Moissanite Diamond vs Lab Created Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
As consumers become more conscious about sustainability, ethics, and budget, alternatives to mined diamonds have gained immense popularity. Two standout options on the market are the moissanite diamond and lab created diamonds. While they may look similar to the naked eye, these stones are very different in composition, brilliance, and value. Understanding these differences is essential for making a smart and satisfying jewelry purchase.
What Is a Moissanite Diamond?
A moissanite diamond is not technically a diamond but a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. First discovered in a meteor crater, moissanite is now lab-grown to produce affordable and dazzling alternatives to natural diamonds. Although it offers impressive brilliance and durability, it differs significantly from lab created diamonds, which are real diamonds made in laboratories under conditions that mimic nature.
Understanding Lab Created Diamonds
Lab created diamonds are genuine diamonds that share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They are made using two main methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Unlike a moissanite diamond, a lab diamond is carbon-based and is identical to a natural diamond in every measurable way, making it an ideal choice for purists who want authenticity without the mining impact.
Appearance and Sparkle
Both moissanite diamond and lab created diamonds sparkle beautifully, but the type of sparkle is different. A moissanite diamond tends to have a rainbow-like, fiery brilliance due to its high refractive index. This can sometimes appear too flashy or artificial, especially in larger stones. Lab created diamonds, on the other hand, offer the classic white light sparkle, just like natural diamonds, which many people find more elegant and authentic.
Durability and Hardness
Durability is a key factor when comparing a moissanite diamond with lab created diamonds. Moissanite ranks at 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear. However, lab created diamonds are the hardest known material, ranking a perfect 10. This means that lab created diamonds are slightly more scratch-resistant than a moissanite diamond, which can be an important consideration for engagement rings or daily-use jewelry.
Cost Comparison
Price is one of the main reasons buyers consider a moissanite diamond. Moissanite is significantly less expensive than both natural and lab created diamonds. For those on a tight budget who still want a beautiful, sparkling stone, moissanite is often the go-to. However, lab created diamonds have also become more affordable than their natural counterparts, making them a middle-ground option that balances authenticity and cost.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Both moissanite diamond and lab created diamonds are considered eco-friendly and ethical options. Unlike mined diamonds, they do not contribute to environmental destruction or unethical labor practices. A moissanite diamond is always lab-grown, ensuring complete traceability. Similarly, lab created diamonds offer a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds without compromising quality, making both options ideal for socially conscious buyers.
Resale Value and Perception
In terms of resale value, lab created diamonds generally hold their value better than a moissanite diamond, although neither retains value as strongly as a natural diamond. However, since lab created diamonds are real diamonds, they tend to be more desirable in the resale market compared to moissanite. A moissanite diamond may be beautiful and affordable, but it is often seen more as a diamond simulant rather than a real gem.
Certification and Grading
Lab created diamonds are graded by the same institutions that certify natural diamonds, such as GIA and IGI. These grading reports evaluate the diamond based on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. A moissanite diamond, however, is not graded the same way, as it is a different material entirely. While moissanite can still come with quality assurances, it lacks the formal certification process that applies to lab created diamonds.
Choosing Between Moissanite and Lab Created Diamonds
The choice between a moissanite diamond and lab created diamonds comes down to personal preferences, priorities, and budget. If you want a unique sparkle and lower cost, a moissanite diamond may be perfect for you. But if you value authenticity, traditional brilliance, and diamond status, then lab created diamonds are the better fit. Both options deliver beauty and ethical value, but understanding their differences helps you make the right decision for your style and purpose.
Final Thoughts
The modern jewelry market offers incredible alternatives to mined diamonds, with moissanite diamond and lab created diamonds leading the way. Each offers something unique—moissanite brings fiery brilliance at a lower price, while lab created diamonds offer real diamond quality with a sustainable edge. When choosing between a moissanite diamond and lab created diamonds, it’s all about what matters most to you: price, appearance, authenticity, or ethics. Either way, you’re making a smart, responsible, and beautiful choice.
