Lab Grown Diamond vs Moissanite: Read This Before You Buy

It is common for lab-grown diamonds to be compared or confused with moissanites. On the surface they appear very similar, as they are both created in dedicated facilities and considered alternatives for savvy shoppers looking for a sustainable and affordable option. But many differences separate the two colourless stones.

Lab Grown Diamonds - From Seed to Stone

Lab Grown Diamonds are real diamonds.

A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that is grown in a facility using cutting-edge technology. It has the same chemical properties and carbon-structure as a mined diamond, they are identical to those formed deep within the earth. Every CVD Diamond Type IIA diamond will pass as a real diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are created from a small diamond seed that grows in a controlled high-pressure, high-temperature environment. These conditions replicate those that naturally occur within the earth. The only thing artificial and man-made about a lab-grown diamond is its origins. The process of growing and cutting the stone to precision generally takes around 7-12 weeks.

The result: owning a real genuine diamond. Why compromise for a diamond simulant?

A lab-grown diamond is structurally, chemically and visually identical to a natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same range of cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight that you would associate with a mined diamond. Because these stones are produced in a controlled environment, lab diamonds cost considerably less than natural diamonds and are a good choice for those looking for a sustainable diamond option.

Diamonds are by far the most popular and widely used stones in the jewellery industry.

Moissanite - From Silicon to Stone

Moissanite is made from silicon carbide. It is also formed in a lab under the thermal growing process and takes 8-14 weeks to develop. The stone is formed from a combination of silicon and carbon (silicon carbide crystals) through a technique of extreme pressure and heat.

A lab-grown Moissanite is optimised to enhance its refractive index and sparkle more than the original. It is an imitation of a natural moissanite that is discovered naturally inside meteorites. Moissanite is graded by colour only, meaning it can be difficult to decipher quality based upon the 4C’s.  Moissanite is often used as a diamond alternative due to its affordability. A more generic option for those on a tight budget.

Defined by Durability

“A diamond is forever” is not just a way to describe your everlasting love, the lab-grown stone is extremely durable. Diamonds have the hardest stone rating of a 10 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness making them one of the strongest elements on earth. Diamonds also have the capacity to withstand extreme chemical or temperature change, and for this reason have an unmatched longevity when it comes to jewellery. Lab-Grown Diamonds are resistant to scratching, breaking and chipping. Lab Grown diamonds are harder and more durable than any other stone.

The lab-grown diamond has identical properties as natural diamonds meaning their colour is everlasting and will not vary . All of lab grown diamonds develop colour consistency and can exhibit a full variety of colours from D (colourless) to Z (yellow).

Moissanite is 9.25 on Moh’s hardness scale. They are also resistant to scratching, breaking and chipping. But they may not last the test of time. Moissanite may be sensitive to colour change when exposed to temperatures above (65° C) 150° F. These are generally temporary discolourations but may sometimes be permanent changes affecting the integrity and colour of the stone. All lab-grown Moissanite also exhibit the same variety of colours from D (colourless) to Z (yellow) Generally they are not colourless, and traditionally exhibit a slight yellow or warmer tone.

Size Matters - Go Big or Go Home

Lab-created diamonds sparkle the same as natural diamonds.  Their brilliance and fire is not determined by size. They can be created in beautiful and timeless cuts and their price allows consumers to buy larger carat weight diamonds for the same price as natural. A lab-grown diamond reflects light in complex ways to exhibit their renowned sparkle. Diamonds exhibit intense fire with vivid flares and white light radiating out of the stone.

Moissanite can be defined by their “colourful” sparkle, a term called dispersion by geologists. It gives the sparkle reminiscent of a rainbow. The larger the carat weight of the stone the more apparent these colours become. With larger stones, this coloured sparkle can appear fake or juvenile looking in larger sizes.

Discover high-quality stones at Janai Jewellery

At JANAI we always provide exceptional quality stones, deliver beauty and source premium certified diamonds. We recommend purchasing something that will last a lifetime that you can pass on for generations. Our diamond specialists can assist and educate you about choosing the perfect loose stone, and bring your dream vision to life.

Janai Jewellery - Your Best Place For Engagement Rings in Melbourne!

See more: Lab-Grown Diamonds: Top 3 Things You Need To Know