Lab Grown Diamond VS Moissanite: What Are The Differences? | with LeCaine Gems

Posted by Ang Ke Yun 0
Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite, what are the difference?

Table Of Content

Choosing the right gemstone for an engagement ring or fine jewelry can feel overwhelming, especially when modern alternatives to natural diamonds are now widely available. Two of the most popular options are lab grown diamonds and moissanite. Both offer impressive brilliance and durability, but they differ in composition, appearance, price, and long-term value. For couples planning their engagement ring shopping timeline, understanding these differences early can make the decision process much smoother.

Understanding the difference between these two gemstones can help buyers choose a piece that fits their priorities, whether that’s sparkle, ethics, or budget. If you’ve ever wondered about the price of moissanite vs lab diamond, or asked questions like, “Does moissanite look like a real diamond?”, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

 

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite? 

  • Lab Grown Diamonds

    A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. It is produced in a laboratory using one of two advanced processes: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both replicate the intense conditions found deep within the Earth, resulting in a stone composed of 100% carbon. The process takes a matter of weeks rather than billions of years, and the end result is a genuine diamond with the same hardness, refractive index, and brilliance as its mined counterpart.
  • Moissanite

    Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral first discovered by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893 inside a meteor crater in Arizona. The original discovery was so rare that virtually all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC), a compound of carbon and silicon, making it chemically distinct from a diamond. It ranks as the second hardest gemstone in the world and is celebrated for its extraordinary brilliance and fire.

 

Moissanite vs Lab Grown diamond: A side-by-side comparison

Feature

Moissanite

Lab Grown Diamond

Composition

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

100% Carbon

Hardness (Mohs)

9.25

10

Refractive Index

2.65 (higher fire)

2.42

Sparkle Type

Rainbow/fiery

White + rainbow

Price vs Natural

~5-10% of mined

~40-50% of mined

Ethically Sourced

Yes

Yes

Certified

Yes (3rd party)

Yes (IGI)

Best Value

Maximum savings

Diamond prestige

  

Sparkle Comparison: Does Moissanite look like a real diamond?

lBG vs Moissanite flat

This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and the answer is nuanced. Both stones are visually stunning, but they sparkle differently.

Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65) compared to a diamond (2.42). This means light bends more sharply through moissanite, producing an intense, rainbow-like "fire" that is especially vivid under direct lighting or sunlight. Many people find this breathtaking, while others notice it looks more colorful and multi-hued than a diamond. This visual difference is also why many shoppers researching alternatives often ask, “Is moissanite worth buying?”, especially when comparing sparkle and overall appearance.

Lab grown diamonds produce the same classic white-and-rainbow brilliance as a mined diamond. The sparkle is crisp, icy, and traditional, which is what most people picture when they think of a diamond engagement ring.

So, does moissanite look like a real diamond? To the naked eye and in photos, moissanite is virtually indistinguishable from a diamond for most people. Up close and in certain lighting, a trained eye may notice moissanite's extra fire. In everyday wear, the difference is minimal, and for many, moissanite's extra sparkle is a selling point, not a drawback.

 

Hardness and Durability

Durability is a key consideration for an engagement ring that will be worn every day for decades.

  • Lab grown diamonds score a perfect 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest substance on Earth. They are essentially scratch-proof under normal conditions.
  • Moissanite scores 9.25/10, placing it just below the diamond and above all other gemstones, including sapphire and ruby (9/10). It is exceptionally durable and highly resistant to scratching and chipping.

 

Both stones are suitable for everyday wear and will not dull or cloud over time. Neither stone requires special care beyond routine cleaning. Another question buyers often have is, “Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?” Standard diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, and moissanite typically does not register as a diamond.

For most wearers, the durability difference between a 9.25 and a 10 is imperceptible in real-world conditions. Both will last a lifetime and beyond.

Price comparison: Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond

lBG vs Moissanite RIng

Understanding the price of moissanite vs lab diamond is often the deciding factor for shoppers. Lab grown diamonds are priced at approximately 40–50% of the cost of a mined diamond of equivalent carat weight, color, and clarity. This is a significant saving, but lab diamonds are still priced in the hundreds to thousands of dollars per carat.

Moissanite is considerably more affordable, typically priced at around 5–10% of the cost of a mined diamond. A 2-carat moissanite, for example, can cost a fraction of what a 2-carat lab grown diamond costs, while appearing visually equivalent on the hand. 

What this means in practice: Choosing moissanite allows you to opt for a significantly larger stone, a more elaborate setting, or a higher metal grade (such as 18k gold or platinum) for the same budget.

 If maximizing visible impact per dollar is your priority, moissanite is the clear winner. If owning a stone with the same chemical composition as a diamond matters to you, a lab grown diamond delivers that with substantial savings over a mined stone.

Ethical and environmental impact

Concerns around moissanite vs diamond ethics have driven many consumers toward lab-created alternatives, and for good reason.

  • Mined diamonds

    Traditional diamond mining has well-documented environmental and ethical challenges, including land disruption, high water and energy usage, carbon emissions, and in some regions, associations with conflict financing ("blood diamonds").
  • Lab grown diamonds

    Produced entirely in a controlled laboratory environment, lab grown diamonds require no mining. They have a significantly lower environmental footprint than mined diamonds, though the energy used in the HPHT and CVD processes should be noted. When produced using renewable energy sources, the environmental impact is minimal.
  • Moissanite

    Moissanite is also created entirely in a lab, with no mining required. The production process is energy-efficient relative to lab grown diamonds, and the technology has been refined over decades. Moissanite is one of the most environmentally friendly gemstone choices available.

