lab-created diamonds -

Simulant Diamonds Vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: What’s The Difference?

September 18, 2023February 26, 2024Diamonds, Educationcubic zirconia, diamond pendants, diamond stud earrings, engagement rings, lab-created diamonds, moissanite, simulant diamonds, tennis bracelets

Wondering which affordable stone to choose for your engagement ring or next piece of jewelry? We’ll walk you through all there is to know about simulant diamonds vs. lab grown diamonds and help you make the best choice for your budget and preferences!

What Are Diamonds?

Before we dive into the world of simulants and lab grown diamonds, let’s get to know the star of the show – diamonds themselves. Diamonds are precious gemstones formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under immense pressure and heat. They are renowned for their exceptional hardness, brilliance, and timeless beauty.

What Are Simulated Diamonds?

Simulant diamonds, often referred to as diamond simulants, are gemstones that mimic the appearance of natural diamonds but are composed of different materials. These stones are crafted to imitate the sparkle and allure of genuine diamonds.

Simulant Diamonds vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: Factors To Consider

Appearance

Simulant diamonds closely resemble natural diamonds in terms of their appearance. They possess remarkable brilliance and clarity, making them visually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts to the naked eye.

Cost

One significant advantage of simulant diamonds is their affordability. They are generally more budget-friendly compared to natural and lab diamonds, making them an attractive option for those seeking a diamond-like aesthetic without the hefty price tag.

Ethics

From an ethical standpoint, simulants are conflict-free. Since they are not mined, they do not contribute to the ethical concerns associated with the diamond industry, such as blood diamonds.

Examples of Diamond Simulants

Cubic Zirconia
Moissanite
White Sapphire
Rutile

How Are Simulant Diamonds Created?

Stones like moissanite and cubic zirconia are created using a method called crystal synthesis. In this process, scientists replicate the conditions found deep within the Earth’s mantle, where natural gemstones are formed.

By heating and cooling specific chemical compounds, they can generate crystals with properties resembling those of diamonds or other precious stones, making them popular choices for jewelry due to their brilliance and affordability.

Pros of Diamond Simulants

Affordability: Simulant diamonds offer an affordable alternative to natural diamonds, allowing more people to enjoy their beauty.
Conflict-Free: They are ethically sound, contributing to peace of mind for conscientious buyers.
Appearance: Simulants like moissanite have even more sparkling brilliance than diamonds.

Cons of Diamond Simulants

Durability: Simulants are not as durable as natural or lab created diamonds, which means they may scratch or lose their luster over time.
Authenticity: While mimicking the appearance, simulants lack the intrinsic value and rarity of natural diamonds.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab created diamonds, also known as lab grown or synthetic diamonds, are a product of advanced scientific processes that replicate the natural diamond formation process. They are created in controlled environments, such as laboratories, rather than being extracted from the Earth’s crust.

Appearance

Lab diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in terms of appearance. They possess the same brilliance, fire, and optical characteristics that make diamonds so captivating.

Cost

Compared to natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are more affordable. While they may not be as inexpensive as simulants, they still offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional diamonds.

Ethics

One of the key ethical advantages of lab diamonds is their environmentally friendly production. They have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to mined diamonds and do not contribute to harmful mining practices.

Pros of Lab Grown Diamonds

Quality: They offer the same high-quality appearance and durability as natural diamonds.
Value: Lab grown diamonds provide excellent value for their cost, making them an attractive option for buyers.
Conflict-Free: They are ethically sound, contributing to peace of mind for conscientious buyers.
Versatility: They come in all fancy color diamond options

Cons of Lab Grown Diamonds

Perceived Value: Some individuals may still value natural diamonds more due to their rarity and tradition.
Initial Cost: While more affordable than natural diamonds, lab created diamonds may have a higher initial cost than simulants.

loose fancy shaped diamonds and a diamond engagement ring

Simulant Diamonds vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: Comparing Durability

When choosing a diamond, durability is a crucial factor to consider. Let’s take a closer look at how simulant diamonds vs. lab created diamonds compare in terms of their ability to withstand daily wear and tear.

