Diamond vs Moissanites: Which Fits Your Choice Best

Understanding Lab Created Diamonds

Lab created diamonds are real diamonds made in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth. They have the same chemical structure, hardness, and appearance as natural diamonds. The main difference lies in their origin. These diamonds are grown using high pressure and high temperature methods or chemical vapor deposition. For you, lab created diamonds provide an opportunity to own a diamond that is visually and physically identical to a natural diamond at a lower cost. You can also choose diamonds with higher clarity and color without paying premiums associated with mined stones.

Why Choose Lab Created Diamonds

You may be considering lab created diamonds because they offer practical benefits:

• Lower cost compared to natural diamonds
• Environmentally friendly production
• Consistency in quality and availability
• Fewer ethical concerns around mining

For example, if you want a 1-carat diamond with D color and VS1 clarity, a lab created diamond can be up to 40 percent less expensive than a mined diamond with the same specifications.

Comparing Diamond vs Moissanites

Many people compare diamond vs moissanites when deciding which stone to buy. The main differences are in brilliance, hardness, and price.

• Brilliance: Moissanites often appear more sparkly than diamonds in certain light, but their sparkle is slightly different from the subtle fire of a diamond.
• Hardness: Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest naturally occurring material. Moissanites rank 9.25, which is still very durable but more prone to scratching.
• Price: Moissanites are generally much cheaper than both natural and lab created diamonds.

If you are looking for a diamond experience without paying top market prices, lab created diamonds are closer in look and feel to mined diamonds. Moissanites are a good alternative if price is your primary concern.

How Lab Created Diamonds Are Made

Lab created diamonds use two main methods:

• High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method mimics natural diamond formation by applying extreme pressure and heat to carbon.
• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This technique grows diamonds layer by layer from a carbon-rich gas in a vacuum chamber.

Both methods produce diamonds that are chemically identical to mined diamonds. The choice of method affects factors such as color and size availability.

Evaluating Quality in Lab Created Diamonds

You can assess lab created diamonds using the same criteria as natural diamonds:

• Cut: A well-cut diamond reflects light evenly and maximizes brilliance.
• Color: Lab diamonds range from colorless to near colorless, similar to natural diamonds.
• Clarity: Lab diamonds often have fewer inclusions than mined diamonds, making high-clarity stones more accessible.
• Carat: Lab created diamonds come in a wide range of sizes.

For example, a 0.75-carat lab created diamond can offer a higher clarity grade than a mined diamond in the same price range.

Cost Considerations

Lab created diamonds are typically 20 to 40 percent less expensive than natural diamonds. This allows you to buy a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget. You can also consider the total cost of ownership, which includes settings and insurance. Since lab created diamonds are chemically identical, resale value may differ from mined diamonds, so factor that into your decision.

Where to Buy Lab Created Diamonds

You can buy lab created diamonds from jewelry stores, online retailers, and specialized diamond sellers. When purchasing:

• Check for certification from reputable labs
• Compare prices and specifications
• Consider return and warranty policies

For example, online retailers often provide detailed grading reports and 360-degree views of the diamond to help you make an informed choice without visiting a store.

Caring for Lab Created Diamonds

Lab created diamonds require the same care as mined diamonds:

• Clean regularly using mild soap and warm water
• Store separately to avoid scratches
• Have settings checked periodically by a jeweler

This ensures your diamond maintains its brilliance and longevity for years.

FAQ

Are lab created diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, they are chemically, physically, and visually identical to natural diamonds.

Do lab created diamonds lose value?

They hold value less than mined diamonds due to market perception, but they offer cost savings upfront.

Which is better, diamond vs moissanites?

It depends on your priorities. Diamonds offer traditional value and hardness. Moissanites provide sparkle and lower cost. Lab created diamonds give you the closest experience to natural diamonds at a better price.