Lab Diamond Vs. Moissanite – What’s the Difference?

There is a great debate going on among jewelers about the quality of diamonds and lab-created diamonds. While both are hard, diamonds are more valuable because they are natural, while moissanite is created in a lab. The main difference between these two stones is their color and hardness. In most cases, a diamond would be worth more than half a carat, so it is essential to know the difference between the two before you buy a stone. 

However, the difference in quality is not significant. Choosing a lab-grown diamond is a good choice if you want something that will stand up to daily wear and the occasional use. Despite their similarities, they are very different. When buying a ring or gemstone, make sure to buy it from a place that offers a warranty. Otherwise, customers might assume that the jewelry is of low quality. 

Lab Diamond Vs. Moissanite – What’s The Difference? 

There are some major differences between a moissanite and a lab diamond. The latter is cheaper. The former is more durable, and the latter is the perfect choice for those on a budget. The difference in price between the two is not a significant one. The difference between a lab-grown diamond and a moissanite is only a small one. The two stones have a lot of similarities, but they are very different in their compositions. 

Compared to a natural diamond, a moissanite is more affordable and has more sparkle. It also does not have a clear hue, but it looks very similar. The main difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond is the quality. Its price difference is based on size, but not on the quality of the diamond. The cost of a laboratory-grown diamond is lower than that of a real one. 

Besides the price, there are several other differences between moissanite and a lab-grown diamond. Both of them are natural and have a higher hardness than a diamond. Nevertheless, the price of a moissanite ring is much lower than that of a lab diamond, and it has more fire and brilliance than its counterpart. Hence, it is better to purchase a moissanite ring if you can afford it. 

Despite the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds, both are highly durable. A natural diamond is a white gemstone, while a lab-grown diamond is a carbon-based substance. Both types of gemstones are equally beautiful and durable, but there are differences. The price difference between a lab-grown diamond and a lab-grown one is a key consideration when buying a piece of jewelry. 

Sparkle

 Moissanite’s glitter is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Moissanite, in fact, glows brighter and more colourfully than diamond, if you can believe it! Moissanite, in fact, reflects twice as much colourful glitter as a diamond! This is referred to as “dispersion,” and Moissanite has a dispersion of 0.104, whereas diamonds have a dispersion of 0.044. So, when you compare a Moissanite to a Diamond, Moissanite will appear to be a fireworks display. 

Color

 Lab-grown diamonds come in a rainbow of colours. As a result, they can be “colourless,” “near colourless,” or any rainbow colour, such as blue, red, or purple! Moissanite is exclusively found in colourless, near-colorless, and yellowish-green tints in nature. For the past few decades, traditional Moissanite used in jewellery has had a yellowish hue. Colored Moissanite has also been manufactured by covering it with blue and green pigments. Importantly, technological advancements have enabled leading experts, such as those at Charles & Colvard, to manufacture fresh, colourless Moissanite for us. Forever One Moissanite is a dazzling white stone with no yellow tint. 

Refraction

 Refra…what? The way a gem bends and fractures light is referred to as “refraction.” In addition, the light refracts differently in Lab Diamonds vs. Moissanite. Diamond is singly refractive, but Moissanite is doubly refractive, for the gem geeks out there. The crucial thing to remember for the rest of us is that, because to the way Moissanite treats light, if you stare at it at a specific angle, all of the facets will appear doubled (as if you’ve had one too many glasses of wine)! Sapphire, tourmaline, and zircon are some of the other gems that exhibit double refraction. 

What Is A “Lab Diamond”? 

A “Lab Diamond,” also known as a “Synthetic Diamond,” or “Man-Made Diamond,” is a diamond gemstone created in a laboratory rather than on the Earth’s surface. That concludes our discussion. There are no secrets. In reality, a Lab Grown Diamond and a natural, mined diamond are both made of crystal-clear carbon. As a result, a Lab Diamond has the same hardness (10/10), appearance, and radiance as a mined diamond. Only by having it tested can you tell if it is a Lab Grown Diamond. 

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? 

Lab-grown diamonds are similar to test-tube babies, as they are produced from a single diamond seed under the same heat and pressure as the earth’s crust. They are environmentally friendly because they do not mine the earth. This category has gained widespread acceptability since it avoids the stigma of blood diamonds. Most notably, they are more uniform than earth-mined diamonds while remaining less expensive. 

Is It A Real Diamond? 

Yes, that is a genuine diamond; even the most advanced gem laboratories have certified it as such. The only difference is that instead of being mined from the soil, these diamonds are grown in a lab under strict conditions. Fiona offers a stunning assortment of designer jewellery studded with gleaming lab-grown diamonds, all with a 100% money-back guarantee! 

Who Should Pick Moissanite? 

Couples looking for: 

  • A centre stone that isn’t a diamond. 
  • A dazzling gemstone that does not appear to be a diamond. 
  • A long-lasting option for their engagement ring. 
  • To pay a fraction of the price of a mined diamond. 

Who Should Pick Lab Diamonds? 

Couples looking for: 

  • For their engagement ring, they chose the hardest, most durable option. 
  • A mined diamond’s exact radiance (a look no one will question).  
  • A rare find with verifiable certification. 
  • Possessing a “diamond ring” gives you bragging rights. 
  • To save 50% to 70% on the cost of mined diamonds. 

Which Ring Is Cheaper Moissanite Or Natural Diamond? 

When purchasing a ring, a moissanite is cheaper than a natural diamond. While both of these gemstones are considered beautiful and durable, moissanite is the cheaper option. The price of a lab-grown diamond varies depending on its size and enhancements. In addition to diamonds, moissanite is much more affordable than cubic zirconia. You can find many manufacturers of these stones, including Charles and Colvard, Ritani, and Nexus Gem. 

Conclusion 

Whether a diamond is natural or created in a lab, a ring should be inspected before buying. The diamond in a laboratory is eye clean, but a moissanite can scratch. For this reason, lab-created diamonds are a more durable option for ring settings. They cost less than earth-created ones, but they are not as rare as a real diamond. 

A lab diamond is always cheaper than a natural diamond. But a natural diamond is far more expensive than a lab-grown one. Therefore, the differences between the two gemstones will be evident unless the lab-grown diamond is colored. If you are not concerned with the price difference, consider a moissanite that looks like a natural diamond. Its colorless appearance makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings.