Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite (2024)

White sapphires are often considered as diamond substitutes. They are the colorless version of the sapphire gemstone, so they have many of the same characteristics of a sapphire with a few differences in comparison to a diamond.

White sapphires are a durable choice for an engagement ring, rating as a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. They are the rarest form of natural sapphires as they have no trace minerals to create color in the stone - as what happens to create all other colors of sapphires.

However, in comparison to lab-grown diamonds, the issue with sapphires will always be their inclusions. Due to the corundum mineral its made from and its crystal structure and formation process, inclusions in sapphires can be fairly common. In colored sapphires, the inclusions can actually enhance the look of the stone. For white sapphires, the opposite is true. So finding an eye-clean white sapphire is extremely important so you’re not sacrificing on its brilliance.

When seen side by side with lab-grown diamonds, a white sapphire may appear slightly cloudy or milky. That dulling effect is due to its lack of scintillation - the rainbow-like array of colors given off by a diamond - that simply isn’t present in a white sapphire.

As for price, this is really the best benefit for a white sapphire over a lab-grown diamond. The same as all the other diamond substitutes discussed so far, white sapphires will be much more affordable without losing much on durability.

Overall, in our experience, white sapphires haven’t proven to be a long-term desirable option for engagement rings. White sapphires will dull quickly with daily wear and need cleaning often. They may seem like a more viable option since they are stronger than some other diamond substitutes, but their appearance is likely to be disappointing.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite (2024)

FAQs

What is better, lab diamond or moissanite? ›

Durability: Moissanite vs lab-grown diamonds are durable and suitable for everyday wear, but lab-grown diamonds are slightly harder and more scratch resistant than moissanite. Price: Moissanite is typically less expensive than lab-grown diamonds, which are priced similarly to natural diamonds.

Is moissanite a fake diamond? ›

Moissanite is a popular choice for an engagement ring due to its unique sparkle, durability, and affordability. Whether or not moissanite is okay for an engagement ring is up to you. However, moissanite is not a diamond. It does not have the same beauty or market value.

Will moissanite pass a diamond tester? ›

Yes, some diamond simulants can pass a diamond tester.

For example, moissanite, a man made gem, may pass as a diamond on a standard tester pen. This is because moissanite also has very high thermal conductivity! Other diamond simulants, such as CZ, will not pass the tester.

Can a jeweler tell the difference between lab grown and real diamonds? ›

A jeweler can only tell the difference between a natural diamond and a lab diamond if they use a diamond tester. With magnification, they can sometimes tell the difference by looking at the presence of specific types of inclusions when comparing the two stones side by side.

Do lab-grown diamonds look fake? ›

Without specialized equipment, you won't be able to tell the difference between a lab grown or a natural diamond — they appear the same. The only noticeable difference between them is their origin: one was formed deep within the Earth, the other was grown in a lab.

Can most people tell difference between moissanite and diamond? ›

Unless you've seen a lot of diamonds and just as much moissanite, you probably can't tell the difference. Even to a trained eye, because natural diamonds come in an infinite amount of colors, clarities, and cuts, some diamonds just look like moissanite.

What is the downside of moissanite? ›

On the other hand, moissanite has a Mohs hardness rating of 9.25, which makes it significantly less durable than diamonds. Although diamonds and moissanite are both quite strong and resistant to scratches, their different hardnesses may have practical effects on how they are used in jewelry.

Can someone tell my ring is moissanite? ›

How can you tell a diamond from a Moissanite ring? Moissanite has telltale fire as well as facet doubling from a side view. So, when trying to tell if someone has a Moissanite ring or a diamond ring, move the ring around and watch its sparkle carefully.

Does a 2 carat moissanite look fake? ›

While Moissanite may be mistaken for a fake diamond due to its slight color difference, it is a great option for those looking for a diamond look-alike without the diamond price tag.

Is cubic zirconia or moissanite better? ›

Moissanite has a higher refractive index and greater dispersion compared to diamonds and cubic zirconia, resulting in exceptional brilliance and fire. Additionally, moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it more durable than cubic zirconia but slightly less durable than diamonds.

Why is my lab diamond testing as moissanite? ›

The reason for this unexpected outcome lies in the presence of boron, an impurity uncommonly found in natural diamonds but often present in laboratory-grown diamonds. Boron, when trapped within the diamond's crystal structure, alters its properties, notably affecting its colour and electrical conductivity.

Does moissanite get cloudy over time? ›

Here's the answer: No, moissanite does not get cloudy over time due to its chemical and physical properties.

Why not buy a lab-grown diamond? ›

Lab diamonds can cost less money, but that is also because they are replaceable. Lab-created diamonds are as disposable as a flat screen tv. Natural diamonds are alluring because they are, well, natural, and were created under natural pressures and natural environmental circ*mstances when the earth formed.

Are Costco diamonds lab grown? ›

All diamonds offered by Costco are natural and untreated. Colored gemstones are often enhanced in the production process. All colored gemstones offered by Costco have been enhanced unless otherwise stated.

Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy? ›

The simple answer is no – when produced by reputable manufacturers, lab diamonds do not get cloudy or change appearance. A general misconception is that lab grown diamonds are more likely to appear cloudy or contain color due to their artificial origin.

Do lab diamonds hold value? ›

In the event you wanted to sell your man-made diamond jewellery, you would find that lab grown diamonds don't have very much resale value. This is one of the very few downsides of buying lab grown; but while many jewellers won't buy back man-made diamonds, you may still be able to sell your pieces online.

How much is a 1 carat diamond vs 1 carat moissanite? ›

Let's explore the cost of 1-carat moissanite in comparison to that of a 1-carat diamond. As a guide, you can expect to pay around $5000 for a nearly colorless 1-carat diamond, but completely colorless moissanite will cost you significantly less at around $600.

Are lab diamonds higher quality? ›

Lab grown diamonds are identical to earth mined diamonds in every way, except that they are grown in a lab. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds and exhibit the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle.

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