Simulant Diamonds

When it comes to durability, simulant diamonds, while dazzling in appearance, have limitations. These stones are generally much softer than natural and lab created diamonds, which means they can be more susceptible to scratches and abrasions. However, moissanite is an exception here, with a hardness closer to diamonds at 9.5 on the Mohs scale.

Lab Grown Diamonds

On the other hand, lab diamonds share the exceptional durability of natural diamonds. Their hardness on the Mohs scale is identical to that of natural diamonds, making them highly resistant to scratching and damage.

The Science Behind Lab Grown Diamonds

The creation of lab grown diamonds is a marvel of modern science. To appreciate these gems fully, let’s delve into the intricate processes and advanced technologies that bring them to life.

Lab diamonds are grown through two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

In the HPHT method, scientists recreate the extreme conditions found deep within the Earth’s mantle, where natural diamonds form. Carbon atoms are subjected to high pressure (over a million pounds per square inch) and high temperature (around 2,200 degrees Celsius).

Under these intense conditions, carbon atoms arrange themselves into the crystal structure of a diamond. Over time, a diamond crystal grows layer by layer.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

The CVD process involves placing a small diamond seed in a sealed chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane. When the gas is heated to extreme temperatures, carbon atoms are released and bond to the diamond seed, causing it to grow. This method allows more precise control over the diamond’s growth and purity.

The result of these scientific processes is a lab grown diamond that possesses the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They are indistinguishable from natural diamonds even under close inspection.

loose fancy shaped diamonds with tweezers and a loupe

Simulant Diamonds vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: Choosing Your Stone

Now that you have a clearer understanding of simulant diamonds vs. lab diamonds, we’ll break down the reasons why you should choose these stones:

Natural Diamond:

You love diamond’s sparkle
You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
You admire the billions of years of history contained in each stone

Lab Grown Diamond:

You love diamond’s sparkle
You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
You want a large diamond at a lower price

Moissanite:

You’re on a budget
You like small-carat stones
You’ll wear your jewelry intensively

Cubic Zirconia:

You’re on a budget
You’ll wear your jewelry carefully and not every day
You’re saving up for a more expensive stone

Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab-created diamonds or earth-created diamonds, you can choose from 1000’s of beautiful options at James Allen.

FAQs

Are simulated diamonds worth anything?

Simulated diamonds have value primarily in their aesthetic appeal. They are not as valuable as natural or lab created diamonds from a monetary standpoint.

Is a simulated diamond good quality?

Simulated diamonds are crafted to mimic the quality of natural diamonds in terms of appearance. However, they lack the intrinsic hardness and longevity of natural or lab diamonds.

Is a simulated diamond a cubic zirconia?

No, simulated diamonds are not the same as cubic zirconia. While cubic zirconia is a popular diamond simulant, simulants can be made from various materials, including moissanite and white sapphire.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this sparkling exploration of simulant diamonds vs. lab grown diamonds, it’s clear that both options offer unique advantages. Simulants provide an affordable and ethically sound option for those who desire the appearance of diamonds.

While lab created diamonds offer a sustainable, high-quality alternative. The choice ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities.

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

14K White Gold Classic Round Shape Three Stone Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Cable Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Pavé Rope Engagement Ring

14k Yellow Gold French Pavé Diamond Eternity Ring

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

James Allen Presents True Hearts™ Diamonds: Get The Ultimate Sparkle

May 10, 2023March 12, 2024Diamonds, Education, Top postsearth-created diamonds, engagement rings, lab-created diamond engagement rings, lab-created diamonds, trending, true hearts by james allen, true hearts diamond

In the market for a perfectly cut diamond for less? Introducing the True Hearts™ Lab Grown Diamond collection.

Are you gearing up to pop the question to your significant other and still deciding on an engagement ring? If you’re been exploring our website, you may be familiar with our exclusive collection of True Hearts™ diamonds and our budget-friendly but brilliant lab grown diamonds.

Good news: for the first time ever, it’s your chance to score the best of both with our brand new collection of True Hearts™ Lab Grown diamonds. Curious? Keep reading to get the down-low.

