Moissanite or Lab Diamond? Detailed Cost Breakdown & Value Guide

Real diamonds are timeless. They've always held that reputation; durable, beautiful, and often tied to life's biggest moments. However, they also have a high cost. That's where moissanite and lab grown diamonds come in especially when considering moissanite vs lab grown diamond price differences that make these alternatives so appealing.

Both offer that eye-catching sparkle people want in fine jewelry. But they're not quite the same. Moissanite isn't a diamond at all - it just happens to look similar. Lab grown diamonds, meanwhile, are genuine diamonds created in controlled environments.

So which one gives you more value for your money? That depends entirely on what you're looking for.

Getting to Know Moissanite and Lab Diamonds

Let's start with the basics.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. Discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, it's now created in specially equipped labs due to its natural rarity. Loved for its fiery brilliance and affordability, it offers exceptional sparkle at accessible prices.

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab created diamonds have identical carbon structure to mined diamonds equally hard, transparent and brilliant. You wouldn't know the difference without specialized equipment. When examining lab grown diamonds’ price, you'll find they're significantly more affordable than mined stones, though still pricier than moissanite.

Are They Really That Different?

At first glance they appear similar but differences emerge upon closer inspection. Moissanite (silicon carbide) scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale while lab diamonds (pure carbon) score a perfect 10. The visual distinction lies in their sparkle: diamonds offer classic white brilliance, while moissanite throws dramatic rainbow flashes.

Let's Talk Price

This is where most shoppers focus their attention. The lab grown diamonds vs moissanite price comparison reveals consistent patterns:

Small Stones (Up to 1 Carat)

• Moissanite: $150-$500
• Lab Diamonds: $400-$1,200

Moissanite shines here for budget conscious buyers wanting maximum sparkle per dollar.

Medium Stones (1 to 2 Carats)

• Moissanite: $400-$800
• Lab Diamonds: $1,200-$3,000

Here the lab grown diamond vs moissanite price gap widens noticeably. You'll pay significantly more for diamonds as size increases.

Large Stones (Above 2 Carats)

• Moissanite: $700-$1,300
• Lab Diamonds: $1,800-$3,500+

At this range, moissanite vs lab grown diamond price differences become dramatic. A 3 carat moissanite often costs less than $1,000, while its diamond counterpart typically triples that.

What Drives the Price Difference?

Several factors explain how much less are lab grown diamonds’ cost compared to mined diamonds, and why moissanite undercuts both:

• Production Costs: Moissanite's simpler creation process keeps prices low
• Size Scaling: Lab diamond prices rise exponentially with carat weight
• Certifications: Diamond grading reports add expense
• Perception: Diamonds carry traditional value premiums

When people ask are lab grown diamonds cheaper than natural ones - absolutely. But moissanite remains the most budget friendly diamond alternative.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

That’s a big difference. Moissanite can be purchased for less than 25% of the price of a comparable-sized lab-created diamond at the 1-carat threshold. And the gap gets even wider as the size increases.

A Closer Look at Price by Carat Range

Let’s go deeper into lab grown diamonds vs moissanite price differences across sizes. Different carat ranges tell different stories:

Small Stones (Up to 1 Carat)

For everyday jewelry, smaller stones shine. Here’s the lab grown diamonds’ price compared to moissanite:

• Moissanite (0.5–1ct): $150 to $500
• Lab Diamonds (0.5–1ct): $400 to $1,200

Moissanite wins here if you want impact without the investment.

Medium Stones (1 to 2 Carats)

This is where moissanite vs lab grown diamond price gaps widen:

• Moissanite (1.5–2ct): $400 to $800
• Lab Diamonds (1.5–2ct): $1,200 to $3,000

Notice how much less are lab grown diamonds’ cost versus mined diamonds? True. But moissanite still dominates value.

Large Stones (Above 2 Carats)

The cost of lab grown diamonds surges dramatically here:

• Moissanite (2.5–3ct): $700 to $1,300
• Lab Diamonds (2.5–3ct): $1,800 to $3,500+

A 3 carat moissanite often stays under $1,000, while its lab diamond counterpart triples that. This lab grown diamond vs moissanite price difference matters for statement pieces.

What Drives the Price Difference?

Wondering how expensive are lab grown diamonds compared to moissanite? Here are the key factors to consider:<>

Carat Size

Lab diamond prices spike exponentially beyond 1ct. Moissanite scales gently.

Cut, Color, Clarity

Lab diamonds demand premium pricing for top grades. Moissanite looks flawless at every tier.

Production

Moissanite’s simpler process keeps costs low. Lab diamonds require intense tech and energy.

Can You Actually Tell the Difference?

In small stones? Rarely. But lab grown diamonds vs moissanite become distinguishable in larger sizes; moissanite’s rainbow fire versus diamonds’ white sparkle. It’s simply a matter of pure preference!

Durability and Everyday Wear

Both withstand daily wear beautifully. Lab diamonds (Mohs 10) resist scratches best. Moissanite (9.25) handles impacts better. Neither fades - set them well and they’ll outlive you.

The Ethics Behind the Sparkle

Conflict free and eco friendly, both win. But are lab grown diamonds cheaper than mined? Absolutely. More ethical too.

So… Which One’s Right for You?

You can choose moissanite if:

• Budget rules (that moissanite vs lab grown diamond price gap is real!)
• You adore fiery sparkle
• Bigger stones excite you

Choose lab grown diamonds if:

• "Real diamond" status matters
• You’ll invest for tradition
• Resale value concerns you

Final Thoughts

Moissanite vs lab grown diamond isn’t about who is "better". It’s about owning your story and letting it shine! While moissanite dazzles and comes at an affordable price, lab diamonds offer authentic luxury without mining baggage. Discover an exquisite collection of both moissanite and lab grown diamond jewelry at CaratBee. From unique styles to eye-catching stone shapes, our jewelry pieces are truly one-of-a-kind.