DEF Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: A Comprehensive Guide

When shopping for fine jewelry, particularly engagement rings, two stones often come up in conversation: moissanite and lab diamonds. Both of these options are ethically sourced, affordable alternatives to natural diamonds, but how do they compare when it comes to beauty, durability, and value? In this detailed guide, we’ll compare DEF Moissanite and Lab Diamonds, breaking down everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral made of silicon carbide. Though it was first discovered in a meteor crater by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893, natural moissanite is incredibly rare. As a result, nearly all moissanite stones used in jewelry today are lab-created.

Features of Moissanite

• Hardness: Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest gemstones available, second only to diamonds.
• Brilliance: Moissanite is renowned for its incredible brilliance, thanks to its higher refractive index compared to diamonds. This means it reflects more light and can sparkle more intensely than a diamond.
• Color: Moissanite stones typically come in three primary colors: colorless (DEF), near colorless (GHI), and faintly colored (JKL). DEF Moissanite refers to stones with the most desirable color range, being completely colorless, just like high-quality diamonds.
• Price: Moissanite is considerably more affordable than diamonds, which makes it an appealing choice for buyers on a budget.

What is a Lab Diamond?

A lab diamond, also known as a man-made diamond or cultured diamond, is a diamond that is created in a laboratory environment using the same carbon crystallization process that forms natural diamonds deep within the Earth. Lab diamonds are real diamonds—they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their mined counterparts.

Features of Lab Diamonds

• Hardness: Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest known material.
• Brilliance: Lab diamonds possess the same brilliance as natural diamonds, which means they reflect light in much the same way, offering stunning sparkle and fire.
• Color: Lab diamonds are available in a range of colors, from colorless to light yellow or brown. The most popular diamonds for engagement rings are in the colorless to near colorless range (D-G).
• Price: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds but are more expensive than moissanite. The price is still a fraction of what you would pay for a mined diamond, making lab diamonds a popular choice for engagement rings.

Key Differences Between DEF Moissanite and Lab Diamonds

1. Appearance

One of the most noticeable differences between DEF Moissanite and lab diamonds is their appearance, particularly their brilliance and sparkle.

• Brilliance: Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) compared to diamonds (2.42), which means that it reflects light more intensely, resulting in greater sparkle. Some people find that moissanite exhibits more fire (rainbow-colored flashes) compared to diamonds, especially in brighter lighting. However, others prefer the more subtle sparkle of a diamond.
• Cut: Both moissanite and lab diamonds can be cut into various shapes, including round, oval, princess, cushion, and emerald cuts. A well-cut stone of either type will maximize its brilliance. However, the difference in sparkle between the two types of stones may be more noticeable in certain cuts, like the round brilliant, where moissanite’s fire is more pronounced.
• Color: DEF Moissanite stones are colorless and can appear nearly identical to colorless diamonds, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a white, clear gemstone. Lab diamonds also come in colorless options, but many will have a slight warmth (especially in the G-J color range). If you are particularly sensitive to color, DEF Moissanite may be a better option if you want a stone that appears completely colorless.

2. Durability

When it comes to durability, both moissanite and lab diamonds are impressively tough, but they differ in their overall strength.

• Moissanite: With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is tough and can withstand everyday wear. It’s highly resistant to scratches and will keep its shine for many years. However, it is not as scratch-resistant as diamonds.
• Lab Diamond: Lab diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds and rank a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes them the most durable gemstone you can buy, impervious to scratching or damage from normal wear. Lab diamonds are an ideal choice for engagement rings and other everyday jewelry.

3. Price Comparison

One of the most significant reasons people turn to moissanite and lab diamonds is their price. Both options are less expensive than natural diamonds, but moissanite is generally the more affordable choice.

• DEF Moissanite: On average, moissanite costs about 10% to 20% of the price of a comparable diamond. The savings can be substantial, making it an attractive option for those who want a large stone at a fraction of the cost.
• Lab Diamonds: Lab diamonds typically cost between 30% to 50% less than natural diamonds, depending on the size and quality of the stone. While they are more expensive than moissanite, they are still an excellent choice for those who want the look of a real diamond without the high price tag.

4. Ethics and Environmental Impact

Another key difference between moissanite and lab diamonds is their environmental impact and ethical considerations.

• Moissanite: Moissanite is lab-created and requires fewer resources to produce than diamonds. It does not contribute to the environmental destruction associated with diamond mining, making it a highly ethical and sustainable choice. Furthermore, moissanite does not involve the exploitation of workers, which is a concern with some mined diamonds.
• Lab Diamonds: Like moissanite, lab diamonds are created in a controlled environment and have minimal environmental impact compared to traditional diamond mining. The process of creating lab diamonds is energy-intensive, but it does not result in the environmental damage caused by large-scale mining operations. Additionally, lab diamonds are conflict-free, ensuring that no unethical practices are involved in their production.

5. Resale Value

One aspect of diamond ownership that many buyers consider is resale value. When it comes to resale, diamonds (whether natural or lab-grown) tend to hold more value than moissanite.

• Moissanite: Moissanite does not hold its value as well as diamonds. As it is not a rare gemstone, its resale value is typically much lower than that of a diamond. However, this doesn’t detract from its appeal as a cost-effective, beautiful option for those who don’t plan to sell their jewelry.
• Lab Diamonds: Lab diamonds have a resale value, though it’s still not on par with natural diamonds. The market for lab diamonds is growing, and while they hold more value than moissanite, the resale price will still be lower than a natural diamond’s.

6. Popularity and Perception

While both moissanite and lab diamonds are growing in popularity, there is still a distinction in how the two are perceived.

• Moissanite: Some people may not be as familiar with moissanite as they are with diamonds, and as a result, may not recognize its brilliance or beauty. However, for those who know the difference, moissanite is an excellent alternative to diamonds. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its affordability and stunning appearance.
• Lab Diamonds: Lab diamonds are becoming increasingly accepted in the jewelry world, with many people opting for them as an ethical and affordable alternative to mined diamonds. Lab diamonds are a great choice for those who want a true diamond but at a fraction of the price of a mined stone.

Which One is Right for You: DEF Moissanite or Lab Diamond?

Choosing between DEF moissanite and a lab diamond ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and values. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

• If you want a more affordable option: DEF moissanite offers an incredible sparkle and beautiful appearance at a fraction of the price of a lab diamond.
• If durability is your top priority: Lab diamonds are the most durable gemstone available and will withstand daily wear for a lifetime.
• If you are concerned about environmental and ethical issues: Both moissanite and lab diamonds are sustainable and conflict-free, making them ethical choices. Moissanite may be a slightly more eco-friendly option due to its lower production cost and minimal impact on resources.
• If resale value matters to you: Lab diamonds retain more value than moissanite, so if you plan to sell your jewelry in the future, a lab diamond may be a better option.

Conclusion

Both DEF moissanite and lab diamonds are beautiful, ethical, and affordable alternatives to mined diamonds. Whether you choose moissanite for its incredible brilliance and value or a lab diamond for its durability and authenticity, you can be sure that you’re making an excellent choice. By understanding the differences between these two gemstones, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect stone for your engagement ring, fine jewelry, or other special occasion.

No matter your decision, both stones will shine bright for years to come, offering you a timeless reminder of your love and commitment.