Lab-Diamond vs Moissanite
Considering a lab-grown gemstone for your engagement ring or piece of fine jewelry?
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone found in the stars! Based on the gemstone’s colorless appearance, it was initially thought to be a diamond before differences were seen between the gemstone’s chemical composition and optical properties. Although visually similar, moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and has different physical characteristics than a diamond.Since natural moissanite is incredibly rare, most moissanite on the market today is created in laboratories. As such, lab-created gemstones offer striking appeal with minimized environmental impact.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds. They are created in controlled laboratory environments within a matter of weeks instead of millions of years with the same quality and variability in clarity, cut, colour, and carat. Since mined diamonds are extracted from the earth for production, lab-grown gemstones offer buyers an eco-friendly option to unethical mining practices.
What Are the Differences Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds?
-
Moissanite
- Ranked a 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale
- Refractive index of 2.65
- More brilliance, fire, and sparkle
- Colourless appearance -
Lab-Grown Diamonds
- Ranked a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale
- Refractive index of 2.42
- White bright sparkle with subdued colour
- Colourless appearance
Myths About Lab Grown Gemstones
-
#1. Lab-Grown Diamonds Aren’t Real Diamonds
It is commonly assumed that lab-created diamonds are not real diamonds. Since lab-grown gemstones (or synthetic diamonds) are created in laboratories, they are often deemed as “fake diamonds.” However, this is entirely not true! In fact, since lab-grown diamonds are composed of the same chemical compositions as mined diamonds, they are basically replicas of the natural stone. So, while lab-grown diamonds may be created a little differently, they offer the same outstanding shine and lasting durability as a traditional diamond.
-
#2. Lab-Grown Gemstones Don’t Have Value
Another common myth about lab-grown gemstones is that they lose their value once you purchase them. Since diamonds have set the standard of luxury within the jewelry industry for years, the demand for lab-grown gemstones has just started taking off. Because of this, they are valued less than diamonds and thought to have little to no resale value. However, again, this myth is entirely not true! In fact, the awareness around lab-created gemstones is growing rapidly and becoming among the top choices of custom jewelry.
-
#3. Lab-Grown Gemstones Are “Cheating”
Is purchasing a lab-grown gemstone cheating?Absolutely not! Lab-grown gemstones are usually purchased for conscious reasons. Couples can choose their stone based on characteristics and a budget that suits them. This way, you won’t have to postpone your dream wedding, or push off saving extra money for a honeymoon to buy a ring that looks just as stunning as a lab-grown alternative.
-
#4. Lab-Grown Gemstones Can’t be Insured
Since stones created in laboratories have been deemed as inexpensive from outdated jewelry standards, they are often considered as less valuable and unable to insure.Again, this commonly mistaken myth is just one more reason that lab-grown gemstones have been given a bad rap. While lab-created stones are more affordable than naturally mined diamonds, to some couples they mean the world. This means that they’ll want to insure their design to pass on for generations. Lucky for you, lab-created gemstones ARE completely insurable so you can be certain you aren’t losing the value of your purchase.
How to Choose Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanite
There’s no right or wrong way to choose your lab-grown gemstone! While there are factors to consider when finding your perfect match, it really comes down to personal style, preference, and budget. Now that we’ve covered what makes each lab-grown gemstone so unique, how do you choose the right one for you?