Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Read before You Buy

Buying jewelry is an expensive decision. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you know what you are buying before giving any money out. Today's market is flooded with many gemstones and that includes moissanite and lab diamonds. If you do not know the difference, they may end up getting the wrong stone for your jewelry. For that reason, it is important to learn all about Moissanite and diamond to get the difference. 

Lab diamonds have a high price tag because they are rare and difficult to find. They also require special equipment for their production. On the other hand, Moissanite has no such restrictions. It is abundantly found and relatively cheap. Diamonds continue to be rare hence, the high cost involved in producing lab-grown versions. 

Lab Diamonds Vs Moissanite: Which one is better?

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They are always associated with love and romance. A woman who wears a ring made of diamonds looks classy, elegant and sophisticated. Diamonds are also an excellent investment option.

Naturally, existing moissanite and diamonds exist inside the earth's crust. However, researchers have discovered moissanite to be silicon carbide (SiC). For that reason, most of the moissanite available in the market is synthetic. Lab-grown diamonds and other man made gems too do exist. However, moissanite manufacturing process is superior to them all. 

Choosing between moissanite and lab diamonds is not easy. Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. The following points will help you decide which one is better.

•    Cost
Lab diamond prices are very high and they are not easily available. This makes them expensive. However, moissanite is cheaper than lab diamonds. The reason behind this is that moissanite is much easier to produce. There is no need for special equipment or costly chemicals.

In addition, moissanite does not require any heat treatment unlike lab diamonds. Heat treatment of diamonds results in its hardness. This increases the value of the stones. 

•    Appearance
However, most people prefer diamond over moissanite as it is more popular. Diamonds are great with their beauty and shine. They also make beautiful engagement rings. Both moissanite and lab diamond are beautiful but moissanite is a better choice if you want something different.

• Availability 

Lab diamonds are hard to come by. They exist in limited quantities. As a result, they are extremely expensive. In contrast, moissanite is readily available. You will find it in stores and online shops.

• Durability

Moissanites are highly durable. They are resistant to scratches and wear. Lab grown diamond on the other hand is less durable. It is prone to scratching and breaking. This means that you cannot wear lab-grown diamond around delicate areas like necklaces.

• Hardness 

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds have unique properties. These include hardness, color and clarity. However, moissanites are harder than lab diamonds. In addition, they are more transparent. The hardness of moissanite ranges from 8 to 10 on Mohs scale while lab diamonds range from 6 to 9.

• Color

Lab diamonds tend to be yellowish. This is due to the presence of impurities in the crystals. Moissanite however tends to be white. This is because it contains no impurities. 

• Clarity

Lab diamonds contain various levels of imperfections. This is why they are often cloudy. Moissanite on the other hand is clear. This is because it does not contain any inclusions.

• Shapes and  sizes 

Gemstones come in different sizes and shapes. Therefore, choosing between moissanite and laboratory diamonds can be difficult. However, both moissanite and lab-diamonds are round in shape. However, moissanite has a larger surface area compared to lab diamonds. This makes it look bigger.

• Weight

Moissanite weighs about 0.5 grams per carat. On the other hand, lab diamonds weigh between 1.2 and 2.0 grams per carat. For that reason, moissanite is a perfect choice for making light jewelry.

Moissanite is a great alternative to lab diamonds. It is affordable and easy to obtain. It is also more durable than lab diamonds. Diamonds are widely used in jewelry manufacturing. This is especially in making engagement rings and wedding bands. They also make fashion accessories. When purchasing these items, you must consider the quality of the diamonds. If you are looking for the best quality diamonds, then moissanite is your best option.