Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: What’s the Difference?

Ever wondered what the difference is between a moissanite and a lab diamond? In this guide we will explore what makes each of these wonderful gemstones so loved in their own right, and give you all the information and tools you need to make an informed decision on which stone is the right one for you. Or, why not browse our selection of lab grown diamond engagement rings for some sparkle inspiration.

Moissanite is one of the rarest naturally occurring gemstones in the world, making it even rarer than natural diamonds! Due to its exceptional rarity, the majority of moissanite used in jewellery is created in a laboratory, but don’t fret, these synthetic gemstones have exactly the same chemical and visual properties of natural moissanite. Moissanite is in fact so visually stunning and durable that it is often used as a substitute for diamonds and allows for the use of a bigger and higher quality stone without the hefty price tag that comes with choosing diamonds.

While both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory environment, these two gemstones are their own distinct gem with individual chemical compositions. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide while diamond is formed of carbon, meaning diamond scores higher on the Mohs scale than moissanite. However, the difference is only minimal, making moissanite a great choice as a durable alternative to lab grown diamonds. Explore our collection of moissanite engagement rings.

There are also some visual differences between moissanite and diamonds, with moissanite holding a higher refractive index than diamonds which results in it showcasing more brilliance than lab diamonds. This means moissanite will sparkle in rainbow colours when light is shone onto it, as opposed to a more colourless sparkle from a diamond.

One reason moissanite is such a popular stone is because it offers a more budget friendly choice. Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamonds, especially natural diamonds, which command possibly the highest price in the gemstone market. Due to the fact that moissanite is primarily created in a laboratory, these gemstones require far less resources than it takes to mine diamonds, as well as less manpower and land. There is also a larger abundance of these stones as labs can continue to produce gemstones to match market demand, compared to natural diamonds of a larger size and higher quality, which are considered to be fairly rare.

It’s not just natural diamonds which are more expensive than moissanite, lab diamonds also hold a higher value due to their demand and popularity. These stones, whilst also created in a laboratory setting, are considered more precious than moissanite due to their cultural significance, durability and sparkle which definitely helps to make them a desirable stone! However, it's important to remember that while lab grown diamonds are a more expensive choice over moissanite, they are significantly more affordable than natural diamonds. So if it's a diamond that you want, a lab grown one could be the perfect choice, take a look at our comparison guide on lab grown vs natural diamond prices to learn more.

There is a significant difference in the visuals of moissanite and lab diamonds, this is because moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds which results in different colours being reflected out of the gemstone when light passes through it. Moissanites therefore catch the light and show off a kaleidoscope of rainbow colours when in the sunshine or under bright lights. While moissanite has a more colourful sparkle, diamonds are loved for their colourless glimmer and are graded by a system called the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, colour and carat) which all directly affect the visual appearance of each stone. Our expert guide covers everything you need to know about the 4 Cs of diamonds. 

Moissanite will maintain its brilliance and fire for a lifetime with the right care, but if you have come into contact with dirt or chemicals, then the stone could have a build up of bacteria which could cause it to appear cloudy. But don't fret, this issue is easily fixed with some gentle cleaning and TLC! Naturally, moissanite will never lose its sparkle or get cloudy on its own, so it's all about making sure you give your stone the care it deserves, book in for our refresh service or purchase one of our ring cleaning kits to keep your moissanite as sparkly as the day you got it.

While moissanite is a more affordable option, it is important to remember that it could be more prone to scratching due to the fact that it’s softer than diamond, which is the hardest naturally occurring material in the world! Diamonds’ exceptional hardness makes them a perfect choice for an engagement ring as they can be worn everyday and (with proper care!) will not be damaged.

Your selection may hinge on the desired gemstone colour. While diamonds are renowned for their colourless sparkle, moissanite boasts a rainbow-like gleam and sometimes a subtle yellow tint. But if affordability is your priority, a moissanite engagement ring could be an excellent choice, as it comes at a notably lower price point than mined diamonds. At Jessica Flinn, we proudly present a wide array of lab grown diamond engagement rings, offering all the visual allure of mined diamonds without the hefty price tag. Explore our selection of lab diamond rings today.

Choosing between a moissanite or diamond ring can feel like a difficult task if you don't have all the information you need. Hopefully, after reading this guide you’ll feel better equipped to make the right decision based on your lifestyle and budget requirements. Looking to learn more about lab grown diamonds? Take a look at our lab grown diamond guide and find out why a lab diamond could be the perfect stone for you.

If you are still unsure about which gemstone is right for you, book an appointment with one of our gemstone experts and get all your questions answered. One of our team members will be able to help you find your dream gemstone, whether in person or virtually. However, if you are sure that a lab diamond is the one for you, then explore our collection of lab diamond engagement rings and find your perfect diamond ring.