There is no doubt about the fact that both lab-grown or manufactured diamonds and moissanite are two of the most popular options for people who want to buy an ethical and eco-friendly diamond. However, these two gems also have their own unique properties, which means they are not directly comparable in every sense of the word. While these two may seem similar at first glance, there are subtle differences that set them apart from one another. So, if you’re looking to purchase a lab-grown or moissanite diamond in the near future, you should bear these factors in mind so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look!
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a type of synthetic diamond that is made in a lab. As opposed to natural diamond, which is formed from carbon being mined from the earth, a lab-grown diamond is made from a combination of carbon, hydrogen, and a tiny amount of impurities. In other words, no diamonds are harmed in the making of these gems! Due to the fact that these diamonds are made in a lab, they are not only more ethical than mined diamonds, but they are also often cheaper, making them a great choice for many people. Lab-grown diamonds come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, yellow, and pink. However, the most popular color (and typically the most expensive!) is white. Lab-grown diamonds are also referred to as manufactured diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and lab-created diamonds.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone that was first discovered in a crater in Arizona in the late 19th century. It was later discovered that the gemstone is actually silicon carbide, which is a very rare mineral. Simply put, moissanite is not a diamond gemstone; it is a completely different type of gem that is made in a lab. Moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones ever discovered, which is one of its greatest benefits. It also has a high refractive index and dispersion, making it quite lustrous. This high refractive index is actually one of the easiest ways to tell a diamond apart from moissanite – moissanite always has a higher refractive index than diamond!
In addition, moissanite is a fairly affordable option when compared to diamonds, which is one of the most significant reasons why some shoppers may pick moissanite over natural diamonds. But with recent development in the lab-created diamond industry, diamonds are becoming more affordable and thus the gap between moissanite and diamond is closing.
Moissanite vs. Manufactured Diamond.
The Differences Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanite
The most obvious difference between manufactured diamonds and moissanite is that moissanite has a higher refractive index. Simply put, the refractive index is a measurement of how light is bent as it passes through a medium. Having a higher refractive index in gemstone means that the stone will bend light to a greater degree. That's why one of the easiest ways to spot moissanite is by its sparkle. If you had a pile of manufactured diamonds and a pile of moissanite, in theory, you may notice that the moissanite looks sparklier. To some shoppers, this is a desirable trait! To most, however, the sparkle isn't as important as the color or clarity of the stone.
Another difference between moissanite and diamond is the color. Moissanite often sells in the color range of D, E, and F - these are the 'best' colors if you are looking for a white gemstone. However, the most obvious distinction between a color D moissanite and a color D lab-grown diamond is the pricetag. Lab-grown diamonds are almost always more expensive than moissanite of the same color due to the quality of the gemstone. A higher quality diamond also holds its value much better than moissanite.
The last big difference is that moissanite is cheaper at the retail level. However, the biggest issue is reselling moissanite. Similar to a used car, used moissanite does not hold its value well. A moissanite engagement ring that you spent several thousand dollars on may only be worth a few hundred dollars on the second-hand market. While you don't usually think you're ever going to sell your engagement ring, it's not uncommon to upgrade to a larger or higher quality stone down the road. If you want something that is going to hold its value, a diamond is the way to go.
How to Find the Right One for You
Manufactured diamonds and moissanite are both great options for couples looking for an affordable yet gorgeous gemstone. However, before you make a final decision, you should keep in mind that moissanite is not a substitute for diamonds, but rather an alternative. While both are synthetic in the sense that they are created in a lab, lab-grown diamonds tend to hold their value better. Furthermore, while each gem has its own unique properties, they are not directly comparable in every sense of the word. There are subtle differences that set them apart from one another, which means that you should make sure that you select.
LG490188186 1.30CT, D, VVS1 manufactured diamond at Hand-Me-Diamonds.
For instance, a 1.30CT, D, VVS1 manufactured diamond retails at Hand-Me-Diamonds for about $1,700. A “Super Premium” moissanite of comparable size elsewhere retails for nearly $2,000! This is one of the biggest factors facing the moissanite market today: major retailers may introduce large markups on their gemstones to turn a larger profit. At Hand-Me-Diamonds, our mission is to provide a secure marketplace for consumers to purchase used diamond jewelry and new loose diamonds.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to buying a diamond, you should select the one that you like the most, regardless of whether it’s a lab-grown diamond or not. Simply put, both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are great options for people who want to buy an ethical and eco-friendly diamond. That being said, when choosing between these two gems, you should keep in mind that lab-grown diamonds have a higher hardness than moissanite, and are thus more durable. That said, moissanite has a higher refractive index, which means it is more lustrous than diamonds. While these differences may seem subtle to some shoppers, they can be a dealbreaker for others!