Lab Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite

Laboratory-grown diamonds have the carbon crystal structure of diamond and nearly the same chemical, optical and physical properties as natural diamonds. “Laboratory-grown” identifies their production origin. GIA’s laboratory-grown diamond guidance.

Moissanite has its own chemical composition and crystal properties. Natural moissanite exists in very limited quantities; the material used in commercial jewellery is normally laboratory-created. It can be chosen as a gemstone in its own right or used as a diamond alternative. Charles & Colvard’s moissanite overview.

A product described only as “lab-created” therefore needs further explanation. The listing should name the material: laboratory-grown diamond, laboratory-created moissanite or another gemstone.

For the wider introduction to diamond origins and terminology, visit our lab grown diamond education guide.

GIA distinguishes the materials’ optical properties in its moissanite research. Hardness figures are supported by GIA’s diamond care guidance and Charles & Colvard’s moissanite FAQ.

A diamond’s appearance includes brightness, fire and scintillation. Brightness concerns reflected white light, fire describes flashes of colour, and scintillation includes the changing sparkle and pattern of light and dark as the stone moves. Cutting and proportions influence these effects. GIA’s diamond cut guide.

Moissanite has greater dispersion than diamond, which can produce more obvious coloured fire. It can also show double refraction under examination. These are separate optical properties: dispersion relates to the separation of colours, while double refraction can produce doubled images of facet edges. GIA’s research on moissanite identification.

Neither description determines what you will prefer. Strong coloured flashes may be appealing, while another buyer may prefer the appearance of a particular diamond.

Compare the actual stones in similar lighting, ideally through both direct viewing and movement. A bright spotlight, a softly lit room and daylight can present different impressions. A heavily edited video is a poor basis for deciding how either gemstone will look in everyday surroundings.

Carat is a unit of weight. It does not directly describe a gemstone’s visible dimensions. One metric carat equals 200 milligrams. GIA’s explanation of carat weight.

Moissanite listings sometimes use diamond-equivalent weight, abbreviated DEW, to describe an approximate size comparison with diamond. That figure should be distinguished from the moissanite’s actual measured weight. For example, Jewlr explains that it uses DEW for comparison while listing the stone’s physical size in millimetres. Jewlr’s explanation of moissanite sizing.

Before comparing two listings, establish what each weight figure means. Then compare the shape, length, width and depth.

For example, two oval stones described as 8 × 6 mm share the stated length and width, but that alone does not establish identical depth, cutting or weight. A setting also needs to accommodate the actual stone dimensions.

This approach is more useful than assuming that two products advertised as “two carat” will occupy the same space in a ring.

Diamond has greater resistance to scratching than moissanite. However, the Mohs scale is not linear, and its numbers should not be interpreted as percentages of overall durability. Hardness measures scratch resistance; toughness concerns resistance to breaking and chipping. GIA’s explanation of gemstone durability.

Moissanite’s high hardness makes it a practical option for regularly worn jewellery. Charles & Colvard describes it as suitable for everyday wear. Charles & Colvard’s moissanite FAQ.

The complete jewellery piece still matters. Look at the stone’s condition, the protection around vulnerable edges and the security of the setting. High gemstone hardness cannot compensate for a loose stone or damaged metalwork.

Follow care instructions appropriate to the gemstone, metal and construction of the piece. If jewellery needs repair or a stone appears loose, have it examined before continuing to wear it.

A moissanite listing may use familiar diamond-style terms such as D–F colour or VVS clarity. Ask who assigned those descriptions and what assessment they represent.

For example, Charles & Colvard explains that its moissanite colour descriptions use a scale based on diamond colour terminology. That does not mean the stone has received a GIA diamond grading report. Charles & Colvard’s explanation of moissanite colour descriptions.

For a laboratory-grown diamond, an independent report can identify laboratory-grown origin and document the characteristics covered by the service. IGI provides laboratory-grown diamond reports with relevant grading information. IGI’s laboratory-grown diamond report guidance.

GIA’s current quality assessment for eligible colourless to near-colourless laboratory-grown diamonds uses Premium and Standard categories. Its services for laboratory-grown coloured diamonds use separate formats. GIA’s laboratory-grown diamond services.

When reviewing either purchase, identify the document’s issuer and purpose. An identification report, seller description and warranty card provide different kinds of information. A document accompanying moissanite should accurately identify the material.

For help with diamond documents, read our IGI report guide and GIA report guide.

Moissanite is often offered as a lower-cost alternative to laboratory-grown diamond, although the difference depends on the particular products. A retailer’s general comparison cannot replace current quotations for the stones you are considering. MoissaniteCo’s comparison of moissanite and diamonds.

Start with similar visible dimensions and the same intended jewellery use. Check the quality information, brand, cutting and documentation accompanying each option.

For finished jewellery, compare the metal, setting construction and any additional stones. A moissanite ring in one metal and a laboratory-grown diamond ring in another combine several price differences in a single comparison.

Request the total payable amount and the applicable purchase terms. This helps you decide whether the saving on the gemstone meaningfully changes your overall budget.

Our lab grown diamond price guide explains how to approach diamond quotations in more detail.

A laboratory-grown diamond may suit you if owning a diamond is important and you want to select a stone using appropriate diamond documentation. Compare individual options for appearance, dimensions and price.

Moissanite may suit you if you enjoy its visual character, are comfortable choosing a different gemstone and find an option that meets your budget. Evaluate the actual stone and the information supplied with it.

For a gift or engagement ring, establish the recipient’s material preference where possible. A purchase can meet the budget and still miss what the wearer wanted if “diamond” was an essential part of the brief.

After choosing the material, move on to the individual stone and setting. Our loose lab grown diamond buying guide covers that next stage for buyers considering a laboratory-grown diamond.

If you decide that a laboratory-grown diamond suits your needs, contact Uniglo Diamonds with your preferred shape, approximate dimensions, budget and intended jewellery piece. Ask to review the specifications and documentation of the particular stones being discussed.