1. Moissanite

Origin: Moissanite is a gemstone originally discovered in a meteor crater but is now created in laboratories because natural sources are scarce.

Appearance: Moissanite looks similar to a diamond but has more fire (the flashes of color you see when light hits the stone). It’s known for its brilliance, often appearing more sparkly than diamonds.

Hardness: It ranks about 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it highly durable but slightly softer than diamonds.

Price: Moissanite is generally much cheaper than both lab-grown and natural diamonds.

Ethical/Sustainability: Since it’s lab-created, it is a sustainable and ethical choice, without concerns about mining impacts.

2. Lab-Grown Diamond

Origin: Lab-grown diamonds are produced in laboratories using processes that mimic the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the earth (such as high-pressure, high-temperature, or chemical vapor deposition).

Appearance: Lab-grown diamonds are visually and chemically identical to natural diamonds. They share the same sparkle, clarity, and color.

Hardness: They have the same hardness as natural diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale), making them the hardest material known.

Price: Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20-40% cheaper than natural diamonds.

Ethical/Sustainability: Lab-grown diamonds are considered a more ethical and sustainable choice since they avoid the environmental and human rights concerns associated with diamond mining.

3. Natural Diamond

Origin: Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the earth under extreme pressure and temperature and are mined from the earth.

Appearance: Natural diamonds are valued for their rarity, and some people prefer them for their history and natural origin. They can exhibit slight imperfections known as inclusions.

Hardness: Like lab-grown diamonds, natural diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Price: Natural diamonds are the most expensive, mainly due to their rarity and the costs associated with mining and distribution.

Ethical/Sustainability: Natural diamonds can have ethical concerns, especially regarding conflict diamonds, though there are certifications like the Kimberley Process aimed at reducing this risk. Mining can also have significant environmental impacts.

Benefits of Moissanite


Mining Free

Moissanite is ethically lab-created, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Value

Moissanite is more affordable per carat compared to many other gemstones.

Durability

Moissanite, with a 9.25 Mohs hardness, is ideal for daily wear.

Additional Key Points:

  • Resale Value:

Natural diamonds typically hold some resale value, although they usually don’t appreciate much unless they are very rare or of exceptional quality.

Lab-grown diamonds generally have lower resale value compared to natural diamonds, as they are less rare and easier to produce.

Moissanite has very limited resale value since it’s not a diamond and is cheaper to begin with.

  • Cultural Perception:

Natural diamonds have been marketed as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, which has made them the traditional choice for engagement rings.

Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity, particularly among environmentally and socially conscious buyers who want the beauty of a diamond without the ethical concerns.

Moissanite is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, durable, and sparkling alternative, though it may not carry the same prestige as a diamond.

Most Popular Moissanite Rings

"Discover our most sought-after settings to complement your moissanite."

Moissanite Petite Elodie Ring

Moissanite Petite Twisted Vine Lab Diamond Ring

Moissanite Secret Halo

Moissanite Nadia

Moissanite Freesia

Moissanite Versailles

Moissanite Petite Shared Prong

Moissanite Petite Comfort Fit Solitaire

Moissanite Demi

Moissanite Secret Garden

Moissanite FAQs

What’s the main difference between moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, and natural diamonds?

  • Moissanite: A completely different gemstone, made of silicon carbide, known for its intense sparkle and fire. It’s lab-created and much more affordable than diamonds.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond: A diamond created in a lab, chemically and physically identical to a natural diamond but produced using technology that mimics the earth’s conditions.
  • Natural Diamond: Formed naturally over billions of years deep within the earth, it’s the most traditional and rare form of diamond, often more expensive.

Can you tell the difference between them just by looking?

  • Moissanite: Yes, a trained jeweler or someone with a good eye can spot moissanite due to its greater brilliance and rainbow-like fire, which is different from a diamond’s more subdued sparkle.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond vs. Natural Diamond: No, lab-grown and natural diamonds look identical to the naked eye and can only be differentiated using specialized equipment. They have the same sparkle, brilliance, and physical properties.

How do the prices compare?

  • Moissanite: The most affordable option, typically costing a fraction of the price of a diamond of similar size and appearance.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond: Cheaper than natural diamonds, generally 20-40% less expensive.
  • Natural Diamond: The most expensive, especially for higher-quality, larger stones due to their rarity and mining costs.

Are moissanite, lab-grown, or natural diamonds durable enough for daily wear?

  • Moissanite: Yes, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it’s extremely durable and resistant to scratching, making it great for everyday jewelry.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond: Absolutely. With the same hardness as natural diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale), it’s one of the most durable materials on Earth.
  • Natural Diamond: Yes, diamonds are the hardest known material and are ideal for daily wear.

Do lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have resale value?

  • Moissanite: Very little resale value, as it’s not as rare or traditionally sought-after as diamonds.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond: While they are genuine diamonds, lab-grown diamonds typically have lower resale value compared to natural diamonds, mainly due to their reproducibility.
  • Natural Diamond: Typically has better resale value, though it depends on the quality and market conditions. Rare, high-quality diamonds may retain or appreciate in value.

Are lab-grown diamonds and moissanite ethical?

  • Moissanite: 100% ethical and environmentally friendly as it’s created in a lab with no mining involved.
  • Lab-Grown Diamond: Considered ethical because there are no mining practices or associated environmental or human rights concerns.
  • Natural Diamond: While there are ethically sourced diamonds (e.g., those certified by the Kimberley Process), there are still concerns around conflict diamonds and the environmental impact of diamond mining.