Many people make lab grown diamonds vs moissanite comparisons when choosing their engagement ring or fine jewelry. Both stones are great sparklers and are less expensive than diamonds, so many modern couples choose them. But, although they may look alike, they are quite different in composition, brilliance, durability, certification, value and price.

Knowing the distinction between moissanite and lab-grown diamond choices can assist you in selecting the diamond that suits your budget, tastes, and long-term goals. When choosing between lab created diamond and moissanite, this buyer guide explains all that you need to know.

QUICK COMPARISON: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS VS MOISSANITE

WHAT IS LAB GROWN DIAMOND?

A lab grown diamond is a genuine diamond that is grown in a laboratory setting. It has the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond. There are two main production techniques - CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature).

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds and may be certified by IGI, GIA and other reputable laboratories, compared to diamond simulants. As conflict-free diamonds and eco-friendly diamonds, they're gaining traction as a popular choice among consumers looking for ethical diamonds without sacrificing quality.

Lab grown diamonds have gained popularity among various modern jewellers such as Earya sparkle as they are more affordable than natural diamonds and give the same appearance, durability and prestige.

WHAT IS MOISSANITE? 

Moissanite is a gemstone with a silicon carbide composition. It looks like a diamond, but it's not. Moissanite can be mined from a meteor crater, but is also made in a lab for use in jewelry.

The price factor has helped to make moissanite popular. In comparison with natural and lab grown diamonds, the moissanite price is much lesser, which makes it a good choice for those looking for a budget friendly option.

Moissanite sparkle is impressive, but it does not have the same optical properties as a diamond and thus it has an interesting visual appearance.

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS AND MOISSANITE IS:

APPEARANCE AND SPARKLE

The way they reflect light is one of the most significant differences between lab diamond vs moissanite options.

Lab-grown diamonds will exhibit classic diamond brilliance, and will emit a balanced amount of white and colored light. They are actual diamonds and appear to be the same as diamonds.

Brilliance is more vivid with moissanite. It produces brighter rainbow flashes (fire) and some people prefer them while others don't want to see them so clearly.

Moissanite's reflections are more colorful than a diamond in direct lighting.

DURABILITY AND HARDNESS

Durability is crucial for jewelry that is worn every day.

Lab-grown diamonds are the hardest of all the known gemstones and have a Mohs hardness scale of 10. They have an outstanding scratch resistance which makes them suitable for use on engagement rings and for long-term use.

The hardness of moissanite is around 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It is a little softer than a diamond, but still quite hard and can be used in everyday jewelry.

PRICE COMPARISON

One of the major motivators for shoppers to compare moissanite vs lab diamond options is the cost.

The cost of lab-grown diamonds is usually higher, as they are genuine diamonds and have the same properties as natural diamonds.

Moissanite prices are significantly lower, allowing for larger sizes at lower prices.

Moissanite is also a possibility for buyers that are looking for the biggest bang for their buck.

The market is full of products that can be resold or have a long life.

RESALE AND LONG-TERM VALUE

Moissanite should not be considered more of an investment than lab-grown diamonds, but lab-grown diamonds are generally more well known. Moissanite does not have as high of a demand for resale.

When it comes to buying for resale, most buyers should think more about enjoying the product, how it looks and what they like than what it will be worth in the future.

WHICH LOOKS MORE LIKE A NATURAL DIAMOND?

Lab-grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds, which means they look exactly like natural ones. Professional jewelers will still need special equipment to tell the difference between natural and mined diamonds.

Moissanite is appealing but it also has a more pronounced fire and brilliance giving it an optical appearance that differs from different diamonds. Lab-created diamonds are often the better choice for buyers looking to find a diamond that is as close as possible to a natural diamond.

WHO SHOULD CHOOSE A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND?

Those who prefer a diamond engagement ring might prefer a diamond that has been lab-developed because they:

• Want a real diamond
• Opt for the classic look of diamonds.
• Value diamond certification
• Choose the IGI or GIA certified diamonds.
• As a precaution, purchase diamonds that are free from conflict.
• Look for high quality fine jewelry!

This is why many people visiting Eraya Sparkle to consider their collections for engagement rings or contemporary fine jewelry opt for lab-grown diamonds.

WHO SHOULD CHOOSE MOISSANITE?

Moissanite could be right for you if you:

• Prioritize affordability
• Want maximum sparkle
• Look for a diamond alternative
• Have a limited budget
• Choose size of the picture rather than the authenticity of the diamond.

As with all gemstones, it is essential to weigh moissanite pros and cons before coming to a decision.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY IT'S HARD TO DISTINGUISH A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND FROM MOISSANITE?
In many cases, yes. While Moissanite will have more pronounced rainbow flashes, lab diamonds will have the classic look of a natural diamond.

IS MOISSANITE A REAL DIAMOND?
No. It is not a diamond, but a gemstone created in a lab with silicon carbide.

DOES MOISSANITE OUTSPARKLE A DIAMOND?
Yes. Compared to a diamond, Moissanite can create more vibrant light flashes, because of its higher refractive characteristics.

SHOULD YOU BUY LAB GROWN DIAMONDS?
Lab created diamonds provide a fantastic value, durability and beauty to buyers who want a real diamond but not for the same price as mined diamonds.

FINAL VERDICT: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS VS MOISSANITE

There is no clear winner when it comes to choosing between lab-grown diamonds vs moissanite. The best one to select is the one that suits your requirements.

If you're looking for a real diamond that has a genuine diamond brilliance, certification, and long duration value, then a lab-grown diamond is the choice you should select.

If you're looking for style and affordability, you should go for moissanite.

Both are good alternatives to the mined diamond. If you know the differences in appearance, hardness, value and price, you can make a confident choice of the gemstone that suits your lifestyle and preferences the most.