of your center stone, a moissanite ring may be the best option. However, if having a real diamond is important to you or your partner, a lab grown diamond is definitely the better choice and will still allow you to get a stunning gem of high quality.
Origins
Both lab diamonds and moissanite are made in safe lab environments with fair wages. There’s also no destructive mining involved.
Durability
A gemstone’s durability is measured using the Mohs hardness scale. FYI, diamonds are the hardness substance on earth, rating a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale!
Moissanite doesn’t do too badly either, coming in a close second at 9.25 on the scale. This means your moissanite ring will remain clear and unscratched. In fact, the only thing hard enough to scratch it would be a diamond.
Can You Really Tell the Difference Between Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond?
Yes. If you looked at moissanite engagement rings up close, you’d notice the distinctive sparkle. Not only does moissanite sparkle brighter than diamonds, but they also sparkle more colorfully, too.
Where Can I Buy a Lab Grown Diamond Or A Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Where you buy your engagement ring is a very important choice. Most, if not all, online jewelry retailers have a larger selection of engagement ring settings, diamonds, and diamond alternatives. They also have more advanced technological features and are usually much more affordable than store-bought engagement rings.
FAQs
Is moissanite a real stone?
Yes, moissanite is a real and naturally occurring mineral. However, the moissanite used in jewelry is typically lab made due to its rarity in nature.
Is moissanite worth buying?
Moissanite can be a great alternative to traditional diamonds, offering exceptional brilliance and fire at a more affordable price point. Its durability and unique optical properties make it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Is there a downside to lab grown diamonds?
Potential downsides include perceived value differences and the absence of natural rarity, which can affect resale or sentimental value for some individuals.
Are lab grown diamonds considered to be real diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are considered real diamonds as they have the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds. The main distinction is their origin.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Lab grown diamonds, and moissanite are both equally good alternatives to mined diamonds. If your main concern is a tight budget, but you still want a white stone that will last and sparkle forever while looking like a diamond, moissanite is your guy!
But if you’re a socially conscious shopper who still prefers a traditional diamond ring with an affordable price tag, lab grown diamonds are your best bet.
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