Moissanite vs. Diamond: A Complete Guide for Modern Ring Shoppers
Key Points
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The differences between moissanites and lab-grown diamonds are chemical properties, price, and fire or sparkle.
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Moissanites can offer a more budget-friendly alternative, while lab-grown diamonds are physically identical to natural diamonds for a much lower price.
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The professional jewelers at Jeweler’s Touch have the expertise to help you choose the best modern ring for you.
What Is the Difference Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamond?
If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you may have heard of the debate about moissanites vs. lab-grown diamonds. Their differences generally lie in chemical makeup, aesthetic appeal, and cost.
Moissanites are silicon carbide. Originally found in meteorites and extremely rare in nature, they can now be created in labs using crystalline silicon carbide.
Lab-grown diamonds are created using pure carbon under extremely high temperatures and intense pressure.
Both moissanites and lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions (structures trapped inside the mineral that block the flow of light), but moissanites are sometimes smaller and can only be seen with a jeweler’s loupe. Inclusions are a consideration of clarity, and typically, fewer inclusions translate to a clear, flawless look and higher costs. Though moissanites may have smaller inclusions, they don’t carry the same value as diamonds.
Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamond - How Do They Compare in Real Life?
How do moissanite and lab-grown diamonds compare? When observing diamonds for an engagement ring, you look for two things: brilliance (white flashes) and fire (colored flashes). Moissanites tend to have more fire than brilliance. They give off more colorful flashes, like a rainbow, and traditionally have a yellow or greenish tint. It’s possible to create white moissanites that look more like lab-grown diamonds, but at the foundation, one is still silicon carbide, and the other is pure carbon.
Why Most Modern Engagement Rings Choose Diamonds Instead
When comparing a moissanite vs. a lab-grown diamond for a modern engagement ring, it’s really a matter of personal preference. While moissanites can be more wallet-friendly, lab-grown diamonds are harder on the Mohs hardness scale, making them more durable and longer lasting with everyday use.
Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamond Cost - What Are You Really Paying For?
Many factors come into the cost of moissanites and lab-grown diamonds. Diamonds are culturally considered symbols of luxury and commitment. It’s important to note that moissanites have next to no resale value because they’re technically in endless supply.
The GIA-graduate gemologists at Jeweler’s Touch can check your lab diamond for a mark of authenticity.
Ethical and Sustainable Considerations
Both moissanites and lab-grown diamonds are considered ethical and sustainable since they’re made in a lab. However, the procedural creation of moissanites might leave a smaller carbon footprint than lab-grown diamonds.
Financing Options for Engagement Rings
Jeweler’s Touch makes buying an engagement ring affordable and easy with our flexible payment plans. If a lab-grown diamond ring has caught your eye but is out of your budget, we offer plans like 12 Month financing at 0% interest or 36 months with equal payments at 9.99% interest.
Why Working With a Local Jewelry Expert Matters
When shopping for an engagement ring or looking to buy a statement lab-grown diamond, it’s important to talk with an experienced jeweler who can answer your questions. If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, our team can tell you about modern engagement ring trends.
If you have a specific look, cut, or shape in mind or you’re interested in some matching diamond earrings, the experts at Jeweler’s Touch will use their expertise to custom-create dream jewelry pieces.
Service Areas Jeweler’s Touch Proudly Serves
Jeweler’s Touch proudly serves the following Orange County areas:
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Brea – 92821, 92823
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Fullerton – 92831, 92832
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La Habra – 90631
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Placentia – 92870
We also ship throughout the US for our online shoppers.
Explore Lab-Grown Diamond Rings With Confidence at Jeweler’s Touch
Jeweler’s Touch is a local, family-owned jeweler that’s been serving the community since 1922. We offer a beautiful selection of natural and lab-grown diamond ring options for your engagement, another special occasion, or just because. Find your dream modern ring or custom diamond engagement ring today. Contact us to schedule an appointment online, drop by our store in Orange County, or pick out the perfect ring online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does moissanite sparkle more than a lab-grown diamond?
It depends; it may look that way to some people due to a higher refractive index and fire quality that appeals to some buyers. However, they don’t sparkle in the same way as a lab-grown diamond, which showcases a crisp, icy-white sparkle compared to moissanite’s rainbow-filled sparkle.
Is moissanite considered fake or real?
A moissanite is a real, unique gemstone, but it isn’t a pure carbon diamond. Moissanite is created in a lab from crystalline silicon carbide.
Is moissanite cheaper than diamonds?
Moissanite can be cheaper because, with diamonds, you’re paying for the pure carbon and lab-grown quality to look exactly like a natural diamond. But with lab-grown diamonds today, the price can be comparable.
Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?
No, a moissanite won’t naturally lose its sparkle over time. However, if not regularly cleaned, a moissanite can dull over time. But a diamond is stronger and more resistant to scratches.
How does moissanite compare to lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are sometimes more expensive than moissanites because they’re made of pure carbon. They’re also harder than moissanites and will glitter more like a natural diamond.