Diamond vs Moissanites: Understanding the Differences with Lab Created Diamonds

When choosing between gemstones for engagement rings or other fine jewelry, many people consider diamonds and moissanites. However, the decision often comes down to key factors such as cost, appearance, and sustainability. Understanding the diamond vs moissanites debate is crucial before making such an important purchase. In this article, we will also explore lab created diamonds, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering another alternative that combines beauty with ethics. Let’s dive into the details and see how these stones compare in terms of appearance, durability, cost, and more.

What Are Diamonds and Moissanites?

Before we get into the diamond vs moissanites debate, it’s important to understand what each of these gemstones is and how they differ.

Diamonds

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense pressure and temperature conditions. Over millions of years, carbon atoms crystallize to form diamonds. These natural stones are highly prized for their brilliance, hardness, and rarity, making them the traditional choice for engagement rings. Additionally, diamonds are graded based on the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight, which determines their quality and value.

Moissanites

Moissanites, on the other hand, are created from silicon carbide. They were first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a French chemist, in a meteorite crater. While natural moissanite is exceedingly rare, scientists have since learned how to create synthetic moissanites in labs, making them widely available for use in jewelry. Although moissanites have an appearance similar to diamonds, they have distinct differences in terms of brilliance and dispersion.

The Key Differences: Diamond vs Moissanites

Now that we understand what diamonds and moissanites are, let’s break down their differences in the context of the diamond vs moissanites debate.

1. Appearance and Brilliance

When it comes to appearance, one of the most notable differences between diamonds vs moissanites is their brilliance. Moissanites are known for their exceptional fire, meaning they have a higher dispersion than diamonds. This results in moissanites reflecting more colorful light, making them appear more sparkly and vibrant compared to diamonds, especially under certain lighting.

Diamonds, however, have a different type of brilliance, characterized by their ability to reflect white light, which gives them a more subtle sparkle. While diamonds are often praised for their timeless and classic appearance, lab created diamonds offer a similar sparkle to mined diamonds but come with added benefits like sustainability and affordability.

2. Hardness and Durability

Diamonds are the hardest known substance on Earth, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. This makes diamonds incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, ideal for everyday wear. Whether it’s a lab created diamond or a natural diamond, both have the same hardness and will stand the test of time.

Moissanites, with a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, are also quite durable, but they are not as hard as diamonds. While this is still harder than most other gemstones (except sapphires), moissanites are slightly more susceptible to scratches over time compared to diamonds. For those seeking the utmost durability, diamonds, whether lab created diamonds or natural, remain the superior choice.

3. Cost and Affordability

One of the most significant differences in the diamond vs moissanites debate is the cost. Moissanites are generally much more affordable than diamonds. A moissanite stone can cost up to 90% less than a comparable diamond of the same size and quality. This makes moissanite an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers who want the appearance of a sparkling gemstone without the high price tag of diamonds.

However, when considering lab created diamonds, the cost is still more affordable than natural diamonds but significantly more expensive than moissanites. Lab created diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, making them a superior option if you are looking for the real thing but at a lower cost.

4. Sustainability and Ethics

Another major factor in the diamond vs moissanites discussion is the ethical and environmental impact. The mining of natural diamonds has been associated with environmental damage, exploitation, and human rights abuses in certain regions. This has led to the rise in popularity of lab created diamonds, which are made in controlled environments using sustainable methods.

Moissanites, being a lab-created gemstone, are also an ethical choice. They are made in laboratories and do not require mining, thus avoiding the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining. Both lab created diamonds and moissanites are eco-friendly options for consumers who wish to avoid contributing to the negative impacts of mining.

The Role of Lab Created Diamonds

While moissanites offer a unique and affordable alternative, many people still prefer the authenticity of diamonds, which is where lab created diamonds come into play. These diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, providing the same brilliance, hardness, and overall quality. The primary difference lies in their origin – lab created diamonds are made in a controlled laboratory environment, while natural diamonds are formed naturally over millions of years deep within the Earth.

1. Ethical and Sustainable Choice

Lab created diamonds are gaining popularity because they offer a sustainable, ethical alternative to natural diamonds. By choosing a lab created diamond, consumers are assured that no harmful mining practices were involved, and no human rights violations occurred during the production of the diamond. For those who want the beauty of a diamond but with fewer environmental and ethical concerns, lab created diamonds provide a perfect solution.

2. Affordability and Quality

Compared to natural diamonds, lab created diamonds are typically more affordable. This makes it easier for couples to purchase a larger stone or a more intricate design, while still maintaining the quality and durability of a natural diamond. As technology advances, the quality of lab created diamonds has improved, making them nearly indistinguishable from their mined counterparts.

Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding between diamonds vs moissanites or even considering lab created diamonds, there are several factors to consider. If you want the classic appeal and unmatched hardness of a diamond, then a lab created diamond would be your best choice. These diamonds offer all the benefits of a natural diamond, with the added bonus of being more affordable and ethically sourced.

If budget is a key concern, and you are okay with a slightly different appearance, moissanites might be a good option. They offer incredible sparkle and fire, are highly durable, and are much more affordable than diamonds or lab created diamonds.

For those who want the best of both worlds — a gemstone that is both affordable and authentic — lab created diamonds offer a middle ground between the two. They combine the beauty, durability, and authenticity of a diamond with a more affordable price point and an ethical production process.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

The diamond vs moissanites debate ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and ethical considerations. If you’re looking for a traditional diamond with superior hardness, lab created diamonds are an excellent choice, providing the authenticity of a diamond at a lower price point. If you’re drawn to the unique brilliance and affordability of moissanites, they can be a great option, especially if you’re not concerned about having an authentic diamond.

Regardless of your choice, it’s important to understand the characteristics of each option and make an informed decision that aligns with your values, preferences, and budget. Whether you choose a diamond vs moissanites, or opt for lab created diamonds, you’re sure to find a stunning and meaningful piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime.