If you've just started your journey for the perfect engagement ring and are considering alternatives to traditional diamonds, chances are you've come across two popular choices: lab-grown diamonds and moissanite.
Both stones offer a great alternative to mined diamonds and we are going to identify the differences to make your ring journey easier.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds offer an amazing alternative to traditionally mined diamonds. Mined diamonds are naturally formed in the earth for millions of years however lab-grown diamonds are, just as the name suggests, grown in a lab. Choosing a lab diamond is not only more ethical but also more affordable. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and visual properties as a traditional mined diamond. The only difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond is the way it is harvested and the cost.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone (not a diamond) composed of silicon carbide and is known for its brilliance and durability. It has become a popular alternative to diamonds due to its lower cost, ethical considerations (as it's lab-created), and remarkable sparkle. Moissanite typically exhibits more brilliance than diamonds, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stunning and budget-friendly alternative to traditional and lab-grown diamonds.
How can you tell the difference?
Sparkle:
A key difference between Moissanite and Lab-grown diamonds is sparkle. Moissanite sparkles more than a diamond and more colourfully. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, display a high level of brilliance, characterised by white light reflection and sparkle. This brilliance is often compared to the sparkle of traditional mined diamonds, as lab-grown diamonds share the same crystal structure and optical properties. Overall, Moissanite sparkles with colourful flashes, while lab-grown diamonds shine with a brilliant sparkle. Your choice depends on the sparkle you prefer.
Hardness:
Moissanite has a hardness of 9.5 (1-10) on the Mohs scale, meaning it is very resistant to scratching making it a great affordable alternative to a diamond.
Lab-Diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale giving them the highest rating, making them extremely resistant to scratching and perfect for everyday wear.
The verdict:
Choosing between a lab diamond and moissanite stone is completely up to personal preference. If you are after an engagement ring that offers a similar look to a diamond, is more affordable and you don’t mind the very-slight difference in appearance, then moissainite could be an option for you. If you are looking for an engagement ring that replicates a traditional diamond with lower costs and more ethical practice, then a lab-grown diamond would be the stone for you.
Both lab-grown and moissanite are great options to choose from; however, if you would like to compare the differences, we welcome you to book an appointment at one of our showrooms or a retailer near you. Alternatively, we have virtual consultations if you can’t commit to an in-person appointment.
Book an appointment today or email us at hello@theadoreandco.com with any enquiries.