What Are True Hearts™ Diamonds?

When looking for a diamond cut with perfect precision, proportions, and symmetry, look no further than a True Hearts™ diamond.

How do we get the best cut? Our True Hearts™ collection is crafted by the crème de la crème of diamond cutters and features a one-of-a-kind pattern that resembles hearts and arrows.

Just in case you were wondering, this exceptional cut also results in facet positioning that acts like tiny mirrors, which contributes to its off-the-charts sparkle.

P.S: fewer than 1% of the world’s diamonds qualify as True Hearts™ diamonds.

An infographic showing the shape of true hearts diamonds

Why Choose A True Hearts™ Lab Grown Diamond?

When you choose a True Hearts™ diamond, your stone can appear larger than other diamonds of the same size.

Why? A superior-cut diamond will offer better angles and symmetry, which allows light to refract more effectively.

Lesser cut diamonds will “swallow” their light, making them look smaller and giving off less sparkle and brilliance.

What To Look For In A True Hearts™ Diamond

Interested in purchasing a True Hearts™ round cut diamond? Keep the following tips in mind:

Consistency in the hearts and arrows pattern. You should see eight hearts and eight arrows, each the same size.

Even color saturation. Each red, black, and white hearts and arrow pattern should exhibit similar color distribution.

Optical symmetry is key. A symmetrical hearts and arrows pattern will result in maximum light return.

In addition to round diamonds, our True Hearts™ collection is also available in princess and cushion cuts.

Create Your Own Engagement Ring With A True Hearts™ Diamond

What’s more romantic than designing your partner’s engagement ring to their exact style AND giving them a diamond that sparkles like no other?

Platinum Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)

14K Yellow Gold 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

Design Your Own Diamond Pendant

At James Allen, we offer a wide range of pendant styles to custom-design. Pick your preferred metal, from yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum.

14K White Gold Bezel Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

Diamond pendants are the perfect treat yourself gift if you’re looking for a piece of classic jewelry.

14K Yellow Gold Kite Set Solitaire Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

Additionally, if you’re searching for a personalized gift for someone special, a custom-made pendant is a staple accessory they’re sure to love.

14K White Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

Custom-Make A Unique Pair Of Diamond Studs

Want to shine from ear to ear? Of course, you do! Enjoy our studding stud options, from the traditional four-pong setting to bolder designs like bezel and milgrain diamond studs. Each come in different metal color options and can be set with the diamond szie of your choosing.

Natural Vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

You may be wondering: What is a lab grown diamond and how is it different from natural diamonds? We’re here to clarify a few points before you decide if a True Hearts Lab Grown Diamond™ is right for you.

Lab diamonds are optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference between the two is their origin.

Natural diamonds are sourced from below the earth’s surface.
Lab grown diamonds are created in simulated ‘below-ground’ conditions in a lab.

Needless to say, producing the special carbon arrangement of natural diamonds is intense. We’re talking high heat and super high pressure. Plus, very few places in the world are capable of producing earth created diamonds.

Ready to shop True Hearts™ Lab Grown diamonds? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!

Engagement ring catches your eye? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or in the comments below!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Adam

Are You A “Normal” Ring Shopper?

September 20, 2021February 26, 2024Education, Engagement Rings, Weddingcustomize your engagement ring, engagement ring shopping, lab-created diamonds, ring shopper, SWNS

Want to know how you compare to other ring shoppers? We can tell you thanks to this survey collaboration with SWNS.

A picture of an engaged couple. The woman has her arms wrapped around his neck and is showing off her diamond ring.

When do I know I’m ready to get married?

Half of Americans in a relationship knew they wanted to marry their partner the moment they met. In fact, that statistic holds up across genders! 46% of women and 47% of men immediately knew that their partner was the one.

What about those who are skeptical of marriage? A third of respondents say that their current partner made them want to get married – that’s a quarter of women and half of men.

What does this mean for you? Well, there doesn’t seem to be much of a correlation between how long a couple dates and the strength of their marriage. Whatever feels right is right for you. It doesn’t particularly matter whether it takes months or years for you two to arrive at the altar. Your journey is your own, but the destination is the same for each married couple.

