Moissanite vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring or a piece of jewellery, many people consider natural diamonds as the ultimate choice.

However, natural diamonds can be expensive and may come with negative environmental and ethical impacts due to the mining process.

This is where moissanite and lab grown diamonds come in as popular alternatives.

But what are the differences between these two diamond alternatives? Let's take a closer look.

Colour:

One of the main differences between moissanite and lab grown diamonds is their colour.

Moissanite is known for its slightly yellow or greyish hue, which may be noticeable when compared to a diamond. While it is not possible to get a completely colourless moissanite, some newer varieties have a more colourless appearance.

This can make moissanite less desirable for those who are looking for a perfectly colourless gemstone. However, some people prefer the subtle colour of moissanite and find it to be a unique and attractive feature.

On the other hand, lab grown diamonds can be completely colourless and are graded on the same colour scale as natural diamonds. This makes them a good option for those who are looking for a colourless gemstone.

Clarity:

Moissanite is generally less included than diamonds, meaning it has fewer imperfections or inclusions. This makes moissanite a good option for those who want a gemstone with a high level of clarity.

However, it is not uncommon for moissanite to have visible inclusions when viewed under magnification, especially in lower quality stones.

Lab grown diamonds can also have inclusions, but they are typically less included than natural diamonds and can be found in higher clarities. This makes them a good option for those who want a gemstone with a high level of clarity and a clean, sparkling appearance.

Brilliance, fire, and sparkle:

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds have a high level of brilliance and sparkle, but they may differ in intensity.

Moissanite has a high refractive index, which means it bends light more than other gemstones, resulting in its intense fire and sparkle. It is often described as having a "disco ball" effect due to its high level of brilliance and sparkle.

Lab grown diamonds also have a high level of brilliance and sparkle, but they may not have the same intensity as moissanite.

This is because they have a lower refractive index. However, lab grown diamonds still have a high level of brilliance and sparkle and are a good choice for those who want a gemstone with a sparkling appearance.

Price and Investment:

Moissanite is generally less expensive than lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds, making it a more affordable option for those looking for a diamond alternative.

This can make moissanite an attractive choice for those who want the look of a diamond at a lower price point.

Lab grown diamonds are also less expensive than natural diamonds, but they are typically more expensive than moissanite.

This is because they are created in a laboratory setting and require advanced technology and expertise to produce.

Lab grown diamonds are a good choice for those who want the look of a natural diamond at a lower price point, but are willing to pay more for the benefits of a lab grown diamond.

Chemical Composition:

Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, same chemical composition as natural diamonds.

Refractive Index:

The refractive index of a gemstone refers to how much it bends light as it passes through it.

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than lab grown diamonds, which contributes to its intense fire and sparkle.

This means that moissanite will bend light more than lab grown diamonds, resulting in a more sparkling appearance.

Dispersion:

Dispersion refers to the separation of white light into its spectral colours.

Moissanite has a higher dispersion than lab grown diamonds, which means it has a greater ability to separate white light into its spectral colours. This can result in a rainbow-like effect, known as "fire," in moissanite.

Durability:

Moissanite has a lower hardness and durability rating than lab grown diamonds. It has a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, which is lower than the hardness of natural diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale). This means that moissanite may be more prone to scratching and chipping than lab grown diamonds.

On the other hand, lab grown diamonds have a higher hardness and durability rating than moissanite. They have the same hardness rating as natural diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale) and are highly resistant to scratching and chipping.

Ethical Concerns:

Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are produced in a laboratory setting and do not require mining or extraction, which can have negative environmental impacts. This means they have a lower carbon footprint and do not contribute to deforestation or habitat destruction.

However, it's important to research the specific production methods and practices of a lab grown diamond or moissanite retailer to ensure they align with your personal ethical standards

Physical Appearance:

Moissanite has a similar appearance to natural diamonds, but it may differ in certain aspects. Moissanite has a slightly different refractive index than natural diamonds, which can affect its overall appearance. 

Lab grown diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to natural diamonds, so they have the same appearance. 

Availability:

Moissanite is widely available and can be found at most jewellers or online retailers. Lab grown diamonds are also widely available, but they may be harder to find at traditional jewellers. They can often be found at specialised retailers or online.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, moissanite and lab grown diamonds are both popular alternatives to natural diamonds, but they have some significant differences to consider when choosing a gemstone.

Moissanite is known for its slightly yellow or greyish hue and high level of fire and sparkle, but it has a lower durability rating and may have some inclusions visible under magnification.

Lab grown diamonds can be completely colourless and have a high level of clarity, but they are typically more expensive than moissanite. They are also chemically and structurally identical to natural diamonds.

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds have no negative environmental impact, which can be a deciding factor for some people. Ultimately, the choice between moissanite and lab grown diamonds will depend on personal preferences and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moissanite & Lab Made Diamonds:

Q: Is moissanite a good diamond alternative?

A: Moissanite can be a good diamond alternative for those who are looking for a gemstone with a high level of fire and sparkle at a lower price point. 

Q: Is moissanite more expensive than lab grown diamond?

A: Moissanite is generally less expensive than lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds, making it a more affordable option for those looking for a diamond alternative.

Q: Can a moissanite engagement ring be worn everyday?

A: A moissanite ring can be worn everyday, but it may require more care and maintenance to keep it in good condition.

Q: Is moissanite a natural gemstone?

A: Moissanite is not a natural gemstone. It is a man-made gemstone that is created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, which is a synthetic material that is not found in nature.

Q: Can lab grown diamonds be sold as natural diamonds?

A: No, lab grown diamonds cannot be sold as natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are required to be properly disclosed and labeled as such in order to comply with industry regulations.

Q: Can moissanite be set in yellow gold?

A: Yes, moissanite can be set in yellow gold. yellow gold is a popular choice for setting moissanite, as it complements the gemstone's slightly yellow hue. Moissanite can also be set in other metals, such as white gold, platinum, or rose gold.

Q: Can a moissanite engagement ring be worn in water?

A: A moissanite is resistant to water and can be worn in water without any issues. However, it is always a good idea to remove any jewellery before swimming or participating in water activities to prevent damage or loss.

Q: How should a moissanite engagement ring be cleaned?

It is also a good idea to remove moissanite jewellery before cleaning or participating in activities that may expose it to harsh chemicals, such as household cleaning or gardening.

At Mouza Fine Jewellery, we understand that choosing the right gemstone for a piece of jewellery or an engagement ring is an important decision.

Our team of experts is knowledgeable about the various characteristics of each type of gemstone and can help you make an informed decision based on your budget, desired appearance, and other factors.

We are committed to sourcing the highest quality stones and only work with reputable suppliers to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

In addition to helping you find the perfect stone, we also take pride in our manufacturing processes and strict high standards. Our team of skilled craftsmen use the latest technology and techniques to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery that are made to last.

We also use ethical and sustainable practices throughout our manufacturing process to ensure that we are doing our part to protect the environment. Overall, at Mouza Fine Jewellery, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible experience and the highest quality gemstones and jewellery.

Whether you are looking for a natural diamond, a lab grown diamond, or a moissanite, we can help you find the perfect stone to meet your preferences and create a piece of jewellery that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Book a virtual appointment from the comfort of your own place and speak with your personal Gemologist. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and assist you in choosing the perfect gemstone for your next piece of jewellery.