Image of two sets of engagement rings and wedding bands, one in white gold and one in yellow gold.

Moissanite vs. lab grown diamonds

If you’ve been looking for alternatives to natural, mined diamonds or natural gemstones, you may already have heard of moissanite and lab grown diamonds. They’re both strong, sparkling, stunning options — perfect for any engagement ring — and both are created in labs. It takes an expert to tell them apart, but their composition and some of their best features are completely different. Here’s what to know about the differences between moissanite and lab grown diamonds to make the right choice for you.

Is moissanite a lab grown diamond?

No. Lab grown diamonds are exact chemical and structural matches to natural diamonds. Moissanite is its own type of gemstone, which was first discovered more than 130 years ago in a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is even rarer than diamonds (on our planet, anyway), which is why most of the moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created.

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What is moissanite?

Moissanite is made from the stars — specifically, the mineral form of crystalline silicon carbide. A lab-generated combination of heat and pressure creates a gemstone nearly as hard and durable as a diamond. What really sets moissanite apart is its fire and brilliance: There’s nothing else like its vibrant flashes of color and lively sparkle. (You’ll also find moissanite jewelry at a fraction of the cost of similar diamond pieces.)

What are lab grown diamonds?

If your heart is set on a real diamond and you want to maximize your budget, good news. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Even though they weren’t created deep in the earth, they’re composed of the same elements and formed the same way. Their sparkle is just as bright — and beautifully accessible.

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The differences between moissanite and lab grown diamonds

Even if you look closely, it’s hard to tell moissanite and lab grown diamonds apart. But they’re entirely different gems, each with unique benefits. Here are some differences you’ll want to know.

Durability

9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness

10 on the Mohs Scae of Hardness

Brilliance

A higher refractive index means fiery, rainbow flashes reflect the full color spectrum.

Brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation reflect light in complex ways, giving diamonds their legendary sparkle.

Color

In fine jewelry, moissanite gems may be colorless, near-coorless, or have faint grayish or slight-yellowish hues, though they're not graded on the same scale as diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds are graded according to the same internationally recognized standards as natural diamonds: D–Z, colorless to light yellow or brown.

Price

Moissanite gems are dramatically lower in prce compared to natural and lab grown diamonds, with costs varrying based on size, color and clarity.

While lab grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds of similar carat weights and quality, their cost can range based on shape, or the 4C's: carat, cut, color and clarity.

Sourcing

Like lab grown diamonds, moissanite is man-made in dedicated facilities.

Lab grown diamonds are created from ethically sourced diamond seed crystals.

Measurement

DEW (Diamond Equivalent Weight)

Carat weight

TAKE a good look

Talk to an expert

Want to see moissanite and lab grown diamond jewelry side by side? Schedule an in-store or virtual appointment to comparison shop or try on some sparkle.

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Is moissanite lab created?

Yes. Moissanite is created with heat and pressure in special facilities.

What are the key differences between moissanite and lab grown diamonds?

Moissanite and lab grown diamonds have 4 key differences: Their hardness (diamonds are slightly more durable), sparkle (moissanite's is more colorful), composition (diamonds are made of pure carbon, while moissanite is made of silicon carbide) and cost (lab created moissanite is more affordable).

What’s the best gemstone alternative to a diamond?

Moissanite is the hardest non-diamond gemstone and possesses a uniquely stunning brilliance.