Lab Created Diamonds vs Moissanite: Making the Right Choice
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Lab Created Diamonds and Moissanite: Which One Sparkles More?
It is usually a dilemma for people buying a beautiful sparkling gemstone: lab created diamonds vs moissanite.
- Actually, these two are beautiful alternatives to natural diamonds, but there are differences from the other two in appearance, cost, and component of the stone. The idea of this article is to get into the depths of these two gems, compare and contrast their features, and help you make a final decision about which one is better when it comes to buying jewelry.
What Are Lab-Created Diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds (also called by the name synthetic diamonds) actually create real diamonds, but instead of coming out of the natural earth mine, they are produced in a laboratory. The advanced technology of HPHT (or High-Pressure High-Temperature) and CVD or Chemical Vapor Deposition techniques is used to produce such diamonds using natural phenomena in which diamonds usually develop in the mantle of the earth. This is what makes the stone chemically, physically, or optically identical to the nature gems.Key Features of Lab-Created Diamonds:
Real Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds whose carbon atoms are arranged in a crystal structure that can make them indistinguishable from mined diamonds with a naked eye.
Eco-friendly: Lab-created diamonds are therefore better environmental friendly alternatives with respect to mined diamonds.
Affordable: Generally, lab-grown diamonds are 20-40% less expensive than natural diamonds.
Ethical: They escape all conflicts that surround blood diamonds.
What is Moissanite?
- Moissanite is a unique and distinct gemstone of silicon carbide, often confused with diamonds. Discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, in a meteor impact crater, this stone has earned popularity due to its brightness and durability. Unlike diamonds, it isn't found naturally on Earth and is said to have been synthesized in the laboratory.
Some Key Features of Moissanite:
Silicon Carbide: Moissanites are completely silicon carbide, which gives them a different composition when compared to diamonds.
Brilliance: Moissanite refracts light slightly better than diamond, so it is an even more dazzling gem.
Economical: It costs nearly nothing when compared to diamonds or lab-created diamonds.
Strength: Very durable; has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, just below diamond on the scale of hardness and scratch resistance.
Comparison Of Lab-Created Diamonds Appearance With That Of Moissanite
Brilliance And Sparkle
- One of the most evident divergences between lab created diamonds and moissanite is in their brilliance. Brilliance can be described simply in terms of how much light finds its way into and gets reflected by the gemstone in question such that it sparkles.
Lab-Created Diamonds: These reflect light in an understanding and restrained way, very much portraying the classic diamond sparkle; while its brilliance is said to be softer or more subdued than moissanite, it gives that sophisticated look of a truly timeless diamond.
Moissanite: Moissanite is famed for its brilliant fire and striking sparkle. It is known for having more dazzling and colorful flashes while reflecting light as compared with diamonds. In fact, some find it too brilliant. Such additional light effect is what may attract someone who is after more charisma and attractiveness from a gemstone.Color
Lab-created diamonds come in the same range of colors as these stones naturally do but generally not as extensive a range. Lab-created diamonds come in many shades, from colorless to light yellow or blue, and moissanite shows a faint color (typically a pale yellow or greenish hue) in bright lighting; in higher quality moissanites, however, this color is because of better cuts as those are nearer to colorless.Shape and Cut
Both lab-created diamond and moissanite can take several forms, including shapes and cuts such as round, princess, oval, cushion, or emerald. The choice of cut contributes greatly to the general appearance of a gemstone.
Lab-Created Diamonds: When cut properly, lab-created diamonds demonstrate a fine balance of brilliance and sparkle. Cuts tend to be accurate with these diamonds, thus resulting in giving a beautifully uniform reflection of light within the diamond. - Moissanite: Although similar styles of cut can be employed regarding moissanite, precise cutting must be performed to ensure that this higher refractive index does not cause the cut to be too sparky. Then, a perfectly cut moissanite will be breathtaking, but it may seem to be almost ridiculously brilliant compared with the diamond's subtler brilliance.
Hardness and Durability: Diamond vs. Moissanite
Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are really durable stones, although they have some differences in their hardness and wear ability.
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Lab-Grown Diamonds: A diamond is rated 10 on the Mohs scale for hardness and is therefore the hardest known material on the surface of the Earth with the slightest possible resistance to scratches.
