Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond: What's the Difference?
For engagement rings, diamonds have traditionally been the first choice among most couples. However, with consumers getting increasingly conscious of price, ethics, and sustainability, two new options are becoming popular: moissanite and lab-created diamonds. Though both are stunning in shine and glimmer, there are a few key differences that will influence your decision. So, let's learn about these two options and discover what sets them apart!
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a genuine showstopper when it comes to gemstones. It was found all the way back in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan. Moissanite is a rare but naturally formed mineral. In fact, the moissanite that you find in jewelry these days is grown in the lab to replicate the blaze of diamonds.
Moissanite is really composed primarily of silicon carbide, which is roughly the hardest substance on Earth. What distinguishes it from other gemstones is its refractive index. If you love that rainbow fire in your engagement ring, moissanite delivers it in spades. And as a bonus, it's affordable and eco-friendly. That's a win-win situation.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Alright, now let's talk about lab-grown diamonds. They are just diamonds that have been developed in an artificial environment using the very same materials that make up natural diamonds—100% carbon. Indeed, lab-created diamonds are actually identical to mined diamonds. You won't be able to tell it with the naked eye, and it has the very same brilliant sheen.
The manufacturing of lab-grown diamonds is either by High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods mimic the extreme conditions far beneath the Earth's mantle where natural diamonds are formed. The result? A beautiful diamond that's just as real as those unearthed from the Earth, but with a much lower carbon footprint.
Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: Which One Should I Choose?
Here is a table for their differences, then let’s take a look into them.
|
|
Moissanite |
Lab-Grown Diamond |
|
Brilliance |
😍 |
😊 |
|
Hardness & Durability |
🙂 |
😎 |
|
Price |
😁 |
😕 |
|
Ethical & Environmental |
😊 |
😐 |
Brilliance
Moissanite is more refractive than diamonds, which means it reflects more light and radiates that rainbow color known as "fire." You feel like the spotlight is on you wherever you wear a moissanite ring.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, have the same brilliance and clarity as natural diamonds but reflect light in a softer white light pattern.
Hardness & Durability
If you're looking for a stone that's tough enough to handle daily wear, you'll want to pay attention to hardness. Moissanite scores 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness—it's incredibly durable and resistant to scratches but just a bit softer than diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds, however, score a perfect 10, meaning that they are considered the hardest material known to man.
Price Comparison
Alright, let's get to the best part—prices! Moissanite is much cheaper than a lab-created diamond of comparable size. Another way of putting it is that you'll be paying less than half of what you'd pay for a lab-created diamond ring.
Lab-created diamonds, while much less expensive than natural diamonds, are still pricier than moissanite. So, if you desire that sparkling gem but don't have to mortgage the assets, moissanite is the value winner!
Ethical & Environmental Considerations
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are considered ethical and conflict-free. Unlike mined diamonds, which can sometimes be linked to unethical practices, both of these options are eco-friendly choices.
However, producing lab-grown diamonds requires more energy than creating moissanite, which is why some people view moissanite as the more sustainable option. Either way, choosing one of these stones means you're making a thoughtful decision for both your wallet and the planet.
Why Are Moissanite Engagement Rings So Popular?
First of all, they offer a stunning glint for a fraction of the price of lab-created diamonds. As more and more couples seek an affordable yet sparkling alternative to traditional diamonds, moissanite is becoming the go-to engagement ring. And, if you're the kind of person who'd like to turn heads with a ring that's just a little bit more "wow"-inducing, moissanite has all the flame and sparkle you could possibly want.
We at Romalar feel that choosing the ideal engagement ring is a significant decision. Therefore, we stock an enormous collection of Moissanite engagement rings that are beautiful, excellent in quality, and budget-friendly. So, if you're wondering, "What is the best place to buy moissanite engagement rings?" you've come to the right place.
Why Not Take A Look at Romalar Moissanite engagement rings?
Where to Buy Engagement Ring? Pick the One at Romalar!
If you find yourself drawn to the fiery glow of moissanite or the timeless elegance of a lab-grown diamond, either option, you can't go wrong! And when you're ready to find your perfect moissanite engagement ring, Romalar is your exclusive destination. We stock an extensive selection of rings that will complete your love story!