Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring or special piece of jewellery, you’ve likely encountered two stunning options—lab-grown diamonds and moissanite. Both offer incredible brilliance, durability, and beauty, but each has distinct characteristics that may influence your choice. If you’re wondering which of these stones is the right fit for you, this guide will help you navigate the differences and similarities, so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences, budget, and values.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds. They are created in controlled laboratory conditions that replicate the intense heat and pressure found deep within the Earth. These diamonds are made using two main methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both processes result in a gemstone that is optically, chemically, and physically indistinguishable from a natural diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and qualities, and they come with the same properties as mined diamonds, including hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, and longevity. The major difference is that lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced, free from the environmental and social issues associated with mining.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral made of silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 by the French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater, and although it was initially thought to be a type of diamond, further research revealed its unique properties. Moissanite is now lab-created, ensuring its ethical production.

While moissanite is not a diamond, it has quickly become one of the most popular alternatives due to its remarkable brilliance, durability, and affordability. Moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable and suitable for daily wear. Its signature brilliance, often described as even more fiery than diamonds, comes from its higher refractive index.

Comparing Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanite

Let’s break down some of the key factors to help you choose between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite.

1. Appearance

Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have incredible sparkle, but the way they reflect light differs.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: They have a more subdued brilliance compared to moissanite. Their light reflection is what you would expect from a natural diamond—clear, crisp, and elegant.

• Moissanite: Known for its fiery brilliance, moissanite exhibits more colourful flashes of light, especially in certain lighting conditions. Some people love the extra sparkle, while others prefer the classic elegance of a diamond’s brilliance.

If you’re looking for a traditional diamond look with understated elegance, a lab-grown diamond is likely your best choice. But if you enjoy a bold, fiery sparkle, moissanite could be the perfect fit.

2. Durability

When it comes to durability, both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are excellent options for everyday wear.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, lab-grown diamonds are the hardest known material on Earth. They can withstand scratches, chips, and general wear, making them ideal for engagement rings and other jewellery that you wear daily.

• Moissanite: Moissanite is nearly as durable, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. While slightly less hard than a diamond, it is still an extremely tough gemstone, resistant to scratching and chipping, and perfect for daily use.

Both stones will stand the test of time, though lab-grown diamonds have the slight edge in hardness.

3. Price

One of the most significant differences between these two stones is the price.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: While more affordable than natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are still more expensive than moissanite. Their price depends on factors like size, cut, and clarity, but they remain a more cost-effective choice compared to mined diamonds.

• Moissanite: Moissanite is considerably more affordable than both lab-grown and natural diamonds, often costing a fraction of the price for the same size and appearance.

If you’re on a budget but still want a beautiful and durable gemstone, moissanite offers excellent value. On the other hand, if you want the look and feel of a diamond without the high price tag of a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond is a great choice.

4. Ethical and Environmental Impact

Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are considered ethical and sustainable alternatives to mined diamonds.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: These diamonds are produced in a lab with minimal environmental impact compared to traditional diamond mining. They’re a great choice for those concerned about the ethical implications of diamond mining.

• Moissanite: Moissanite is also lab-created, so its production involves less environmental disruption. As a result, it’s another ethically sourced option, especially for those who prefer to support sustainable practices.

Both options offer peace of mind for customers seeking eco-conscious jewellery.

5. Sentimental Value

For some, a diamond holds deep sentimental value, especially when it comes to engagement rings. Lab-grown diamonds preserve that same symbolism, offering the same beauty and durability as a natural diamond but with a modern, ethical twist.

Moissanite, on the other hand, doesn’t carry the same long-standing tradition as diamonds, but it has earned its place as a stunning, affordable alternative. Many couples find meaning in choosing moissanite as a representation of their love without the need for the hefty price tag of a diamond.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between a lab-grown diamond and moissanite comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and values.

• Choose a lab-grown diamond if you want a classic, timeless gemstone that’s chemically identical to a natural diamond, with exceptional durability and long-term value.

• Choose moissanite if you prefer a stone with incredible brilliance and fiery sparkle at a more affordable price point, and you’re drawn to the idea of a beautiful yet budget-friendly alternative to diamonds.

Both stones are beautiful, ethical, and durable choices that will make your jewellery sparkle for years to come. The decision is yours—whether you’re drawn to the refined elegance of a lab-grown diamond or the bold, fiery brilliance of moissanite, you can’t go wrong with either.

If you’re still unsure which stone is right for you, feel free to get in touch with us at JUNI , and we’ll be happy to help guide you through the decision-making process.

You can read more about Lab-Grown Diamonds & Moissanites over on our Jewellery Education Page.