Shopping for an engagement ring comes with many pressures. It doesn’t help that there are so many ring styles to choose from that can make shopping feel overwhelming. And on top of that, there are several stones to pick between, like the traditional diamond or something else.
If you’ve started shopping for an engagement ring, you might be wondering if the diamond is your only option. It isn't, which is why we’re presenting a popular alternative: the moissanite. Curious to know what the moissanite is and if it’s right for you? Or what the difference is between moissanite and a lab grown diamond? We’ve created this guide to help you decide which stone you want to make selecting an engagement ring less stressful and more exciting.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are just as the same suggests: diamonds that are grown in a laboratory. Many people think that when they hear the term “lab grown diamond,” the diamond isn’t real. We’re here to bust that myth and say that it is!
The only discrepancy between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are where they’re sourced from. Lab diamonds contain the same chemical properties as natural diamonds, so they look the same and both feature the same level of sparkle and brilliance.
However, since lab diamonds are man-made, they do hold a lesser monetary value compared to natural diamonds, which can be a perk. Since natural diamonds have to be sourced and mined, they’re viewed as more rare than diamonds, which impact their value and cost.
Lab grown diamonds are a much more affordable option for people who want to invest in diamond jewelry but don’t mind having a gem that didn’t come from the earth.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite gems may look completely identical to natural and lab grown diamonds, but they do not contain the same chemical properties. This means they aren’t a diamond at all. In fact, moissanite is made from silicon carbide, not pure carbon. They’re also created entirely from a lab and not sourced from the earth.
Comparison: 5 Key Differences
If you were to hold up a diamond (natural or lab grown) in one hand and a moissanite gem in the other, you wouldn’t be able to tell a difference. These gemstones can fool anyone at a quick glance, so knowing what makes the gems different starts by understanding their qualities, characteristics, and purpose.
Sparkle & Fire
Other than price, the second most important factor everyone considers when buying an engagement ring is the sparkle. This “brilliance” is the way the diamond or gemstone reflects light to create a stunning “fire” that draws the eye.
Seeing the difference in sparkle and fire between these two gems requires you to pay close attention. Moissanite has a better brilliance than diamonds because of its ability to reflect a more intense light. Within this brilliance, you might see an exceptional fire called “the rainbow effect” since moissanite contains an incredible sparkle that flashes more colors.
Diamonds, on the other hand, are still sparkly, but their brilliance has a purer look. Diamonds reflect more white light than moissanite, which means they don’t portray colors in their fire.
Instead, you see more of a traditional white sparkle.
Durability & Hardness
In the jewelry world, the durability and hardness of a gemstone is determined by their ranking on the Mohs scale. The Mohs scale measures how scratch-resistant a stone is with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.
According to the Mohs scale, diamonds are more durable than moissanite. Diamonds fall at a 10 on the scale compared to moissanites 9.25. They’re both high on the scale, making them stronger and more durable than other gems, but between the two, diamonds are the tougher gem.
Color & Clarity
Many people may be shocked to know that diamonds actually have a range of colors. Diamonds range from clear to a yellowish-brown, depending on where they fall on the GIA color chart.
Moissanite may show slight tints of yellow and green, but they’re clear for the most part.
You can find color and lesser clarity in both gems, which can sometimes impact the price, especially in diamonds.
Price & Value
The price and value of a diamond far exceeds moissanite. That’s not to say moissanite jewelry isn’t valuable on its own, but the status symbol of the diamond (lab grown or not) is what raises
the price of this gemstone. Moissanite offers a nice affordable alternative for a gemstone that contains the alluring look of a diamond for a fraction of the cost.
The "Real" Factor
At the end of the day, the biggest difference between these two stones is the “reality” of them. Diamonds are the “real” gem between the two since it’s made from pure carbon and can be sourced from the earth. Moissanite is a completely modified gem created in a lab, so it does not have the same rarity as a diamond.
Lab Diamond vs. Moissanite: Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Lab Grown Diamond |
Moissanite |
|
Color |
Ranges from clear to a yellow-brown |
Mostly clear |
|
Clarity |
High clarity with small amount of internal flaws |
Contains more internal flaws but is still clean in appearance |
|
Brilliance |
Not as flashy as moissanite |
Produces greater sparkle and flash |
|
Mohs Scale |
10 - extremely durable |
9.25 - still durable but not as high as diamonds |
|
Price |
More expensive for rarity and status |
More affordable |
Who Should Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?
If you want an engagement ring that’s traditional in nature and is the symbol of status (and if you have the budget), then a diamond will be the better gemstone. This is also the stone to pick if you value durability and want jewelry that’s completely scratch-resistant.
Who Should Choose Moissanite?
If you’re not as worried about status as you are budget, then you might find the moissanite more appealing. This gem gives you the same look as a diamond but for a much more affordable expense. While the moissanite isn’t as durable as a diamond, it still ranks high on the Mohs scale, making it a gem that can survive everyday wear.
Start Forever With Jewelry From Ferko’s
Pop the question with a ring that speaks from the heart. We have a stunning collection of engagement rings for you to choose from, or one of our pros can help you create your own ring.