What's the Difference between Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite?

Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are both popular alternatives to mined diamonds that are widely available on the market today. While both materials are widely used in jewelry and have some similarities, there are also some significant differences between the two that are important to understand.

Making Process

Diamonds that are grown in a lab as opposed to being mined from the earth are known as lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are produced by a procedure known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) treatment, which imitates the environmental factors that exist when diamonds are formed naturally.

Moissanite, on the other hand, is a man-made gemstone that is made from silicon carbide. This material was first discovered in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystals of silicon carbide in a meteorite that had crashed to earth. Today, moissanite is produced in a laboratory setting using a process known as physical vapor deposition (PVD).

Appearance

One of the main differences between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite is their appearance. Lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from mined diamonds and are usually graded using the same standards and grading systems as mined diamonds. 

Moissanite, on the other hand, has a slightly different appearance than diamonds. It is often described as having a "sparkly" or "fiery" look and is usually not as transparent as diamonds.

Impact on Environment

Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have some environmental benefits compared to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory setting using a controlled process, which means that they do not require the mining and extraction of diamonds from the earth. This can reduce the environmental impact of diamond production and also helps to reduce the risk of human rights abuses and other negative consequences that can be associated with diamond mining. As it is formed of silicon carbide, a naturally occurring substance that can be sustainably created in a laboratory, moissanite is also a more environmentally friendly alternative. 

Ethical consideration

In terms of ethical considerations, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite both have some advantages over mined diamonds. Since lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, diamond mining and extraction are not necessary to make them. This can lessen the possibility of human rights violations and other unfavorable effects that may be related to diamond mining. 

Additionally, because it is made of silicon carbide, a naturally occurring substance that can be created sustainably in a laboratory, moissanite is a more morally sound option.

Durability

Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a material for use in jewelry. Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are known for their durability and resistance to damage, but there are some differences between the two materials that are important to understand.

Lab-grown diamonds are known for their exceptional durability, as they are the hardest naturally occurring material on earth. When tested on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, diamonds score a perfect 10, which indicates that they are incredibly resistant to scuffing and other sorts of damage. This makes them an excellent choice for use in jewelry that will be subjected to rough wear, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.

Moissanite is also a very hard and durable material, but it is not quite as hard as diamonds. Moissanite ranks at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which means that it is slightly less resistant to scratching and other types of damage than diamonds. Despite this, moissanite is still a very durable material that is well-suited for use in jewelry. It is known for its excellent resistance to chipping and breaking and is often used in rings, earrings, and other types of jewelry.

In terms of overall durability, both materials are known for their resistance to damage and wear and are well-suited for use in a wide range of jewelry applications. It is important to note, however, that diamonds are slightly more durable than moissanite and may be a better choice for certain types of jewelry that will be subjected to rough wear. Overall, the durability of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite makes them both excellent choices for use in a wide range of jewelry applications.

Market Price

Lab-grown diamonds are typically less expensive than mined diamonds, but they are still more expensive than moissanite. The cost of lab-grown diamonds can vary depending on the size and quality of the stone, as well as the method used to produce it. Generally, larger and higher quality lab-grown diamonds will be more expensive than smaller or lower quality stones.

Moissanite is usually less expensive than both lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds. The cost of moissanite is typically much lower than the cost of diamonds, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a diamond alternative. Like lab-grown diamonds, the cost of moissanite can vary depending on the size and quality of the stone.

It is important to note that the market price of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite can fluctuate over time due to changes in demand and other market conditions. It is always a great idea to shop around and compare prices from multiple sources before making a purchase. It is also worth noting that the market price of diamonds and moissanite may be affected by factors such as supply and demand, economic conditions, and other market forces.

Availability

Lab-grown diamonds are widely available on the market and can be found at a range of retailers, including both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. Moissanite is also widely available on the market and can be found at a range of retailers, including both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. However, moissanite is not as widely used in jewelry as diamonds and may be harder to find at some retailers. Moissanite is most commonly used in engagement rings and other types of fine jewelry, but it is also sometimes used in more casual or fashion-forward pieces.

Availability can be an important factor to consider when choosing between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, as it can affect the ease with which you are able to find the material and purchase it. Both materials are widely available on the market, but lab-grown diamonds are more widely used and may be easier to find at some retailers. Overall, the availability of lab-grown diamonds and moissanite can vary depending on the location and type of retailer, and it is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices and availability from multiple sources before making a purchase.

Resale Value

Lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from mined diamonds and are usually graded using the same standards and grading systems as mined diamonds. This means that lab-grown diamonds generally have a good resale value and are often considered to be a good investment. The resale value of a lab-grown diamond will depend on a certain number of factors, including the quality, size, and rarity of the stone, as well as current market conditions.

Moissanite is not as widely recognized or accepted as diamonds and may have a lower resale value as a result. The resale value of a piece of moissanite jewelry will depend on a number of factors, including the size, quality, and rarity of the stone, as well as current market conditions. It is imperative to note that moissanite is a relatively new material, and its resale value may change as it becomes more widely recognized and accepted.

Final Thoughts

Overall, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are both excellent choices for those looking for diamond alternatives in jewelry. Both materials are durable, widely available, and have some environmental and ethical benefits compared to mined diamonds. Understanding the key differences between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite can help you make an informed decision when choosing a material for your jewelry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is moissanite a good alternative to diamonds?

Moissanite is a popular alternative to diamonds and is widely used in jewelry. It has a unique appearance and is known for its excellent resistance to chipping and breaking, making it a durable choice for use in rings, earrings, and other types of jewelry. Moissanite is also typically less expensive than both lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a diamond alternative.

• Is lab-grown diamonds a good investment?

Lab-grown diamonds are generally considered to be a good investment due to their virtually identical properties to mined diamonds and their good resale value. For those wishing to invest in diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are a more inexpensive option because they are often less expensive than mined diamonds. The value of any investment might change over time as a result of shifts in market conditions, so it is crucial to keep this in mind. As a result, it is always a good idea to conduct research and carefully weigh the risks and potential rewards before making any investments.