Any jewel can enhance your look ten times with its bling and cut. Be it a gemstone or lab-generated diamonds and moissanite, its mere existence can elevate your outfit in no time.
If you want an alternative to naturally occurring gemstones and diamonds, you may already be acquainted with moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. Those for stones that do not require hours of mining will find these options quite alluring, mainly because they are cost-effective.
However, some things could be improved when choosing between these three broad categories of jewels. The following article illustrates the leading differences that make each unique and popular. Please give it a thorough read to ease picking between lab diamonds, moissanite, and other gemstones.
Lab Diamond, Moissanite, and Gemstones
Lab diamonds, also known as lab-grown or lab-made, are made in a laboratory instead of forming naturally. Physically, chemically, and aesthetically, lab-grown diamonds are similar to mined diamonds since they are created from natural diamond seeds. There is no chemical distinction between a lab-grown diamond and a mined one; both are composed of pure carbon.
Moissanite exists naturally but can also be created in labs with a similar look to diamonds but a different chemical composition. It is a popular alternative to diamonds, offering a similar look at a more affordable price. It is also a more environmentally friendly option since it is lab-created rather than mined from the earth.
On the other hand, gemstones are colorful natural stones mined from the environment with a higher value and durability. A gemstone is a mineral, rock, or organic material cut and polished for use in jewelry or other decorative purposes.
Some popular gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. Different gemstones have distinct properties, colors, and meanings and, thus, are associated with specific occasions or cultural traditions.
Differences Among Lab-Created, Moissanite, and Gemstone
Before you decide on a stone, we highly recommend that you know the primary differences among your best options to make an informed decision.
At first glance, a mined stone, lab-created diamond, and moissanite appear identical; only an expert can distinguish between them. Yet, if you compare a moissanite to a lab-grown diamond, you will find tiny distinctions between the two.
Moissanite is more brilliant than natural and synthetic diamonds. Moissanite stones have a high refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, whereas diamonds have a refractive index of 2.45. In contrast to the white brilliance of a diamond, moissanite has a beautiful rainbow shimmer. Notably, while natural gemstones are highly durable and less prone to damage, their bling is subtler than lab-created and moissanite stones.
Moissanite and laboratory-grown diamonds are available in near-colorless and colorless hues. The grades for colorless diamonds are D, E, and F, whereas the near-colorless or faintly yellow ones are G, H, I, and J. The price of a diamond increases as its colorlessness goes higher up the ladder.
Near-colorless moissanite is comparable to D, E, and F diamonds and has a warmer tone; colorless moissanite is equal to D, E, and F diamonds and is white and transparent. Furthermore, moissanite is also available in yellow, cyan, gray, and green.
In one sense, the answer to the question "Is a lab-grown diamond superior to moissanite?" would be "yes." Since lab-grown diamonds have a Mohs hardness rating of 10, they may be the best option if durability is essential for you. This characteristic is what makes diamonds highly alluring.
Moissanite is the second hardest gemstone after diamonds, with a Mohs scale rating of 9.25 to 9.50. This implies that it will not become easily scratched or foggy with daily use and conveniently meets all requirements for a "forever" stone.
Clarity comparisons between moissanite, lab-grown, and diamond may seem fruitless to the inexperienced eye. As a result of the extreme temperatures and pressures used to create them, most diamonds have inherent defects. Depending on the imperfection, the stone's brilliance may be diminished.
Hence, if you choose a diamond, ensure it is "eye-clean" so imperfections cannot be seen with the human eye. But, with Moissanite, you need not worry about defects. All moissanite stones are flawless to the naked sight and may contain only minute faults. Their clarity is comparable to that of a .
The former will always be more affordable when comparing moissanite to lab-grown diamonds in terms of cost. Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than genuine diamonds, but they can still be costly, especially for those on a limited budget.
Moissanite stones produced in a lab are significantly less expensive and give virtually the same brilliance and durability as diamonds. Given its impeccable quality and affordable costs, moissanite is unquestionably a steal.
Admittedly, gemstones can be expensive, given their process of production and originality. Therefore, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can always opt for a lab-grown diamond or a stunning moissanite without compromising quality or shine.
