Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond: Which Should You Choose?

Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are the two most popular choices for modern fine jewellery. Both sparkle beautifully and both are hard enough to wear every day, but they are not the same stone. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first found in a meteorite crater, and today it is created in a laboratory. Moissanite is known for its fire: it splits light into flashes of rainbow colour even more than a diamond does.

What is a lab-grown diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It is made of carbon with the same crystal structure as a mined diamond, so it has the same hardness, sparkle and chemistry. The only difference is where it was formed: in a laboratory instead of deep in the earth. Lab-grown diamonds are graded with the same 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat) as natural diamonds.

Side by side

• Hardness: diamond is 10 on the Mohs scale; moissanite is 9.25. Both are excellent for daily wear.
• Sparkle: moissanite shows more colourful fire; a diamond shows a crisper white brilliance.
• Price: moissanite usually costs the least, lab-grown diamonds cost more, and natural diamonds cost the most.
• What it is: moissanite is its own gemstone; a lab-grown diamond is a diamond.

Which one is right for you?

Choose moissanite if you want maximum sparkle and the best value, especially for larger stones. Choose a lab-grown diamond if you want a real diamond at a gentler price than a mined one. And if a natural diamond matters to you, it is still available on request.

Not sure? Message us with the design you like and we will show you the price for each stone so you can decide with confidence.