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Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: A Comparative Analysis

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@Labgrown 2023

Whilst they may look similar, there are some distinctive differences between lab made diamonds, natural diamonds and moissanite. In this article, we’re going to be exploring these differences including where they originate from, their visual differences, their chemical properties and importantly, their value.

1. Origin: Where Do They Come From

● Moissanite:

Often referred to as a diamond simulant, moissanite is a gemstone but not a diamond. It was first discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 while he was examining a crater in Arizona. He initially mistook the clear, sparkly stone for a diamond, but as he would later find out, it was an entirely different gem altogether.

Moissanite is naturally rare and is believed to originate from meteorites, earning it nicknames like the “Space Diamond” or “Stardust.”

Due to the rarity of moissanite, nearly all moissanite gemstones used in jewellery today are lab-created. Companies like Charles & Colvard produce high-quality moissanite through a synthetic process that combines silicon and carbon under extreme heat and pressure. The resulting silicon carbide crystals are then faceted for brilliance and cut to standards.

● Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds or lab created diamonds, are created in controlled laboratory environments. They are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds but lack the natural inclusions found in mined diamonds.

These diamonds are produced by growing tiny diamond seeds using high pressure and high-temperature methods. The carbon atoms arrange themselves into diamond crystal structures over time.

The two primary methods used to create lab diamonds include Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), where a carbon-rich gas is heated to deposit diamond on a substrate, and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), which replicates natural diamond formation by subjecting a carbon source to high pressure and temperature.

● Natural Diamonds:

Natural diamonds are diamonds that have been mined directly from the earth after they have formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions of years.

Mined diamonds result from intense heat and pressure acting on carbon atoms, causing them to crystallize into diamonds.

Natural diamonds often contain inclusions, which are tiny imperfections or minerals trapped during their formation.

2. Appearance: How Do They Differ Visually?

● Moissanite:

  • Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds. This means the gemstone allows more light to be reflected, leading to a more intense sparkle.
  • Moissanite is also a double-refractive gemstone which again contributes to its fiery brilliance.
  • Visually, moissanite closely resembles diamonds and those with an untrained eye will find it difficult to tell the difference between the two. However, there are some different optical properties between moissanite and diamond such ashigher dispersion, resulting in a slightly different appearance under certain lighting conditions.

● Lab-Grown Diamonds:

  • Lab-grown diamonds have the same visual appearance as natural diamonds. In fact, since they are basically chemically, optically and physically identical, it is near impossible to tell the difference between lab grown diamonds vs real diamonds.
  • Their sparkle, brilliance, and fire are virtually indistinguishable from mined diamonds. Only under specialized equipment and by trained gemmologists can subtle distinctions be detected between lab grown and mined diamonds.
  • Unlike moissanite, lab-grown diamonds exhibit no significant differences in appearance compared to natural diamonds.

● Natural Diamonds:

  • Natural diamonds vary widely in appearance due to their unique inclusions, colours, and cuts.
  • Some diamonds are perfectly clear, while others may have visible inclusions or colour tints. In fact, some naturally mined diamonds can have a slightly yellow or brown hue.
  • The rarity and individuality of natural diamonds contribute to their allure.

3. Price and Value: How Do They Compare?

Moissanite:

  • Moissanite is significantly more affordable than both lab-grown and natural diamonds.
  • Its lower price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Lab-Grown Diamonds:

  • Lab-grown diamonds are the perfect balance between affordability and ethical considerations.
  • They cost less than natural diamonds, while still providing the same visual appeal.
  • Like natural diamonds, lab created diamonds are valued based on the famous “diamond 4C’s”.

Natural Diamonds:

  • Natural diamonds are the most expensive due to their rarity and natural origin.
  • Their value is also influenced by the “diamond 4 C’s” which includes carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity.

4. Other Factors to Consider:

Environmental Impact:

  • Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have a smaller environmental footprint compared to mined diamonds.
  • Mined diamonds require extensive mining, which can harm ecosystems and has been linked to high levels of pollution.

Ethical Considerations:

  • Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are conflict-free alternatives.
  • Natural diamonds may come from regions with ethical concerns.

Bottom Line: Making Your Choice

Moissanite:

  • Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want diamond-like sparkle without the high cost.
  • Perfect for ethical and environmentally conscious consumers.

Lab-Grown Diamonds:

  • Lab fabricated diamonds offer the best of both worlds: affordability and visual appeal.
  • They are also an ethical and eco-friendly choice.

Natural Diamonds:

  • Natural diamonds are symbolic, timeless, and the most valuable.
  • They are typically preferred by those who appreciate the rarity and tradition associated with natural diamonds.

In summary, each gemstone has a place in the jewellery world, and which one will suit you will depend your own priorities, budget, and personal preferences. In our eyes, lab grown diamonds offer the perfect combination of ethical and environmental advantages and physical allure. They have identical physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, offering the same stunning sparkle and value. But they lack some of the environmental concerns that come with mining.

With that in mind, if you’d like to shop some lab grown diamond jewellery for yourself, including a gorgeous range of lab created diamond rings and lab created diamond engagement rings, you can shop our extensive line-up on the labgrown.diamonds website.