Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond Comparison
When it comes to buying an engagement ring and choosing a center stone, you have several options to choose from. One popular alternative to a lab grown diamond is a moissanite gemstone. While they are both made in a laboratory, a moissanite and a lab grown diamond possess very different characteristics, physical properties, and price points.
What is a moissanite?
A moissanite is a gemstone that is made up of silicon carbide. It was discovered back in 1893, by a French chemist named Henri Moissan in an Arizonan meteor crater. Moissanite stones are known for their sparkle, brilliance, fire, and durability. Today, natural moissanite gemstones are so rare, any moissanite you see in jewelry today is lab created.
What is a Lab grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is created in a laboratory that can replicate the natural conditions in which diamonds are formed in the Earth’s mantle. This allows for lab grown diamonds to have the exact same chemical, chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds but at a fraction of the cost.
4 Differences between a moissanite and a lab grown diamond?
There are 4 main differences between a moissanite and a lab grown diamond which includes, the sparkle, the hardness, the color and the price.
- Sparkle
Moissanite stones will have way more sparkle and shine aka fire and brilliance than a lab grown diamond. The reason for this is due to the fact Moissanite stones have a refractive index from 2.65 – 2.69, which is higher than a lab grown diamond. - Hardness
While both stones are durable in terms of their hardness. On the Mohs scale, which measures the gemstones' hardness on a scale from 1 to 10. 10 being the hardest gemstone. A Moissanite stone received a 9.25, while a lab grown diamond is a 10. Both scores are high and indicate they can be worn daily. - Color
When it comes to the gemstone color, moissanite stones are labeled as colorless or near colorless and have been known to project a yellow or grayish hue in certain lights. The rule of thumb is the bigger the moissanite stone, the more noticeable the color. Lab grown diamonds can come in any color including colorless, near colorless, and are even sold in a variety of colors of the rainbow. - Price
Moissanite stones are more affordable than a lab grown diamond. In fact, on average, they are 30-50% cheaper than a lab grown diamond. For example, I found a colorless round Moissanite gemstone that is 8.0 x 8.0 mm which is roughly 2 carats priced at $1,250. A 2-carat colorless lab grown diamond priced at $5,270.
By purchasing a moissanite gemstone, you will be able to save more than $4,000. These savings could go towards your future, a house, your wedding, a honeymoon, or even a more jewelry. The possibilities are endless. What would you do with those savings?
Reasons to buy a Moissanite Ring
In my opinion, there are several reasons why purchasing a moissanite ring is a good idea. If you are looking for a ring that gives off an extra sparkle, a lab grown diamond alternative, and a more affordable option, then a Moissanite ring is perfect for you.
Brilliant Earth has an incredible collection of moissanite engagement rings that you can purchase. You can either design your own ring by first selecting a moissanite gemstone or you can purchase on that is already designed.
Reasons to buy a Lab Grown Diamond Ring
Lab grown diamonds are a great option for your engagement ring as well. There are several reasons to buy a lab grown diamond. If you are looking for a more traditional center stone for your engagement ring, want a stone that is ethically sourced and possess the same qualities as a natural diamond, then a lab grown diamond is right for you. Shop Lab Grown diamonds
Final thoughts
Overall, when it comes to choosing a center gemstone for your engagement ring, you have many options. For me, I love how moissanite rings gives you that extra sparkle when you wear it. If you are looking for a unique gemstone, then you should consider purchasing a moissanite ring!
If you are looking for more of a traditional center stone for your engagement ring, then you should consider a lab grown diamond.
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane