Lab Grown Diamonds Vs Moissanite: Key Differences Explained
If you want to buy a pretty stone for jewelry, you might hear about two popular choices. These are lab grown diamonds and moissanite. Both look nice and shine bright. But what makes them different? This article will explain the key differences so you can understand better.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made in a lab, not in the ground. Scientists use special machines to make them. These diamonds have the same minerals and structure as natural diamonds. They look, feel, and even shine like natural diamonds.
Because they are made in a lab, lab grown diamonds cost less than natural diamonds. They are also better for the environment. Mining natural diamonds can harm the earth. Lab grown diamonds do not need mining.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a different kind of stone. It was first found in space, in a meteorite. Now, moissanite is made in labs too. It looks like a diamond but is not the same.
Moissanite shines very brightly. It has a special sparkle that is different from diamonds. Moissanite is also less expensive than diamonds, natural or lab grown.
Material and Composition
Lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon. This is the same as natural diamonds. They have a strong crystal structure.
Moissanite is made of silicon carbide. This is a different mineral. It has a different crystal shape.
This difference in material changes many things. It affects how the stones shine and how hard they are.
Hardness and Durability
Hardness means how hard a stone is. It tells how well it can resist scratches. Diamonds are the hardest stones on Earth.
Lab grown diamonds have a hardness rating of 10. This means they are very hard. They do not scratch or break easily. This makes them great for daily wear jewelry.
Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25. This is still very hard, but less than diamonds. It can get scratched more easily than diamonds. So, it needs more care.
Brilliance and Sparkle
Both stones shine and sparkle. But they do it in different ways.
Lab grown diamonds reflect light with a strong white sparkle. This sparkle is called brilliance. It looks clean and bright.
Moissanite shines with a rainbow sparkle. This is called fire. It shows flashes of many colors. Some people love this colorful sparkle. Others find it too much.
Price Comparison
Price is an important factor for many buyers.
Lab grown diamonds cost less than natural diamonds but more than moissanite. They give you a real diamond at a lower price.
Moissanite is the cheapest option. You get a beautiful stone for less money.
Here is a simple price guide:
- Natural diamond: Most expensive
- Lab grown diamond: Medium price
- Moissanite: Least expensive
Color and Appearance
Lab grown diamonds are often colorless or very close to it. This makes them look very clear and bright.
Moissanite stones sometimes have a slight yellow or gray tint. This can be hard to see unless you look closely.
So, if you want a pure white look, lab grown diamonds are better.
Weight and Size
Moissanite is lighter than diamonds. So, a moissanite stone will weigh less than a diamond of the same size.
This can be a good thing if you want a lighter ring. But it can also affect how the jewelry feels.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on what is most important to you.
- If you want a real diamond but at a lower cost, lab grown diamonds are good.
- If you want a sparkly stone and save more money, moissanite is nice.
- If you want the hardest stone with strong shine, choose lab grown diamond.
- If you like colorful sparkle, moissanite is better.
- If you want the lightest stone, moissanite wins.
Both stones are beautiful. They each have their own strengths.
Final Thoughts
Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are good choices for jewelry.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds made in labs. They look and last like natural diamonds. They cost less than natural diamonds but more than moissanite.
Moissanite is a different stone. It shines with rainbow colors and costs less. It is still hard but not as hard as diamonds.
Think about your budget, style, and how you want the stone to look. This will help you pick the best one.
Remember, both stones can make your jewelry beautiful and special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Main Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds And Moissanite?
Lab Grown Diamonds Singapore are pure carbon crystals; moissanite is silicon carbide with different sparkle.
Which Stone Is More Durable, Lab Grown Diamond Or Moissanite?
Lab grown diamonds are harder and more scratch-resistant than moissanite.
How Can I Tell Lab Grown Diamonds And Moissanite Apart?
Lab diamonds have less rainbow sparkle; moissanite shows more colorful flashes.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds More Expensive Than Moissanite?
Yes, lab grown diamonds generally cost more than moissanite.
