When it comes to selecting a gemstone for your jewelry, the options can be overwhelming. With the rise of lab grown diamonds and the increasing popularity of moissanite, many people are left wondering which option is the best for them.

In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive comparison of moissanite and lab grown diamonds, highlighting their physical and optical properties, durability, and ethical considerations.

We will also discuss the benefits of choosing moissanite over lab grown diamonds and vice versa.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the similarities and differences between these two gemstones, enabling you to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the perfect gemstone for your next piece of jewelry.

Comparing Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are gorgeous looking gemstones. But what exactly makes them differ?

Fire and brilliance

When it comes to physical and optical properties, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds share some similarities.

Both have a high refractive index and dispersion, giving them a sparkling, fiery appearance. However, there are also some key differences to note.

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than lab grown diamonds (2.69 vs 2.42), making it appear even more brilliant and sparkling.

Both moissanite and lab grown diamond can be purchased either colorless, with a slight hint of yellowish color, or in abstract colors such as pink and blue.

Typically, however, most lab grown diamonds and moissanites you find on the market today are colorless, due to the ever-old high demand of colorless diamonds.

Durability

In terms of durability, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are extremely hard minerals, making them suitable for everyday wear and tear.

Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 - 9.5 on the Mohs scale, while diamond has a hardness 10. This means that either gemstone is incredibly hard, making them both highly resistant to scratches and chips.

Also, moissanite has a slightly higher thermal conductivity, meaning it can withstand higher temperatures without damage.

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are durable gemstones, but they can be damaged by harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, which can cause discoloration or surface etching.

It is important to protect both types of gemstones from harsh chemicals by avoiding contact with chlorine filled swimming pools, and to clean them with mild soap and water while avoiding the use of harsh cleaning agents.

Ethics

When it comes to ethical considerations, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds have clear advantages over naturally mined diamond.

Both gemstones are clearly more environmentally friendly, as they are created in a laboratory setting, rather than mined from the earth. This means that it not only costs far less energy to produce, but also saves the environment from unnecessary harm.

Additionally, both lab grown diamond and moissanite are not associated with the human rights violations and environmental destruction that can occur with natural diamond mining.

Price

When it comes to choosing a gemstone for your jewelry, the price can be a major factor to consider.

Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are both popular options, but they come with a significant price difference.

Moissanite is known to be more affordable, with a 1 carat moissanite typically costing around $50-$100.

Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $1.000-$5.000 for a 1 carat stone.

The reasons for this difference in price include the production process, materials used, and demand for the gemstone.

It's important to consider your budget and preferences when choosing between moissanite and lab grown diamonds, as both are beautiful options, and most wouldn’t even notice the difference.

The Pros and Cons of Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds

Pros of Moissanite:

  • Affordability: Moissanite is significantly less expensive than lab grown diamonds, making it a great option for those who don’t fancy spending a fortune on jewelry.
  • Durability: Moissanite is a very hard and durable gemstone that can withstand everyday wear and tear. It is a 9.25 - 9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it the second hardest gemstone in the world, after diamond.
  • Ethical: Moissanite is lab created and has a much lower environmental impact than mined diamonds.
  • Variety: Moissanite comes in a wide range of designs and is available in various cuts and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect piece of jewelry.
  • Hard to differentiate: Some people may not be able to tell the difference between moissanite and diamond, which can be seen as an upside by some, as it offers the same look as diamond for a fraction of its price.

Cons of Moissanite:

  • Not as popular: Moissanite is not as well-known as lab grown diamonds and may not hold the same prestige.

Pros of Lab Grown Diamonds:

  • Durability: Diamond is the hardest gemstone in the world. It is a 10 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely hard.
  • Ethical: Just like moissanite, lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory setting and have a much lower environmental impact than mined diamonds.
  • Quality: Lab grown diamonds are of the same quality as mined diamonds and can be used in high-end jewelry.
  • Increasing popularity: Lab grown diamonds are becoming more popular and well-known, which can add prestige to the jewelry.
  • Prestigious: Owning a diamond jewelry piece gives some people the feeling they own a “real” piece of jewelry. Even though moissanite is just as real of a gemstone (and equally, if not more beautiful), some people may still refer to moissanite as “fake diamond”.

Cons of Lab Grown Diamonds:

  • Price: Lab grown diamonds are generally much more expensive than moissanite, even though the two cannot be differentiated by the general public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds have their advantages and disadvantages.

Moissanite offers a more affordable and slightly more sparkly option, while lab grown diamonds are considered more prestigious due to their long-standing history.

Diamonds, whether natural or lab grown, are much more expensive. Both gemstones appear very similar, and the average person will not be able to tell the difference.

Moissanite is a beautiful and affordable alternative to lab grown and natural diamonds.

With its stunning optical properties, wide range of designs available, and custom jewelry services offered by reputable moissanite jewelers like ourselves, it's no wonder that moissanite is quickly becoming a popular choice for those looking for a special piece of jewelry.

We encourage you to visit our shop and browse our selection of moissanite jewelry.

From elegant moissanite earrings to stunning moissanite engagement rings, you're sure to find a piece that you'll love.

And for those who want something truly unique, My Moissanite offers the service to fully customize your own moissanite jewelry.

If you have any further questions about moissanite or would like to request a custom piece of jewelry, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We are more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect moissanite piece for you.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better moissanite or lab grown diamonds?

This is a subjective question, as both gemstones are very similar, yet with a few key differences. Moissanite is known for being ethically-sourced, affordability, durability, wide range of designs available, and almost identical look to diamond. Lab grown diamonds are known for having the same physical and optical properties as natural diamonds, yet being more affordable.

Why are lab diamonds more expensive than moissanite?

Lab grown diamonds are more expensive than moissanite because the process of creating them is more complex and costly. It requires more energy and more time to make, increasing the price of lab grown diamond significantly.

Can anyone tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?

While some experts may be able to tell the difference between moissanite and diamond using specialized equipment, the average person is not able to tell the difference.

Can a jeweler tell if a diamond is lab created?

A trained jeweler may be able to tell if a diamond is lab created by examining it under a loupe and looking for specific characteristics. However, lab grown diamonds are becoming more and more similar to natural diamonds, so it's not always an easy task.

Why should you get moissanite instead of diamond?

Moissanite is a great alternative to diamond as it is much more affordable and also has a wide range of designs available. Additionally, moissanite is known for its ethical sourcing due to it being lab-grown.

Why is moissanite not as popular?

Even though moissanite looks almost identical to diamond, it may not be as popular because it is a relatively new gemstone and many people look for having the status of owning a real diamond.

Can the average person tell moissanite from diamond?

It can be difficult for the average person to tell the difference between moissanite and diamond without the use of specialized equipment. While moissanite and diamond share similar physical and optical properties, moissanite has a higher refractive index and a different dispersion value than diamond, which can make it appear slightly different when viewed under certain lighting conditions. However, only a trained jeweler should be able to tell the difference between the two gemstones.

Are lab grown diamonds called moissanite?

No, lab grown diamonds are not called moissanite. Moissanite is a different gemstone that is created in a lab using a different process than lab grown diamonds.

Does moissanite get cloudy?

No, moissanite does not get cloudy. Moissanite is highly durable and does not easily scratch or cloud like cubic zirconia. However, if it is exposed to harsh chemicals or high temperatures, it may become cloudy over time.

Will lab diamonds pass a diamond tester?

Lab grown diamonds are made of the same material as natural diamonds and therefore should pass a diamond tester.

Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Most diamond testers will pass moissanite as diamond. Some high-quality diamond testers may be able to tell the difference between, but the result always remains doubtful.