Moissanite: Moissanite is rated at 9.25 for hardness and is less hard than diamond, but it remains very durable, making it excellent for everyday use. Moissanite doesn't have the same resistance to scratches like a diamond, but it's definitely way harder than other gems, such as sapphires and emeralds.
A Comparison in Function: Lab-Grown Diamonds versus Moissanite
- Cost is one of the most important aspects in deciding between lab-generated diamonds and moissanite; in general, moissanite will always be the less-expensive option.
Lab-Grown Diamond: Lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds, but they are still more pricey than moissanite. The price is determined by several factors, including carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
Moissanite: Moissanite is typically about one-tenth the price of a diamond. For those on a budget who still want the look of a fine stone, this is a great alternative.
Which is Better for Engagement Rings?
The right gemstone for an lab created diamond engagement ring will naturally be dictated by personal choice and finances.
- Here is a rundown on the pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite for engagement rings.
Lab-Created Diamonds: These diamonds carry a classic and timeless appeal and are perfect for those couples wanting a diamond engagement ring that comes without the high-value tag of a natural diamond. The symbolism of the diamond can also play a central factor in some buyers’ decisions.
Moissanite: The impressive brilliance of moissanite makes it perfect for a draw-your-eye engagement ring, especially for those who want an eye-catching, sparkling ring but would rather not pay a diamond's price for it. The value and great durability of moissanite fully justify its being considered by all couples on a budget.
Conclusion
Lab-Created Diamonds vs. Moissanite
- While the two do have their own sets of merits for the Lab-created diamonds vs. Moissanite debate, lab-created diamonds hold out the promise of being a real diamond with every ounce of value and beauty of a natural diamond, whereas moissanite can be stunningly brilliant at a fraction of the price.
At the end of the day, choosing between these two gemstones depends on what matters to you the most: if you value a gemstone that is chemically the same as natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds are for you; if you want a more economical choice that sparkles more, moissanite is the one for you. Either way, you have two beautiful and rare alternatives to a natural diamond in lab-created diamonds and moissanite, both of which would give you beauty, durability, and affordability.
Lab Grown Diamond Earrings Sustainable Brilliance
FAQ
What's the main difference between lab diamonds and moissanite?
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite fundamentally differ in their chemical compositions. Lab-created diamonds consist of pure carbon and hence match the natural diamond in every respect. In the contrast, moissanite stands for silicon carbide. This explains the optical properties in which moissanite is more firey and brilliant in color as opposed to the evanescent white sparkle of lab diamonds.
Are lab created diamonds more expensive than moissanite?
In general, lab diamonds are 40-50% more expensive than moissanites but even at that, the cost is approximately 30% less compared to natural diamonds. For example, a 1 carat lab diamond can cost you anything between $1500 and $2500, while a similar moissanite would cost about $400 to $600, which makes moissanites the most economical in terms of the price-to-similar look ratio.
Which is tougher - lab diamonds or moissanite?
Lab diamonds are ranked at 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanites at 9.25. This gives both gems an excellent rating of durability to be worn every day, making them very scratch resistant. Although lab diamonds are marginally more resistant to scratches, these gems are still very good for use in engagement rings and everyday wear jewelry.
Can the naked eye tell the difference between lab diamonds and moissanite?
In most cases, one cannot discriminate lab diamonds even when compared with moissanite. Still, the moissanite exudes a myriad of colored fire (flashes of rainbow color) when exposed to light, while lab diamonds sparkle in the more traditional "diamond-y" white light-the latter being the subtle difference which separates them.
Are lab-grown diamonds and moissanite different in terms of holding value?
Lab-grown diamonds tend to hold about 50-70% of their value, while moissanite tends to hold a lesser resale value. Depreciation is higher for both than for natural diamonds, but lab-grown diamonds hold a bit better value since they share the same chemical composition as natural stones.
Which would make a better engagement ring: lab diamonds or moissanites?
Both candidates are great engagement ring options. Lab diamonds showcase classical diamond properties and form a slightly better durability roster, while moissanite comes at comparable beauty with a lower price tag. Choice often boils down to budget, preferences, and desired optical attributes.
What are the differences in brilliance and fire between lab diamonds and moissanite?
With regard to fire and brilliance, moissanite has the edge with even more of a fiery effect than lab diamonds. Whereas lab diamonds show white sparkle to match that of a natural diamond, moissanite's higher refractive index means more colorful dissemination of light, causing a much more impressive rainbow-like effect.
