

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 |
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.