Lab-Grown Diamonds Vs Moissanite: What is the Difference?
In the glittering world of jewelry today, two standouts often catch the eye of eco-friendly shoppers and jewelry lovers alike—lab-grown diamonds and moissanite. These gems aren't just stunning; they offer exciting alternatives to traditional stones. Whether you're a couple on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring or just someone who loves a little extra sparkle, it's good to know your options.
In this blog, we'll walk you through the world of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, so you can make a choice that feels right for you.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are the real deal; they're created in labs that mimic nature's conditions. Just like mined diamonds, they have the same physical and chemical properties. These gems are made by applying high pressure and temperature or through chemical vapor deposition. The best part? They're ethically sourced and eco-friendly, yet look just like the ones dug out of the ground.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a pretty cool gem that's actually made of silicon carbide. It's super rare in nature but known for its amazing sparkle and toughness. Henri Moissan discovered it back in 1893, and it often outshines diamonds with its fiery, rainbow-like glimmer. While finding natural moissanite is like finding a needle in a haystack, lab-grown ones are gaining popularity. They're affordable, ethical, durable, and absolutely gorgeous!
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanite
Understanding the differences between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite can help you choose the perfect gem for your needs. Let's explore their unique characteristics.
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamonds | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Mostly carbon atoms in a special crystal structure. | Mostly silicon carbide (SiC) with silicon and carbon atoms. |
| Structure | Cubic crystal lattice, similar to natural diamonds. | Hexagonal crystal structure, unique optical properties. |
| Color Range | Colorless to various shades (yellow, blue, pink, etc.). | Almost colorless, slight yellow or grey tint, rainbow effect. |
| Color Quality | High-quality looks colorless or similar to high-grade natural diamonds; lower-grade may have tints. | Nearly colorless, but more color compared to diamonds under certain lights. |
| Variety | Available in various shapes and sizes like natural diamonds. | Available in various shapes, but may look different in certain lighting. |
| Appearance | Look like classic diamonds with high brilliance and clarity. | Distinct sparkle with a higher refractive index and colorful flashes. |
| Brilliance | High brilliance, similar to natural diamonds. | Higher fire and brilliance, often with rainbow-like flashes. |
| Durability | Hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale; highly resistant to scratches and daily wear and tear. | Hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale; still resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear. |
| Longevity | Maintains brilliance and structural integrity over time. | Retains sparkle and brilliance, but may be more susceptible to minor abrasions compared to diamonds. |
| Cut | Same cuts as natural diamonds (round, princess, etc.). | Similar cuts, but optimized for its unique optical properties. |
| Clarity | Similar to natural diamonds, with inclusions possible. | Generally high clarity, but may have needle-like inclusions. |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale. | 9.25 on the Mohs scale. |
Price and Value What Should You Choose?
When you're choosing between a lab-grown diamond and a moissanite, price and perceived value are big factors to consider. Moissanite is usually more budget-friendly, while lab-grown diamonds look a lot like natural ones. Each stone has its own charm—moissanite is famous for its amazing sparkle, and lab-grown diamonds are almost identical to natural diamonds in terms of physical and chemical properties. In the end, it really comes down to what you like best.
At CaratBee, we offer both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite diamonds, providing our customers with ethical and eco-friendly options.
As of September 2024,
- Our Pricing for a 1-carat Lab-grown Diamond Ring (VVS2/E) Set in 10k Gold is $1,049.00.
- Meanwhile, a 1-carat Moissanite Diamond Ring (VVS2/E) in 10k Gold is Priced at $535.00.
Popular Settings and Styles
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are gaining popularity for being ethical and budget-friendly. Here's a look at some popular settings and styles for these gems:
Popular Settings
- Prong Setting: This classic setup uses metal prongs to hold the gem, letting in lots of light to make it sparkle.
- Bezel Setting: The gem is wrapped in a metal rim, offering great protection and a sleek look.
- Halo Setting: A center stone surrounded by smaller stones adds extra sparkle and makes the main gem look bigger.
- Pave Setting: Tiny gems are set close together with little metal showing, creating a glittery effect.
Popular Styles
- Round Cut: Known for its sparkle and timeless vibe, this cut is a top pick for both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite.
- Princess Cut: This square cut has sharp corners and lots of sparkle, giving off a modern, elegant feel.
- Cushion Cut: With a square shape and rounded corners, this cut has a vintage appeal and great light dispersion.
- Oval Cut: Its long shape makes fingers look slender and offers a fresh twist on the classic round cut.
- Pear Cut: Also called the teardrop cut, this shape is elegant and unique, perfect for pendants and earrings.
You can customize these settings and styles to match your taste, making lab-grown diamonds and moissanite versatile choices for all sorts of jewelry.
How to Tell the Difference Between Them
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are both popular for engagement rings and other jewelry, but they’re quite different. Moissanite is famous for its amazing brilliance and fire, often described as "rainbow-like," though it can sometimes have a slight greenish or yellowish tint.
Lab-grown diamonds, meanwhile, have that classic diamond sparkle and are usually colorless or have a very faint color. Plus, moissanite is typically more budget-friendly than lab-grown diamonds of the same size and quality. To tell them apart, jewelers often rely on thermal conductivity testers or refractometers.
Conclusion
Deciding between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite really comes down to what you value most. Lab-grown diamonds have that classic diamond look, are durable, and come with ethical perks, but they can be pricier. Moissanite brings incredible sparkle and is more budget-friendly, plus it's durable too, though it looks a bit different from natural diamonds. Think about your style, the occasion, and your budget to see which one feels right for you.
