Diamonds: one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Known for their brilliance, hardness, and rarity, diamonds have long been a symbol of love and commitment. However, with advancements in technology and ethical concerns over natural diamond mining, alternatives to traditional diamonds have become increasingly popular.
Two top choices are moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. Although they may appear similar at first, they have unique differences that you should consider before selecting the right option for your jewelry.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that scientist Henri Moissan discovered in 1893. It was initially mistaken for diamond due to its similar appearance but was later determined to be silicon carbide (SiC). It’s worth mentioning that although moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, it’s extremely rare. As a result, most moissanite in jewelry is lab-created.
Characteristics of Moissanite
Moissanite looks nearly identical to real diamonds and is a popular alternative for engagement rings and other jewelry. However, there are some important differences between the two gemstones.
Hardness
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, moissanite ranks at 9.25, which places it among the hardest substances on earth. This makes it very durable and resistant to scratches.
Brilliance
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds. This gives it superior brilliance and fire, meaning that it reflects more light and sparkles more than diamonds.
Clarity
Unlike diamonds, which can have inclusions or imperfections, moissanite is almost always flawless. This makes it incredibly clear and transparent, which adds to its overall beauty.
Color
Natural moissanite is normally colorless, but lab-created versions can come in shades of yellow, green, blue and pink.
Cost
Moissanite is considerably less expensive than diamonds of similar size and quality. This makes it a popular choice for couples looking for an affordable alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings.
Ethical Concerns
Diamonds often come with ethical concerns surrounding their sourcing and production, but moissanite lacks such controversies. This makes it a generally more ethical choice for those concerned about the origin of their jewelry.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are the result of advanced technological processes that replicate natural diamond formation in controlled environments.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: high pressure high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
HPHT Method
This method involves placing a small piece of carbon, which is the primary element of diamonds, into a chamber with extreme heat and pressure. This environment replicates the conditions that form natural diamonds deep within the Earth. The carbon atoms bond together, forming crystals and eventually yielding a rough diamond. The process takes several weeks to complete.
CVD Method
In this method, technicians place a thin slice of natural or synthetic diamond in a sealed chamber with hydrogen and methane gases. Then, they use microwaves or lasers to ionize the gases and separate the carbon atoms. The carbon ions then settle onto the diamond seed, building it layer by layer until it grows into a rough diamond. This process takes anywhere from three days to three weeks.
Both methods yield diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. Lab technology is simply capable of growing diamonds in a fraction of the time it takes for them to form naturally.
Characteristics of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural ones, but there are a few distinguishing characteristics to know about.
Clarity
Lab-grown diamonds typically have fewer inclusions (internal flaws) than natural diamonds because they form under controlled conditions and have higher clarity grades as a result.
Color
Natural diamonds come in a wide range of colors, which are beautiful but technically the result of imperfections in the stone. Pure diamonds are white, but these are also the most expensive. If you want a clear stone at a much lower cost, then lab-grown diamonds are the way to go. And if you want something more unique, technicians can create synthetic diamonds in nearly any color and exact hue that you want.
Size
Large natural diamonds can be rare and therefore expensive, but manufacturers can produce lab-grown diamonds in larger sizes and shapes without the same limitations. This makes them more accessible and affordable for those looking for a bigger diamond.
Environmental Impact
Mining for natural diamonds requires large amounts of energy and resources, which harms the environment. Lab-grown diamonds require less energy and resources to produce. Therefore, they are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Ethical Concerns
Like moissanite, lab-grown diamonds offer an ethical alternative to traditional diamonds. Natural diamond mining can damage local communities and may involve unethical practices such as forced labor. With lab-grown diamonds, buyers get the assurance that their purchase isn’t supporting any harmful practices.
Customization Options
Lab-grown diamonds also offer a variety of customization options that aren’t available with traditional diamonds. Since they form in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds can take on intentional and specific shapes, colors, and sizes based on consumer preferences. This opens up a whole range of possibilities for unique and personalized jewelry pieces.
Choosing Between the Two Options
Should you choose moissanite or lab-grown diamonds for your engagement ring or other jewelry? Now that you know the difference between the two options, your decision depends on your personal preferences and values. Both options offer ethical and sustainable alternatives to traditional diamonds, so you can feel good about whichever one you choose.
But generally, moissanite beats out lab-grown diamonds in terms of affordability, while lab-grown diamonds have a slight edge in terms of durability and authenticity. We recommend exploring both options to see which you prefer aesthetically while also considering your jewelry budget and how much of it you want to allocate to the stone.
If you’re looking for diamond jewelry, check out Everelle’s collection of lab-grown engagement rings and more! We craft our rings with high-quality lab-grown diamonds that shine brilliantly and offer exceptional clarity. A ring from us is a timeless gift your beloved will cherish forever. We also have bracelets, necklaces, and other types of rings to glamorize weddings, special occasions, or just because! Shop our collection today.