Moissanite vs. lab-grown diamonds
Two beautiful gemstones, each with its own character. Lab-grown diamonds offer the classic brilliance of diamond, while moissanite is known for its vivid rainbow sparkle. Both are available in our made-to-order jewelry, so the choice comes down to what you love.
What is the difference?
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds created in a laboratory. They have essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Moissanite is silicon carbide, a different gemstone with its own distinctive sparkle. Natural moissanite is exceptionally rare, so the moissanite used in jewelry is grown in a laboratory.
Both are genuine gemstones. Moissanite is not a diamond, and a lab-grown diamond is not an imitation diamond.
How they sparkle
Lab-grown diamonds display a balance of bright white brilliance, contrast and flashes of color. Their appearance varies with the shape, cut and lighting.
Moissanite produces more pronounced rainbow flashes, known as fire. This colorful sparkle can be especially noticeable in direct light and larger stones.
If you love the familiar look of diamond, a lab-grown diamond may be your preference. If you’re drawn to vivid, colorful sparkle, moissanite may be the one for you.
Durability for everyday wear
Diamond measures 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite measures approximately 9.25. Both are highly resistant to scratching and well suited to everyday jewelry.
Hardness does not make either stone indestructible. Both benefit from careful handling, regular cleaning and occasional checks of the setting.
Certificates and reports
Our lab-grown diamonds are supplied with an IGI or GIA report identifying the stone and its assessed characteristics.
Our moissanite is offered in D–E color and VVS clarity, accompanied by a Moissanite America jewelry certificate. This is our brand certificate, separate from an independent laboratory report.
Sizes and shapes
Our moissanite collection ranges from 1.00 to 5.00 carats, while our lab-grown diamond collection ranges from 1.00 to 4.00 carats.
Both are available in our offered gemstone shapes, with settings in solid 10K, 14K or 18K white, yellow or rose gold.
The same care in every piece
Whichever gemstone you choose, your piece is made to order, set by hand and carefully inspected before shipping.
Production takes approximately 10–14 business days, followed by around five days for delivery. We share photographs throughout the making process, and every piece carries the same guarantee and includes insured, tracked shipping at no additional cost.
Which gemstone is right for you?
Choose a lab-grown diamond if you want a diamond’s classic appearance, an independent laboratory report, or the meaning that the word “diamond” holds for you.
Choose moissanite if you love colorful fire or want to explore a larger stone within your budget.
Still deciding, or choosing a gift for someone else? Talk to us. We’ll help you compare the options and find a piece that feels right.
Side by side
| Moissanite | Lab grown diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Silicon carbide, its own mineral | Carbon, identical to a mined diamond |
| Fire (dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Hardness | Just below diamond, above every other gemstone used in jewelry | 10 on Mohs, the hardest there is |
| Comes with | Our certificate, D to E color, VVS clarity | IGI or GIA report |
| Carat range | 1.00 to 5.00 ct | 1.00 to 4.00 ct |
| Gold | Solid 10K, 14K or 18K | Solid 10K, 14K or 18K |
| Making | Made to order, up to six weeks | Made to order, up to six weeks |
How far each stone splits light
Dispersion is the measure of how far a gemstone separates white light into color. Higher means more colored fire. Neither number is better than the other.
Still deciding.
See them side by side, or ask us before you order.