A statistic answering the question: "When do I know I’m ready to get married?"

After the wedding, should I wear my wedding ring, my engagement ring, or both?

If you’re asking yourself, “How should I wear my wedding ring set?” then we’ve got news for you: there are no absolute rules regarding how to wear your rings! After the wedding, most Americans wear their wedding ring closest to their knuckle, paired with their engagement ring just over it.

Other ring options:

Wear your full wedding set, but swap the order: the engagement ring closest to the knuckle, with the wedding ring further down on your finger.
Wear only your wedding ring

If you like your wedding ring best, or if your engagement ring tends to get in the way in your day-to-day life, then you may want to wear your wedding ring exclusively.

Wear only your engagement ring

Do you like your engagement ring more than your wedding band? Then leave your wedding band at home! You’re still celebrating your relationship, just with more emphasis on your sparkling center stone.

Wear your wedding ring and engagement ring on different hands

This can be a great choice for those whose wedding ring and engagement ring don’t sit flush. Or, on the other hand, your local tradition may dictate this. In Spain, for instance, the engagement ring usually goes on the left hand, while the wedding ring usually goes on the right.

Wear your wedding ring and engagement ring on different fingers

Other than for style reasons, this choice is common for those whose fingers have changed size, particularly post-pregnancy. If this strikes a chord, remember that James Allen offers free ring resizing either via mail or in select Jared jewelry stores.

Wear your wedding ring and engagement ring on the right hand

In some cultures, right > left. In fact, Catholic and eastern European tradition dictates that the wedding and engagement ring both be worn on the right hand.

All in all, only about half of respondents constantly wear their wedding rings and engagement rings together. The other half either wear only one ring or forgo wearing rings altogether.

The bottom line: you do you, boo.

How long should I save up for an engagement ring?

This is totally up to you. A quarter of Americans say they don’t believe there’s a set amount of time, while 65% of Americans believe you should save up for a year at maximum.

However, there’s no majority consensus. How do people determine how much a ring should cost?

You can set your ring budget by the amount of money you can save in a certain number of months
You can determine a budget independent of time constraints
You can find your dream ring and save up until you have enough to purchase it

The time necessary to save up money is heavily dependent on both your budget and the price of your desired ring. And if your budget is inflexible, here are some options for lowering the overall cost of your ring!

Important: James Allen offers special financing options if you can’t fully afford your ring right now, but still want to get engaged ASAP!

How much should my engagement ring cost?

Just 15% of Americans believe an engagement ring should cost over $5,000. Why is this important? It means you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy an expensive ring.

If you want to splurge on an impressive ring, go for it! You can always add more diamonds to the basket and shank, upgrade to a more pricey diamond, or choose platinum as your ring metal.

On the other hand, you should know that smaller budgets are extremely common. Additionally, many people’s dream rings fall well within their ring budgets!

If you’re operating within a smaller budget, have a look at our favorite affordable engagement rings. You and your wallet will fall in love!

Is it important to buy an expensive engagement ring?

71% of Americans don’t really care about the cost of the engagement ring.

What seems to be most important is that the ring suits the recipient. If your dream ring is priced higher than your current budget allows, there are plenty of ways to adjust your ring’s cost without compromising on appearance.

Ways to reduce the cost of your engagement ring:

Choose a lab grown diamond, which can cost up to 50% less than a traditional natural diamond.
Go for slightly under full carats. For instance, the price difference between a .95 carat diamond and a 1.00 carat diamond is significant, but the size difference is not noticeable to the naked eye.
Choose an elongated diamond shape, which appears large for its carat weight.
Want a white jewelry metal? Go for white gold rather than platinum.
Compromise on color. The less colorless a diamond is, the more affordable it is. Save money on a diamond with a slightly yellow tint, then pair it with a yellow or rose gold setting. The warm jewelry metal will mask the diamond’s color and no one can tell the difference!

A statistic answering the question, "Is it important to buy an expensive engagement ring?"

Should we share the cost of an engagement ring?

