Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite & Other Natural Diamond Substitutes
People looking for alternatives to mined stones often inquire about lab-grown diamonds. These white, colourless gems can be somewhat reminiscent of natural diamonds. Generally people ask us which is better: Moissanite vs lab-grown diamond ? How are they different? Both are excellent options for an engagement ring. However, it is essential to understand the similarities and how they compare against other colourless gems to make the right decision.
Comparison of Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite : What Do They Have in Common?
Laboratory-grown diamonds can be grown from carbon dioxide molecules in a laboratory using cutting-edge technology to produce extreme heat and pressure. This technology reproduces the natural process of growing diamonds. This technology creates an artificial diamond with all the same chemical and physical properties as a naturally mined diamond.
Because they match each other chemically and physically, lab-grown diamonds can be called natural diamonds. They will still be more affordable because they were grown in controlled conditions in a laboratory and did not need to be extracted from the ground or moved through a long supply chain.
Lab-grown diamonds undergo the same quality control as mined diamonds. They are cut and polished following the same procedures as mined diamonds. The Mohs Hardness Scale still rates lab-grown diamonds at a 10, and they have the same composition as naturally mined diamonds. Clients often ask if it is possible to tell a lab-grown diamond apart from a natural-mined diamond. The answer is no. The two species are identical if you don’t have a loupe to identify the lasered diamond inscription.
Henri Moissan, a French scientist, discovered Moissanite. The meteorite that hit Earth created a crater in Arizona containing particles of the gem. Natural moissanite, composed of silicon carbide, is extremely rare due to its extra-terrestrial origin.
Today’s moissanite was synthesized successfully for production. It is now lab-build. Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite can be seen in person, but they have very different chemical compositions.
Moissanites can be as hard as lab-grown diamonds and score a 9.25 on Mohs Hardness Scale. we can wear it every day because of its hardness . Moissanite is more reflective than lab-grown diamonds, which allows them to shine with a different type of brilliance. It is often brighter and more intense, with fiery, rainbow-coloured flashes. This effect is especially noticeable in large stones and sunlight.
A moissanite’s grading system is entirely different. With the help of 4Cs anyone can decide the grade of mined diamonds. Moissanites, however, are graded based on colour because the clarity of moissanite is almost perfect. Premium will be the highest quality, falling within a G-H range and Super Premium within a D-F scope. Moissanites are one of the most affordable options for simulating diamonds. Their price will depend on their size and the variance between Premium and Super Premium.
What about Cubic Zirconia,
Cubic zirconia is another well-known simulant of diamonds. It’s also know as a CZ. Cubic zirconia, a synthetic form of zirconium dioxide, is an alternative to lab-grown diamonds. It has a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. The faceted edges of the stone will become rounder with time due to wear and polish.
The synthetic process that makes cubic zirconia clearer is what makes it so unique. Although it is usually colourless and is equivalent to D diamond colour grades, cubic zirconia can fluoresce under UV light with a yellowish or beige glow.
Cubic zirconia has the most significant advantage of any diamond simulant. The downside is its hardness and long-term durability. With continued wear, any fire or sparkle will naturally fade.
Cubic zirconia does not make a good choice for engagement rings. Mainly the use of Cubic Zirconia is in fashion jewelery but we will not recommend it for the jewelry with long life expectancy They are not an option for engagement rings.
What about white sapphire?
Many white sapphires can be use as substitutes for diamonds. They are the colourless sapphire gem. Therefore, they share many of the same characteristics as sapphires but have a few more differences than diamonds.
White sapphires, rated nine on Mohs Hardness Scale, are durable and a good choice for engagement rings. These sapphires are rarer than other natural sapphires, as they don’t contain any trace minerals that can create colour in the stones – which is what happens to all different shades of sapphires.
But, sapphires are more problematic than lab-grown diamonds because of their inclusions. Because of the mineral corundum, which is what sapphires are made from, and because of its crystal structure and formation process, inclusions can be pretty standard. The inclusions in coloured sapphires can enhance the stone’s appearance. The opposite is true for white sapphires. Finding a white sapphire that is easy on the eyes is crucial, so you don’t lose its brilliance.
A white sapphire can appear milky or cloudy when compared to lab-grown diamonds. This is because white sapphires lack scintillation, the rainbow-like arrays of colors given off by diamonds, which are not present in white sapphires.
This is the most significant benefit of a white sapphire in terms of price over a lab-grown one. Like all other diamond alternatives, white sapphires will be more affordable and durable.
In our opinion, white sapphires are not a long-term option that we find attractive for engagement rings. White sapphires can become dull with daily wear and must be clean frequently. Although they may appear to be a better option, their appearance will likely disappoint.
What about white topaz?
White topaz is another popular alternative to diamonds. Despite this, white topaz often uses diamonds in engagement rings. White topaz is, like sapphires and other topaz varieties, the purest form of topaz. It lacks any mineral impurities that can produce colour.
White topaz is a natural gem and may have some internal imperfections. A white topaz will appear more transparent than white sapphire and may have an almost glassy appearance. It is essential to choose a stone that is easy on the eyes. This will give you a crystal clear appearance with sparkle.
White topaz is cubic zirconia and has a Mohs Hardness Scale of 8. it is easy to chip and scratch. White topaz’s susceptibility to high temperatures is another characteristic. This stone’s colour and sparkle will gradually fade due to accumulated scratches.
White topaz is a special price when it comes to pricing. An increase in size will typically result in a lower price. A larger white topaz will have more imperfections, which can affect its brilliance and colour. The stone’s dulling will become more evident as it ages.
Conclusions about Viable Substitutes for Mined Diamonds
Although there are many options for colourless, similar to diamond-like gemstones and replacements, there are only two viable alternatives to naturally mined diamonds. These are lab-grown diamond vs moissanite. These stones can withstand everyday wear and still retain the beauty of a naturally mined diamond.
A lab-grown diamond is a beautiful choice for your engagement ring. It has a low cost and minimal impact on the environment. Moissanite can provide perfect clarity in a beautiful artificial gemstone. Whatever your preference, finding the stone that makes your ring sparkle is essential.
Also you can check How to Clean Moissanite Ring