Choosing the perfect engagement ring is often a dream come true, but it can also be a daunting task. Add in concerns about budget and finding a stone that fits your vision, and the process may become even more overwhelming.

If you’ve started your search, chances are you’ve come across natural diamonds and their hefty price tags. For those seeking an affordable alternative without compromising on beauty, lab diamonds and moissanite are two excellent options worth considering.

Read on to explore the differences between these two stones and find out which one is the right choice for you.

What Are Lab Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, just like their mined counterparts, made from pure carbon. The main difference is that lab diamonds are created in an environmentally controlled lab setting, using tiny fragments of natural diamonds as a seed. This process replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form, offering an ethical and sustainable alternative.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite, often referred to as the “space diamond,” is a naturally occurring mineral that is incredibly rare in its pure form. The material used in most moissanite jewelry is lab-grown using silicon carbide. This creates an eco-friendly alternative that is gaining popularity due to its beauty and sustainability.

1. Quality

Both lab diamonds and moissanite are cultivated in controlled environments, which allows them to be free from the imperfections typically found in mined gemstones. The result is a high-quality stone with fewer inclusions and blemishes.

2. Brilliance

The most noticeable difference between these stones lies in their sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, which means it shines with more brilliance and fire than both natural and lab diamonds. Some shoppers love this extra sparkle, while others might find it too flashy, especially since moissanite can display a rainbow effect from certain angles. The effect becomes more pronounced as the stone's size increases.

In contrast, lab diamonds reflect light in a way that’s closer to that of natural diamonds, with a more subtle sparkle. This makes it harder to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from natural ones with the naked eye.

3. Color

Both moissanite and lab diamonds are available in various colors. Lab diamonds are graded using the same scale as natural diamonds, ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Moissanite, on the other hand, is not graded using the same system but is instead categorized by its color range (e.g., colorless or near-colorless).

At La More Design, we exclusively use the highest quality, colorless Forever One Moissanite by Charles and Colvard for our moissanite jewelry. Our lab diamonds also come with certification from trusted organizations like IGI or GCAL, ensuring superior quality for peace of mind.

4. Durability

Durability is a key factor when choosing a stone for everyday wear. Both lab diamonds and moissanite are incredibly strong. Diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, are the hardest gemstone on the Mohs scale, with a rating of 10. Moissanite ranks second, with a score of 9.25, which makes it harder than sapphire. Both stones are durable enough for daily wear, so either choice will hold up over time.

5. Price

Both moissanite and lab diamonds offer a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds. The price of natural diamonds can vary based on factors such as shape, cut, clarity, and carat weight. If you're looking for a diamond-like sparkle at a lower price point, moissanite is an excellent option, often costing significantly less than both natural and lab diamonds.

For instance, our tiara halo oval moissanite ring, priced around $2,600, offers the same style as a similar ring featuring a lab-grown diamond center stone, which would cost about $4,500. While lab diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds, moissanite remains a highly cost-effective choice.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the perfect stone for your engagement ring, it’s essential to know what you want. Both moissanite and lab diamonds offer beautiful, affordable alternatives to natural diamonds, each with its unique characteristics. Consider what matters most to you—whether it's brilliance, durability, or budget—and choose the stone that best fits your vision.