4 out of 10 couples share the cost of their engagement ring. An engagement ring is a big purchase! Not only can sharing the cost be a practical decision (and perhaps one that would allow for a more expensive ring), but taking this important journey together can bring a couple closer to one another.

Whether or not you share the cost of an engagement ring, here’s why we recommend designing your ring together.

A statistic answering the question, "Should we share the cost of an engagement ring?"

Should I get a custom engagement ring or a pre-set engagement ring?

36% of ring shoppers prefer a customized engagement ring, while 26% would rather go with a pre-set ring.

Any of James Allen’s rings can be customized with your unique gemstone and jewelry metal. For additional customization with unique baskets, halos, and shanks, visit the Ring Studio.

A statistic answering the question, "Should I get a custom engagement ring or a pre-set engagement ring?"

What’s the perfect proposal?

Ring in the champagne glass? “Will You Marry Me?” written in the sky? An impromptu proposal at home?

71% of Americans prefer a traditional proposal, in which a partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. It’s traditional, but there are a thousand and one ways to do it! Customize your proposal to your hearts’ content.

Which proposal will suit the two of you?

Just the two of you vs. alongside friends and family
A destination proposal vs. a proposal at home
Simple vs. extravagant
Impromptu vs. planned

Check out our Engagement Moments for proposal inspiration from real-life James Allen customers. And for some currently relevant inspiration, have a look at our list of 9 COVID-friendly proposal ideas.

More ring-shopping guidance to browse:

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase.

Adam

Natural Diamonds vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: A Guide

January 10, 2022February 26, 2024Diamonds, Educationcushion cut diamonds, diamond engagement rings, earth-created diamonds, fancy colored diamonds, lab diamonds, lab-created diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, princess cut diamonds

Lab grown diamond or natural diamond? We’ve got all the info you need to live your best sparkling life with the perfect diamond for you!

Lab grown diamonds have become increasingly popular and are pretty much the new kids on the jewelry block. Like many new unknowns, people are a little skeptical at first when they hear about lab diamonds, but rest assured, they make for a perfect alternative to natural diamonds. Let’s start with some basic facts so you can decide with 100% confidence which sort of sparkle sets a twinkle in your eye.

What Is A Diamond?

Diamonds are carbon atoms. When they’re arranged in a very particular structure, you get the tough and beautiful stone we know and love. Producing this special carbon arrangement in nature demands conditions that are intense. We’re talking high heat and super-high pressure. Needless to say, very few places in the world are capable of producing mined diamonds.

The Key Difference Between Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds

Natural diamonds are sourced from below the earth’s surface, whereas man-made diamonds are created in simulated “below-ground” conditions in a lab.
To put it simply, their origin is the only difference between these two types of diamonds.
Technology has advanced to the point that we don’t always have to go digging for our precious stones; we can simulate the necessary extreme conditions in specialized pressure chambers in a lab.
Lab grown diamonds are grown from tiny carbon “seeds” that develop in these chambers over months, as scorching gasses deposit carbon atom-by-atom onto the original seed. Lab created diamonds even develop their own unique characteristics (inclusions, clarity, etc.) along the way, and once they’re fully grown, they’re cut into the shape that suits their qualities best.

A variety of loose fancy-shaped diamonds on a white surface

Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Diamond

Picking a diamond isn’t easy, there’s your budget to consider, your partner’s preference for cut, clarity, carat, and color, and its rarity factor.

Cost

One of the biggest upsides to lab grown diamonds is that they’re generally about 30% more affordable than natural diamonds.

Why?

The diamond-growing process is less resource-intensive than the diamond-mining process. It simply costs less to grow a diamond in a lab than it does to mine a diamond from the earth, and those savings are passed along to diamond shoppers. That means that for the same cost, you can purchase a lab grown diamond that’s 30% larger than a natural one but just as dazzling.

Infographic What Is The Average Carat Size For An Engagement Ring 1

Value

Natural diamonds are the classic choice. Lab grown ones are the fresh choice.

There is no doubt that mined diamonds contain millennia of history, tradition, and romance. They are one of nature’s most incredible products. Drawn from deep within the earth, these sparkling treasures have been proudly flaunted by generations, paving the way for you to carry on the tradition.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Have Resale Value?

