Both moissanite and diamond are the most commonly used gemstones in modern jewelry design. Many people are confused about whether to buy moissanite or lab diamond when buying jewelry rings, necklaces and other jewelry. What are the differences between moissanite vs lab-grown diamond, and what are their respective advantages and disadvantages? This article will show you how to choose between moissanite vs lab diamond.
Table of Contents
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is one of the most popular diamond alternatives in modern times because its appearance and physical properties are very similar to diamonds. The name of this gem comes from Henri Moissan, a French chemist who first discovered it. Moissanite is extremely rare in nature, and most of the moissanite today is obtained through artificial synthesis. Due to its low price and good quality, moissanite has become one of the favorite gems of many jewelry lovers.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamond, also called lab created diamond, synthetic diamond or man made diamond, is a gemstone formed in a controlled environment in a laboratory. Lab-grown diamonds are almost identical to natural diamonds in chemical composition, physical properties and appearance, so they can also be called “real diamonds”. Unlike natural diamonds, which are very rare, lab-grown diamonds can be mass produced in a short period of time, so the price is much lower than genuine diamonds.
Is moissanite a lab-grown diamond?
Although both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are gemstones that are synthesized through artificial methods, moissanite is not a lab-grown diamond. Moissanite is a silicon carbide mineral composed of carbon and silicon, while lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, which is a significant difference in chemical composition. In addition, moissanite also has a higher refractive index than diamond, which makes moissanite shine more in light. In addition to these, synthetic diamond vs moissanite also has differences in price, hardness, and appearance.
Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester?
Moissanite can sometimes pass a diamond tester because it conducts heat similarly to diamonds. However, most modern testers also check electrical conductivity, which distinguishes moissanite from lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds. While older testers may mistake moissanite for a diamond, advanced testers can accurately differentiate them. If precise results are needed, using a multi-test approach or consulting a professional jeweler is recommended.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond on Price Comparison
Although moissanite and lab grown diamonds are both artificially synthesized gemstones, the price of moissanite vs diamond can differ by several times due to differences in raw materials, production costs and market positioning. The moissanite price is generally much lower than that of lab grown diamonds. The price of moissanite of the same carat is only 1/5 to 1/10 of that of lab grown diamonds, or even lower. The production process of moissanite is relatively mature and the cost is relatively low. The price of one carat of moissanite ranges from about $200 to $600.
The production cost of lab grown diamonds is higher than that of moissanite, and the synthesis method used is also different. And because of the status of diamonds, the price of 1 carat lab grown diamond is about $1,000-4,000, and the price varies slightly depending on the color, clarity and brand.
The price of moissanite vs lab grown diamond can reach a difference of dozens of times mainly because of the price difference between diamond and moissanite (the two gemstones have different market positioning). Nevertheless, both gemstones have their own audiences, and many people consider the cost of 1 carat lab grown diamond affordable because lab grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds.
Price of Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond
The cost difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is notable. The real diamond vs lab diamond price varies greatly: natural diamonds range from $5,000 to $20,000 per carat, while lab-grown diamonds cost around $1,000 to $4,000 per carat, offering a budget-friendly alternative with the same visual appeal.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Simulates the geological conditions of natural diamond formation, allowing carbon atoms to crystallize into diamonds under high temperature (1300-1600°C) and high pressure (5-6GPa).
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): In a low-pressure environment, plasma is used to decompose carbon-rich gases (such as methane), causing carbon atoms to deposit on seed crystals and grow layer by layer to form diamonds. The CVD diamond ring price is usually higher than the HPHT diamond price.
Factors Affecting Price
The price of natural diamond vs lab-grown diamond vs moissanite depends on several factors:
- Rarity and Availability – Natural diamonds are the rarest and most expensive, while lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are more abundant and affordable.
- Production Costs – Natural diamonds involve mining, making them costly. Lab-grown diamonds require advanced technology, while moissanite is the cheapest to produce.