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are conflict-free by nature.

Which is better for an engagement ring?

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds make exceptional engagement rings, but the right choice depends on your priorities.

Choose moissanite if:

  • Value is your priority. You get a large, dazzling stone at a price that allows you to invest in a beautiful setting or a higher carat weight.
  • You love that extra rainbow fire and want a stone that turns heads.
  • You want a certified, ethically produced gemstone with excellent long-term durability.
  • You want to maximize your budget without compromising on beauty.

Choose a lab grown diamond if:

  • You want a stone that is chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond.

  • The symbolic association with "diamond" matters to you or your partner.
  • You prefer a classic, white-brilliance sparkle over moissanite's colorful fire.
  • You want an IGI-certified stone with strong secondary market recognition.

At Lecaine Gems, both stones are set in 18k gold or platinum, crafted with the same level of care and artisanship. Our bespoke service also allows you to design a completely custom ring around either stone.

Pros and Cons

Moissanite

Pros

Cons

Extremely affordable, best value per carat

More colourful fire may not suit all tastes

Outstanding brilliance and fire

Not chemically identical to a diamond

9.25/10 Mohs, making it highly durable for daily wear

Some diamond testers may flag as "inconclusive"

100% lab-created, conflict-free and ethical

Lower resale value than diamonds

Available in a wide range of cuts and sizes

 

 

Lab Grown Diamond

Pros

Cons

Identical to mined diamond in every measurable way

More expensive than moissanite

10/10 Mohs, making it the hardest gemstone on Earth

Price has been declining, with lower long-term resale value

IGI certified for complete transparency

The ethical advantage over moissanite is minimal

Classic, traditional diamond brilliance

Smaller carat size for same budget vs moissanite

Conflict-free and significantly lower impact than mined

 

 
Explore Our Collection at LeCaine Gems

Whether you choose moissanite or a lab grown diamond, LeCaine Gems offers a curated collection of fine jewelry crafted to the highest standards. Our stones are set in 18k gold and platinum, and our bespoke service allows you to create a completely custom ring tailored to your vision. Visit us or explore our full collection online.

Not sure where to start? Browse our Cuts & Shank Designs guide, our Ring Settings guide, or contact our team to book a private consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you tell moissanite and lab grown diamonds from natural diamonds?

To most people, moissanite and lab grown diamonds appear extremely similar to natural diamonds. Without specialized tools, it can be difficult for the average person to spot the difference simply by looking at the stone.

Although these gemstones differ in their chemical structure and optical properties, the distinctions usually become noticeable only under professional examination. Gemologists typically rely on specialized equipment to analyze factors such as light refraction, sparkle pattern, and hardness to accurately distinguish between the stones.

2. Are moissanite and lab grown diamonds certified?

Yes, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds can be certified. Certification provides assurance that the gemstone has been evaluated and documented by a recognized authority. These reports typically include important grading details such as carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality.

At LeCaine Gems, our moissanite stones are certified by reputable third-party laboratories and are also backed by our own authenticity guarantee. Our lab grown diamonds are IGI-certified, ensuring that each stone meets recognized gemological standards.

Every jewelry purchase from LeCaine Gems also comes with an Authenticity Certificate and a Payment Receipt, providing additional verification of the piece and the materials used.

3. Should I choose moissanite or lab grown diamond?

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are ethical and sustainable alternatives to mined diamonds. They are excellent options for buyers who want beautiful gemstones without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining.

While the two stones share several visual similarities, their compositions and light performance differ slightly. Identifying these differences often requires trained professionals and specialized equipment.

Ultimately, the choice depends on personal priorities such as budget, sparkle preference, and whether having a gemstone with the same composition as a natural diamond is important to you.

Choose moissanite if:
- You want to maximize value and stay within a more flexible budget. - You prefer a larger center stone without significantly increasing the overall cost.
- You enjoy the distinctive fiery sparkle that moissanite produces under light.
- You appreciate a gemstone that offers excellent durability while remaining highly affordable.

Because moissanite typically costs significantly less than lab grown diamonds, buyers often have the flexibility to choose a larger carat size or a more intricate jewelry setting for the same budget.

Choose lab grown diamond if:
- You prefer a gemstone that has the same chemical composition and structure as a natural diamond.
- You want the classic brilliance and prestige associated with diamonds.
- You value having a gemstone that is graded and certified using traditional diamond standards.

4. Do moissanite and lab grown diamonds pass the diamond tester?

Diamond testers typically measure a gemstone’s thermal conductivity. Because diamonds conduct heat very efficiently, this measurement allows the tester to identify whether a stone behaves like a diamond.

Lab grown diamonds will register as genuine diamonds on a diamond tester because they share the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds. Moissanite, however, has different thermal characteristics. While some older testers may occasionally give inaccurate readings, modern testers are designed to distinguish between moissanite and diamonds.

5. Where can I buy jewelry with moissanite and lab grown diamonds?

At LeCaine Gems, you’ll find a wide selection of beautifully crafted jewelry featuring both moissanite and lab grown diamonds. Our collection includes custom-made designs created with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the brilliance of the gemstone while maintaining timeless elegance. Set in premium 18k gold or platinum, our moissanite engagement rings are especially popular among couples seeking both beauty and value.

Our bespoke jewelry service also allows customers to design personalized pieces tailored to their preferences. From selecting the gemstone to choosing the ring setting, every detail can be customized to create a meaningful, one-of-a-kind design.