Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Rings
Lab created diamonds have risen in popularity in recent years as people are seeking out ethical engagement rings. It poses the question: What is the difference between moissanite rings and lab diamonds? Luckily enough, we have the lab grown jewellery experts from Lily Arkwright here to run you through the main differences between these two gorgeously similar gemstones because there’s a bunch!
To begin with, lab diamonds and moissanite are not the same gemstone but they do in fact share similar visual properties.
So what exactly is moissanite?
Moissanite is one of the world leading alternatives to gemstone but extremely rare to find, first discovered in 1893 by acclaimed French scientist Henri Moissan. He found traces of the moissanite gem in a crater in Arizona that was created by a meteorite that fell to Earth. The crystals in moissanite are composed of silicon carbide, and because of their origin, natural moissanite is incredibly rare. Moissanite is a rare and precious gemstone made of silicon carbide that works as a beautiful alternative to the traditional mined diamond engagement ring, and is a wonderful option in its own right.
With a striking similarity identical to a diamond, the brilliance of moissanite is reflected in its unbeatable ranking for durability, radiance, brilliance and colour.
What are lab diamonds?
There are no chemical, physical or visual differences between lab diamonds and mined diamonds, therefore the quality is still an amazing standard of UK fine jewellery. As the name suggests, lab diamonds are created in a lab through recreating the extreme temperatures and high pressures which occur in the Earth’s crust where natural diamonds form. 
There are no differences to be seen by the naked eye. You can be sure to receive the same fire and brilliance displayed in the finest of naturally mined diamonds.
Durability of moissanite and lab diamonds?
As lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds, they share the same chemical composition as natural diamonds which includes the hardness of the gemstone. It is common knowledge that diamonds are the hardness mineral on the planet and lab diamonds share the same score of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is used to measure the hardness of a mineral based on scratch resistance. Moissanite on the other hand is also extremely durable with a score of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making moissanite a perfect option for engagement rings, ideal for everyday wear.
Moissanite and lab diamonds are ethical and sustainable
Have you ever considered where your jewellery is sourced from? Conventionally, natural diamonds have always been used in traditional engagement rings. However, alternative engagement ring lab grown gems have been on the rise since consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of their purchases. Moissanite for jewellery is exclusively produced in a laboratory, this eliminates the need for mining. Therefore, the overall impact on the earth and communities is significantly reduced.
Due to the elimination of mining, it means that moissanite has a carbon footprint the fraction of the size of naturally mined diamonds. The same applies to lab diamonds, making them the perfect ethical and sustainable option for your lifetime ring!
Lab grown rings are affordable
If you opt for a lab diamond, you receive the exact same brilliant sparkle that natural diamonds have, for a fraction of the price because lab diamonds are roughly 30% less than a mined diamond.
However, if you’re seeking something slightly unique a moissanite stone choice is a great choice if you’re on a budget. Moissanite equates to roughly 90% less than a mined diamond making it the perfect option for price savvy newlyweds!
Want to learn more about lab diamonds?
If you are interested in booking a consultation or would simply like to learn out more about lab grown diamond, coloured gemstones or moissanite engagement rings or Lily Arkwrights lab grown collections, please call them on 0161 537 6773, alternatively you can email the jewellery consultancy team at hello@lilyarkwright.com.
Thanks to the Lily Arkwrights team for this really useful insight.
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