Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Examine the differences between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamond to learn how to select the gemstone that is right for you.

What is Moissanite

Moissanite is created in a laboratory and is made up of silica and carbon. Natural Moissanite particles have been synthesised to produce a pure and scintillating gemstone.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-Grown Diamonds are the same as a mined diamond however they are made in a laboratory. There is no chemical difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond: they are both crystal clear carbon.

Both moissanite and lab-grown diamond are grown in controlled environments using advanced technology, therefore no mining is needed to produce them, resulting in traceable and ethical origins.

	Moissanite	Lab-Grown Diamonds
Durability	Moissanite gemstones are a 9.2 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them one of the hardest minerals on earth.	Lab-Grown Diamonds are the hardest known mineral and sit at a 10/10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Brilliance	Moissanites display a different kind of brilliance than diamonds, as their internal facets are different. The fiery rainbow emitted by moissanites are dazzling, however sometimes moissanite’s heightened brilliance can create a ‘discoball’ effect, especially in sunlight.	Lab-grown diamonds reflect light in 3 different ways. The white light eflected back from deep within the stone is called brilliance, while the rainbow of colours refracted through the diamond is referred to as ispersion. The surface sparkle of a diamond is known as scintillation.
Colour	At Cullen Jewellery all our moissanite stones are graded for colour by falling in to one of 3 grading categories. Yellow tinted: J-K Slightly Colourless: G-I Colourless: D-F	Lab-grown diamonds have a more spicific grading system than moissanites, with each individual stone given a specific colour grading.
Price	Moissanite is significantly more affordable than a lab-grown diamond of the same size. Moissanite gems typically vary on price based on grading.	Lab-grown diamond prices vary greatly based on shape, carat, cut, colour and clarity. Lab-created diamonds are more affordable than mined diamonds.
Sourcing	Moissanites are an appealing option for those seeking an eco-conscious gem stone as they are lab-created.	We go above and beyond to offer laboratory formed diamonds that are ethically grown and selected for their environmentally conscious origins.

Universal Benefits

Sustainable

Value

Durable

We recommend that you ask to try on your prefferred ring style with both a moissanite and lab diamond centre stone during your appointment. Additionally, seeing different cuts, clarities and colours in person will help you become familiar with all the options that are available to you. This way you can be more informed and feel confident in your decision.

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Lab-Grown Diamond FAQs

Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are just as real as mined diamonds.

With the exact same optical, chemical, thermal and physical properties, the only difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds is their origin. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments that produce the same pressure and heat conditions that form mined diamonds in the earth's crust.

Lab-grown diamonds are completely different to diamond simulants. Simulant diamonds are manufactured to look like a real diamond, but are made from totally different materials. The most well-known simulant is cubic zirconia (CZ) which is a crystal form of zirconium oxide. Lab-grown diamonds are made from actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure - making them 100% real diamonds!

A lab-grown diamond has the same chemical and physical properties as a diamond while a simulant is made of a different material, designed to simply mimic the appearance of a diamond. One of the most well-known simulants is cubic zirconia which is made from a soft substance called zirconium dioxide. Simulant diamonds will not have the same longevity as real diamonds and will need to be replaced every few years. Lab-grown diamonds are just diamonds, with their origins being the only distinguishable difference. Lab and mined diamonds are both made of pure carbon and hold a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. A lab-grown diamond will last just as long as a mined diamond.

The only difference between a mined diamond and a lab diamond is their origin. Mined diamonds are formed in the Earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure and then mined from the ground. Lab diamonds are grown under the exact same conditions as mined diamonds but within a laboratory setting - removing the need for mining. With the exact same chemical, physical and optical properties, the only real difference is that mined diamonds are mined and lab grown diamonds are not. This makes lab diamonds the ethical, eco-friendly and sustainable choice.

Moissanite FAQs

Moissanite is worth buying for its lasting beauty, cost-effectiveness and conflict-free origins. As a lab-created stone, moissanite involves no mining and its origins can be easily traced, making this a sustainable choice of gemstone. Moissanite is significantly lower in price than diamonds of the same size and quality, allowing you to purchase your dream ring for a fraction of the price! With a high clarity grade and a hardness rating of 9.25-9.5 (second only to a diamond at 10), your moissanite stone is extremely durable and will retain its sparkle throughout everyday wear. At Cullen Jewellery, we are so sure of this that we provide a lifetime warranty to guarantee the lasting brilliance, colour and clarity of your gorgeous gemstone. Read more

Yes, moissanite will pass a diamond tester. Moissanite and diamonds conduct heat in very similar ways, and since diamond testers measure thermal conductivity, moissanite passes as a diamond. A specific Moissanite tester that uses electrical conductivity can be used to distinguish the difference between a moissanite and a diamond. However, the easiest way to differentiate between a diamond and moissanite is to use a loupe to look through the top of the jewel at an angle. Moissanite stones will show two slightly blurred lines, indicating a double refraction – this is moissanite’s unique attribute. Read more

Moissanite is not a fake diamond, but a real, beautiful gemstone in its own right. Although often compared to a diamond for its similar appearance, moissanite is a lab-created stone with high clarity, hardness and fire. Unlike cubic zirconia, which is a man-made stone used for fake diamonds, moissanite is extremely durable and is suitable for a lifetime of everyday wear. The dazzling sparkle and lasting beauty of moissanite makes it the perfect alternative for customers who want a look similar to a diamond without the expensive price tag or questionable ethics. Read more

Absolutely not! Due to its diamond-like appearance, many people believe the misconception that moissanite is a fake diamond when it is in fact a high quality, beautiful gemstone in its own right. Moissanite is becoming an increasingly popular choice of stone in engagement rings due to its dazzling beauty, durability, ease of customisation and affordability. Read more

While moissanite has a diamond-like appearance, it is not a fake diamond and is in fact a beautiful, unique gemstone. When light hits a moissanite ring, the surface of the stone sparkles with a rainbow, almost disco ball effect. This makes moissanite more vibrant than a diamond, but it is not to the point of looking fake. The sparkle and fire of moissanite is what attracts moissanite lovers and here at Cullen Jewellery, we say the more sparkle the better! Read more

No, moissanite does not lose its sparkle. Due to its superior hardness, clarity and refractive index, moissanite will remain bright and sparkly forever. Over time, oils and dirt can build up on the surface of your stone but this can be easily cleaned away either by a professional or at home. At Cullen Jewellery, we guarantee your moissanite’s lasting brilliance, clarity and colour with a lifetime warranty – so you never have to worry about your moissanite losing its shine! Read More