Article: Moissanite Or Lab Grown Diamonds
Moissanite Or Lab Grown Diamonds
Moissanite or lab grown diamonds, which to choose? Canadian buyers are asking this question more than ever. Both stones are lab created. Both offer strong durability. Both deliver impressive sparkle. The real difference comes down to cost, appearance, and what you value most in your jewelry.
If you are exploring moissanite engagement rings in Canada, statement moissanite necklaces, or bold moissanite bracelets, understanding the difference between moissanite and lab grown diamonds helps you make the right decision for your budget and style.
What Is the Difference Between Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds?
The biggest difference is chemical composition.
- Moissanite is made of silicon carbide.
- Lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, just like mined diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds. Moissanite is a different gemstone entirely. That difference affects sparkle, price, and light performance.
Visual Appearance
To the naked eye, both stones can look similar in many settings. The difference becomes noticeable in certain lighting conditions.
- Moissanite produces stronger rainbow fire.
- Lab grown diamonds show more traditional white brilliance.
Some buyers prefer the extra fire of moissanite. Others prefer the classic diamond look.
Cost Comparison in Canada
Cost is often the deciding factor. Lab grown diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds, but they are still significantly more expensive than moissanite.
Typical Pricing Differences
- A 1 carat lab grown diamond can cost several thousand dollars in Canada depending on grade.
- A similar size moissanite typically costs a fraction of that price.
This pricing gap allows moissanite buyers to:
- Choose larger stones
- Invest more in metal quality
- Purchase additional pieces such as bracelets or chains
Sparkle and Light Performance
Moissanite Sparkle
Moissanite has a refractive index of approximately 2.65 to 2.69. Diamond sits around 2.42. Higher refractive index often results in stronger brilliance.
Moissanite also has greater dispersion, which creates noticeable rainbow flashes under lighting.
Lab Grown Diamond Sparkle
Lab grown diamonds behave optically like natural diamonds. They produce a classic balance of white brilliance and subtle fire.
Durability and Strength
| Feature | Moissanite | Lab Grown Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Daily Wear Suitability | Very High | Very High |
| Impact Resistance | Strong | Strong |
Both stones are suitable for daily wear. For practical purposes, durability differences are minimal for everyday use.
Appearance Over Time
Moissanite does not get cloudy internally over time. Lab grown diamonds also maintain clarity. Any dullness usually comes from surface buildup and can be cleaned easily.
Both stones maintain long lifespan when properly cared for.
Common Objections
“Lab grown diamonds are more prestigious.”
Some buyers value the diamond label. Others prioritize value, size, and visible sparkle. Prestige is subjective.
“Moissanite looks fake.”
High quality moissanite does not look fake. Poor cut quality in any stone can reduce appearance.
“Resale value matters.”
Neither lab grown diamonds nor moissanite hold strong resale value compared to original purchase price. Jewelry should be viewed as a personal luxury, not an investment asset.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Moissanite If:
- You want maximum sparkle for your budget.
- You prefer larger stones at lower cost.
- You value strong shine and bold presence.
- You want versatility across multiple jewelry types.
Choose Lab Grown Diamonds If:
- You specifically want the diamond name.
- You prefer traditional diamond light performance.
- Budget is less of a concern.
Moissanite Across Different Styles
Moissanite performs exceptionally in bold designs where sparkle matters most. Explore our men’s moissanite rings for durable daily wear options.
For statement wrist pieces, browse our bracelet collection built for shine and sturdiness in Canadian conditions.
If you prefer neckwear, discover clean, high impact moissanite necklace styles designed for long term brilliance.
Why Canadian Buyers Are Choosing Moissanite
In Canada, rising costs across categories make value important. Moissanite offers strong sparkle, excellent durability, and significantly lower pricing compared to lab grown diamonds.
This allows buyers to focus on overall design, metal quality, and multiple pieces instead of allocating most of the budget to one stone.
FAQ
What is the main difference between moissanite and lab grown diamonds?
Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while lab grown diamonds are pure carbon. This difference affects sparkle and cost.
Which is more affordable in Canada?
Moissanite is typically much more affordable than lab grown diamonds for similar stone sizes.
Is moissanite durable enough for daily wear?
Yes. With hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is highly resistant to scratches and suitable for daily use.
Does moissanite sparkle more than lab grown diamonds?
Moissanite generally shows stronger rainbow fire, while lab grown diamonds produce more traditional white brilliance.
Which stone lasts longer?
Both stones have excellent lifespan and durability when properly maintained.
Final Thoughts
Moissanite versus lab grown diamonds, which to choose? For many Canadians, moissanite delivers stronger sparkle, lower cost, and comparable durability. Lab grown diamonds offer the diamond label but at a higher price point.
MOISS & ICE Canada focuses on premium moissanite jewelry built for shine, strength, and long term wear. If you want bold presence with smart value, MOISS & ICE Canada is your trusted Canadian source.
