If you're shopping for an engagement ring on a budget, or simply want a big, bright center stone without the price of a natural diamond, you've probably narrowed it down to two options: a lab grown diamond or moissanite. They look similar at first glance, but they're very different materials with different strengths.
This guide compares lab grown diamonds and moissanite on what matters: what they are, how they look, how they wear, and how they're priced.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is silicon carbide. It occurs naturally in tiny amounts, but nearly all moissanite used in jewelry is created in a lab. It's not a diamond and it's not trying to be one chemically. It's its own gemstone with distinctive optical properties.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, crystallized carbon with the same chemistry and properties as a natural diamond, created in a controlled environment. See how diamonds are made.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Lab grown diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon (diamond) | Silicon carbide |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | About 9.25 |
| Sparkle | Classic diamond brilliance and fire | More colorful fire, "rainbow" flashes |
| Color | Graded on diamond color scale | Usually near-colorless; some show tints in certain light |
| Grading | 4Cs, lab reports available | Quality grades vary by manufacturer |
| Typical price | Higher than moissanite | Generally lower |
| Resale | Generally limited | Generally very limited |
Hardness and Durability
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, rating 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite is about 9.25, harder than sapphire and very durable for everyday wear. Both are excellent choices for an engagement ring. Diamond's edge in hardness means it resists scratches slightly better over decades of wear.
Sparkle: The Biggest Visible Difference
Moissanite has a higher refractive index and higher dispersion than diamond. In plain language, it throws more colorful flashes of light, sometimes described as "rainbow" sparkle. Some people love this. Others find it looks less like a diamond, especially in larger sizes and in bright sunlight.
Diamonds show a balance of white brilliance and colorful fire that many people recognize as the classic diamond look.
If you're deciding between the two, look at both in person, in different lighting.
Color
Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same color scale as natural diamonds. Moissanite is generally sold as colorless or near-colorless, but some moissanite can show slight yellow, gray, or green tints in certain lighting, especially in larger stones. Quality varies by manufacturer.
Price Factors
Moissanite generally costs less than a lab grown diamond of similar size. Lab grown diamond prices depend on the 4Cs. Moissanite prices depend on size, cut, and quality grade. Prices change over time, so compare current options side by side.
Value and Resale
Neither moissanite nor lab grown diamonds are typically purchased as investments. Lab grown diamonds generally have limited resale value. Moissanite resale value is typically very limited. If resale matters, consider a natural diamond.
Identification
Moissanite can be distinguished from diamond by gemologists. It can sometimes trigger standard "diamond testers" designed for thermal conductivity, which is why many jewelers use specific moissanite testers. Lab grown diamonds test as diamonds.
How They Look in Different Settings
- Solitaire - shows the stone's sparkle most clearly; moissanite's fire is especially visible.
- Halo - surrounding a moissanite center with small diamonds can create a visible contrast in sparkle.
- Bezel - protects either stone and minimizes differences.
- Yellow or rose gold - can mask slight tints in either stone.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a lab grown diamond if:
- You want a diamond, chemically and optically
- You prefer classic diamond sparkle
- You want a stone graded on the diamond color and clarity scale
- Maximum hardness matters to you
Choose moissanite if:
- You want the lowest cost for a large, bright stone
- You love colorful, fiery sparkle
- You're comfortable with a non-diamond center stone
Consider natural diamond if:
- Long-term value and rarity matter most
Care
Both are cleaned the same way: warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Both should be checked periodically for prong wear. See our jewelry care tips.
Custom Settings for Either Stone
Whichever you choose, a custom setting lets you design the ring around your stone. We'll recommend setting styles that complement the stone's sparkle and protect it for daily wear.
Compare Stones in Person in Mesa
Brilliant Jewelry is a fourth-generation, family-owned private jeweler at 1237 S Val Vista Dr Ste 204, Mesa, AZ 85204. We'll show you stones side by side, explain the differences honestly, and help you choose what's right for you. Browse engagement rings.
Book a free stone comparison consultation or call or text (480) 331-8652.