What Is The Difference Between Moissanite And Lab Grown Diamonds?

The current jewelry market offers plenty of options if you are looking for a diamond alternative. Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds are two of the most popular choices. These diamond-like gemstones have properties similar to mined diamonds and provide a similar status and beauty without the costly price tag of mined diamonds. 

People often say diamonds are their first choice for engagement rings and wedding jewelry. However, thanks to advancements in technology, which are not limited to the health and technological sector, we now have alternatives that are just as stunning and much more affordable and created in Labs.

If you’re here, I am assuming that you’re probably looking for a diamond alternative that offers great value similar to the diamond. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand the key differences between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds and why they’re both excellent replacements for mined diamonds. Let’s get started!

Mined Diamond

Have you ever wondered why mined diamonds are so expensive? Well, that’s because this beautiful gemstone comes with an amazing origin story. Diamonds don't form overnight; it takes billions of years to develop their precious beauty and luxury under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth.

This lengthy and complex formation process contributes significantly to their high cost. They are extracted from deep within the earth. After extraction, the rough diamonds are sorted based on size, shape, quality, and color. Later in the process, they are cut and polished by skilled artisans to sell them at the best price in the market.

Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamond

Both of these gemstones are made and crafted in Laboratories; Moissanite has always been the first choice of buyers when it comes to buying a diamond alternative. But we also have Lab-Grown Diamond, which causes a lot of confusion for buyers. Which one is better? How are they different? There are so many other questions that you can have in your mind while buying a diamond alternative. So, let’s discuss their properties to make better buying decisions.

Moissanite has two options to offer to its buyer. Naturally occurring moissanite is made up of silicon carbon and is made in artificial laboratories. Both types of Moissanite look similar to a diamond; they are beautiful, as hard as a diamond, easy to maintain and budget-friendly.

Moissanite appears to be classic and beautiful; it has a hardness score of 9.25 and is available in a variety of color (yellow, green, pink) and carat sizes; it is highly durable, affordable and offers uniqueness to the buyer.

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as synthetic diamonds; these are man-made gemstones crafted using advanced technological processes. These diamonds have similar properties as real diamonds; since they are not mined from earth and don’t take years to grow, they are more affordable as compared to real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are harder than Moissanite by scoring 10.

It looks beautiful by reflecting light at an index of 2.42, which is lesser than moissanite, which has an index of 2.65-2.69. Diamonds are perfectly colorless, and you will see a reflection of white light in them more than in colorful lights. Lab-grown diamonds are not as affordable as moissanite but are still cheaper than mined diamonds.

Advantages

• Moissanites have a high refractive index, which offers more fire than a diamond.
•  Moissanites are not as hard as diamonds, but still, their 9.25 index score on hardness makes them very hard. 
•  Moissanite offers a variety of options in color and carat at a very cost-efficient price. 
• Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamond, both gemstones, have endless customisable options; you can choose the shape, size and settings that reflect your unique style. 
• Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamond are both gemstones that are highly durable.
• Moissanite can naturally repel dust and oil better than a diamond, which makes it an easy-to-maintain gemstone. On the other side, a Lab Grown diamond will need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
• Diamonds are expensive because of their rarity. Grown Diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds as grown diamonds produce an artificial environment, and Moissanite is far less expensive than both of them as it resembles diamonds. Lets say, 1 ct D VVS1 natural diamond costs $15000, a lab grown diamond will cost $400 but a Moissanite will only cost $20. Therefore a lab grown diamond ring will be considerably more costly than a moissanite ring.
• Moissanite comes with a hint of yellow or brown color, which is why they have more fire in them, whereas diamonds are colorless and have more white flashes than colorful ones, which makes them look colorless.
• Lab Grown diamonds are expensive, but they are still a symbol of luxury as the mined diamonds.
• Moissanite and Lab-grown diamonds both are highly durable, with a very short difference in hardness, they both are less likely to get scratched or damaged.
• Both Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds are man-made and created in the Laboratory but show very less differences in comparison with a mined diamond.

Should you Choose Moissanite or Lab Grown Diamond?

If you're looking to stand out from the crowd with a gemstone that offers the amazing properties of diamonds, choose Moissanite. They offer great value for money, and you can have big,beautiful gemstones in a far lower price range.

On the other hand, If you want to have an exact diamond replica then you can choose a Lab grown diamond which will have the same white reflection and other properties.

Conclusion 

Are you wondering which one is right for you? Moissanite is not just a diamond alternative, but it’s also an elegant gemstone like the original one; on the other hand, a grown diamond is a good alternative as an exact diamond replica. Well, Diamond and Moissanite share some similar properties in nature, which makes the buyer confused,but the choice completely depends on your personal preferences. 

FAQs

How does moissanite differ from a lab-grown diamond? 
Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds look very similar, but there are key differences. Moissanite has a higher sparkle and reflects more colorful flashes, while lab-grown diamonds reflect mostly white light. Lab-grown diamonds are closer to natural diamonds in appearance, while moissanite has a unique brilliance and is more affordable.

Is moissanite as durable as a lab diamond? 
Yes, both are very durable. Moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25, and lab-grown diamonds score a perfect 10. Both are hard enough for everyday wear and won’t easily get scratched.

How much does moissanite cost compared to lab-grown diamonds? 
Moissanite is much more affordable than lab-grown diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds, they are still more expensive than moissanite, which offers a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative.

Can I use a moissanite diamond for an engagement ring? 
Absolutely! Moissanite is a popular choice for engagement rings. It offers stunning brilliance, durability, and an affordable price, making it a great option for a lifelong piece of jewelry.

Does moissanite have resale value? 
Moissanite doesn’t have the same resale value as diamonds. However, its affordability upfront makes it a great value for money. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers beauty, moissanite is an excellent choice.

Can moissanite pass a diamond tester? 
No, moissanite will not pass a diamond tester because it is a different material. Diamond testers are specifically designed to identify real diamonds, but there are tools that can detect moissanite if needed.

Does moissanite come with a certificate like a lab diamond? 
Yes, like lab-grown diamonds, moissanite can come with a certification that verifies its quality, including details about the stone's color, clarity, and cut. These certifications help ensure that you're buying a high-quality gemstone.