If you’ve researched engagement rings for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen this debate. Moissanite and lab diamonds. Two stones that look remarkably similar to the untrained eye, yet are significantly different when you delve into the minutiae.
The good news is, neither choice is bad. Both are stunning, ethical and a fraction of the price of a mined diamond. The actual question is which one is best for you, your spouse and the life you plan to wear it in.
So here’s the quick and honest lowdown on everything you need to know to feel confident about your decision.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Lab diamond is a genuine diamond. That is not marketing speak, that is a scientific fact. Lab made diamonds are chemically identical, have the same crystal structure and the same optical qualities as mined diamonds. The only thing that matters is where they are from. They are manufactured in a controlled lab setting, instead of growing deep in the ground over billions of years, by techniques that mimic the conditions under which real diamonds form.
Lab diamonds are evaluated exactly the same as mined diamonds – using the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat – because they are chemically the same. They have the same certifications from the same rating labs. A jeweler cannot distinguish between a lab diamond and a mined one without specialist equipment.
The price difference is substantial. Lab diamonds generally retail 50 to 80% less than mined diamonds of the same size and quality.
Moissanite is a mineral that is made of silicon carbide.
Moissanite is a whole distinct sort of gemstone. It is not a diamond simulant or a diamond fake. It is a stone of its own, made of silicon carbide, first discovered in a meteor crater in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan. Natural moissanite is so scarce that nearly all of the moissanite used in jewelry today is lab manufactured.
Moissanite is one of the hardest stones in the world, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale compared to a diamond’s 10. It’s ultra-durable and built for a lifetime of everyday wear.
The most striking attribute of moissanite is its fire, the colorful dazzle created by the way it refracts light. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, thus it actually puts out more rainbow flashes, especially in intense sunshine. Some folks like this quality. Others like the more modest, white brilliance of a diamond.
Lab Diamond versus Moissanite: The Differences You Should Know
Looks. The two stones look gorgeous together. The biggest distinction is in the sparkle. Lab diamonds reflect white light in the same way as a mined diamond. Moissanite reflects more colorful light, showing more visible fire. This difference is hardly noticeable on lower sizes. It becomes more obvious in larger stones.
Durability and hardness. Both are great for everyday use. Even lab-grown diamonds are the hardest natural substance, getting a 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite at 9.25 is still very resistant to scratches and chipping. Both will last a lifetime and look wonderful.
Cost. That is where moissanite really comes into its own. A high quality moissanite stone is substantially cheaper than a lab diamond of the same size. If budget is a big deal you’ll get the most stone for your buck with moissanite. If you have a little more price freedom and you really want a stone that is chemically a diamond, then a lab grown diamond is a good alternative to a mined diamond.
Certification and grading Reputable gemological labs grade and certify lab diamonds using the same criteria as mined diamonds. Moissanite does have its own grading requirements, especially for color and cut, but not the same 4Cs grading system as the diamond.
Value of resale. Lab diamonds and moissanite don’t have a great resale value compared to mined diamonds, although lab diamond costs have fallen dramatically in recent years. If resale value is a concern, this is well worth a look. However, most couples buy engagement rings to wear and love, not to sell.
Which of the two should you choose?
The honest response is contingent upon what means most to you.
If you want a diamond that is chemically a diamond, graded like a diamond and looks like a mined diamond to the naked eye, then a lab generated diamond is the answer for you. The ethical and environmental benefits of lab grown over mined are evident, and the reductions in price are substantial.
If you want the most fire and brilliance possible, the largest stone feasible for the price, and don’t mind a truly different gemstone than a diamond and not a diamond lookalike, moissanite is a gorgeous and persuasive option.
A lot of couples discover that it’s far easier to work through this comparison with an expert. That’s the precise strategy Zen Moissanite uses. Founded in 2017, they specialize in lab diamonds and moissanite engagement rings and provide no-pressure free consultations to help you decide. Over 10,000 couples have discovered their ring with Zen Moissanite, and their 4.9 star average shows what the experience of working with them is really like.
A Note on Ethics and Sustainability
The ethical dimension is one reason why both lab diamonds and moissanite have become so popular. In some places of the world, there are valid worries about the environmental impact and labor methods of mined diamonds. Lab diamonds and moissanite avoid those worries altogether.
Both of those solutions fulfilll that value if it is important to you to know that your ring caused no harmful human or environmental impact. That’s one reason the shift to lab-grown stones has advanced so swiftly among couples who care about where their purchases come from.
The Bottom Line:
Lab diamonds and moissanite are both gorgeous, ethical and smart alternatives to mined diamonds. The proper option really boils down to what is important to you – look, budget and what a gemstone means to you personally.
Take the time to see both in person or via extensive images with a qualified guide before you select. The more you know, the more assured you will feel about the ring you chose together.