Lab grown diamonds generally have lower resale value compared to mined diamonds. Natural diamonds can retain or even appreciate in value over time, while lab diamonds may not hold their value as well in the secondary market due to their lower production cost.

Cuts & Colors

Both natural and lab grown diamonds are available in nearly every shape and color – even fancy colors!

Colorful diamonds, like canary yellow ones, are quite rare. Their shocking hues are caused by trace amounts of non-carbon elements, like nitrogen. By adding these elements to a growing diamond in its pressure chamber, man-made diamonds take on the same fancy colors as mined diamonds.

Good news: any diamond can be cut into any shape. When it comes to diamond cuts, you truly are spoiled for choice!

GIA Certified Lab Created Diamonds

Like all diamonds, lab grown diamonds also come with their very own birth certificate (GIA Certification).

Since lab diamonds are optically and chemically the same as mined diamonds, they come with their own certification. Today, most of these diamonds are certified by IGI, International Gemological Institute.

Additionally, these diamonds are being accepted and certified by the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, which has developed sophisticated devices that are used to screen and identify the difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown ones.

Should You Get a Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?

The short answer is, why not? Here are 5 reasons to choose a lab grown diamond engagement ring:

1: Budget-Friendly

You’re able to maximize your budget and walk away with a bigger center stone for your engagement ring if you choose a lab diamond. Furthermore, it might not even be about the size of the ring, but more about being able to get the diamond of your dreams for a third of the price.

14K Rose Gold Bypass Marquise Array Diamond Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Bypass Marquise Array Diamond Engagement Ring

2: An Ethical Choice

Lab grown diamonds are an ethical choice because they are guaranteed to come conflict-free since they’re not mined.

14K White Gold Woven Solitaire Engagement Ring

3: Stress-Free Shopping Experience

Most online jewelry retailers with customization options, like our very own ring studio, allow you to choose your preferred center stone. That means you’re able to inspect your diamond options (often in real-time), and browse at your own pace.

14K White Gold Marquise Diamond Accents Pave Basket Engagement Ring

4: Lab grown diamonds are REAL

This can’t be emphasized enough, both lab diamonds and mined diamonds have the same chemical, optical, and physical properties. A lab created diamond is not a diamond alternative like moissanite, it’s the real deal.

5: Unique

Lab grown diamonds are unique in their own right. Not only can they be cut and shaped to your heart’s desire, but they can be cut to absolute perfection. Our True Heart™ diamonds are a premier collection of perfectly cut diamonds, known for their flawless internal symmetry and proportions.

FAQs

5. Are lab diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab diamonds have the same level of durability as natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear.

6. Can you tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds with the naked eye?

No, it’s impossible to differentiate between the two types of diamonds with the naked eye. They share the same physical and optical characteristics, making visual identification nearly impossible without specialized equipment.

7. Are lab grown diamonds available in various sizes and shapes?

Yes, these diamonds come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, just like natural diamonds. Whether you’re looking for a classic round brilliant cut or a unique fancy shape, you can find lab diamonds to suit your preferences.

Do lab grown diamonds require any special care or maintenance?

Lab diamonds, like natural diamonds, do not require special care. You can clean them using mild, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Regular maintenance, such as checking the setting, is recommended to ensure the diamond stays secure in its setting.

To Sum It Up

Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds, you can choose from 500,000 beautiful options at James Allen.

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

14K Yellow Gold Four Prong Round Brilliant Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings (2.50 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

Platinum Petite Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring

14K Rose Gold Beaded Filigree Cathedral Kite-Set Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Riviera Three Prong Graduating Diamond Tennis Necklace (10.00 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

August 21, 2023February 26, 2024Diamonds, Educationlab-created diamond engagement rings, lab-created diamonds, moissanite, moissanite engagement rings

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.

Infographic What Is The Average Carat Size For An Engagement 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.

James Allen's Engagement rings with diamonds

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.

SHOP RELATED PRODUCTS

14k Rose Gold Classic Round Shape Three Stone Engagement Ring

14k Yellow Gold Shared Prong Marquise Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!