- Material and Composition – Natural and lab-grown diamonds share a pure carbon structure, while moissanite (silicon carbide) is less costly.
- Market Demand – Natural diamonds retain value, lab-grown diamonds are dropping in price, and moissanite remains the most budget-friendly.
- Size and Quality – Larger, higher-quality stones cost more, with natural diamonds graded by the 4Cs, while lab-grown diamonds and moissanite vary in quality.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond on Appearance Comparison
When comparing moissanite vs lab-grown diamond on appearance, lab diamond and moissanite both offer brilliant sparkle. However, moissanite tends to have more fire, producing a rainbow-like effect due to its higher refractive index. While lab created diamonds’ value comes from their diamond-like appearance and durability, moissanite shines brighter but lacks the same clarity and hardness as diamonds, making it a more affordable alternative.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond on Durability Comparison
When comparing moissanite vs lab-grown diamond on durability, lab-grown diamonds are the most durable, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, the same as natural diamonds. This makes them highly resistant to scratches and wear, ideal for daily use. On the other hand, moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, still very durable but slightly more prone to scratching over time compared to lab-grown diamonds. Although moissanite is less resistant to scratches and wear than lab-grown diamonds, but its durability still makes it a great option for rings and jewelry worn daily.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond on Pros and Cons Comparison
Moissanite is more affordable, with a price significantly lower than lab-grown diamonds. It has a hardness of 9.25, making it durable for daily wear but slightly less scratch-resistant than lab-grown diamonds, which have a hardness of 10. In terms of appearance, moissanite exhibits stronger fire due to its higher refractive index, creating more rainbow-like flashes. However, lab-grown diamonds offer a more authentic look, identical to natural diamonds, with excellent clarity and sparkle. Both options are great, but moissanite offers better value, while lab-grown diamonds provide superior durability and long-term value.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond, Which to Choose for Your Jewelry?
When deciding between moissanite vs lab-grown diamond for your jewelry, consider your priorities. Moissanite is a more affordable option with brilliant fire and great durability, making it perfect for budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds offer the same look and feel as natural diamonds with unmatched hardness and authenticity, ideal for those seeking long-term value and durability. Both are excellent choices depending on your preferences for price, appearance, and longevity.
Conclusion
The choice between moissanite vs lab-grown diamond depends on your personal needs. Both gemstones are worth buying. Amanda has a collection of lab-grown diamond rings and moissanite rings. Choose your favorite gemstone ring now.
FAQs About Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond
How much is a 1 carat lab diamond? How much cheaper are lab-grown diamonds than natural diamonds? Why is lab-grown diamond cheaper?
A 1 carat lab-grown diamond price typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on quality. Lab-grown diamonds are 30-40% cheaper than natural diamonds, offering a more affordable option. The lower cost of lab-grown diamonds per carat is due to faster production, fewer resource requirements, and controlled manufacturing processes.
How much do lab created diamonds cost? How much does moissanite cost? Why is moissanite cheaper than diamond?
Lab diamond price generally ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per carat. Moissanite costs between $300 and $1,000 per carat, depending on size and quality. Moissanite is less expensive than diamonds due to its different composition and simpler manufacturing process.
How much does it cost to make a lab-grown diamond? Are lab created diamonds valuable? How much are lab-grown diamonds worth?
The cost of lab-grown diamonds per carat to produce ranges between $300 and $1,000. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical properties as natural ones, making them valuable but more affordable. The worth of lab-grown diamonds is typically 30-40% less than natural diamonds.
Are lab diamonds more expensive? Why are lab created diamonds so expensive? Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value?
No, lab diamonds are generally cheaper than natural diamonds due to their controlled production process. Lab-grown diamonds can be expensive due to high production costs, especially for larger stones like a 2 carat lab-grown diamond price.Lab-grown diamonds may not hold their value as well as natural diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper and real? Are lab grown diamonds worth anything?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds but significantly cheaper than natural ones. And lab-grown diamonds are valuable, though they have a lower resale value compared to natural diamonds.
