People often look for diamond substitutes that are similar to diamonds promise rings for couples but at a cheaper price. This rising demand has led to the popularity of lab-made diamonds as well as moissanite alternatives, which look similar to diamonds but are more affordable. Are you looking to learn the differences between lab-made diamonds and moissanite? Learn everything you need before purchasing matching jewelry.
How Do diamonds couple necklaces form?
Natural diamonds form slowly, in the Earth’s mantle between 80 and120 miles beneath the surface. The process is long and complex, and takes place in very specific conditions. As carbon is continuously exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures, it forms diamonds. When volcanoes explode, diamond-containing rocks rise to the surface.
What are Lab Created Diamonds (lab created diamonds)?
Lab-grown diamonds, however, are not found under the Earth's surface. The high temperatures and pressures are replicated to make man-made diamonds. Lab diamonds are often a question asked by many people. But this is far from the truth.
Their chemical composition is the same as the real thing. However, they are created in the lab and not under the Earth. A lab-made stone will have the same fire, sparkle and radiance as a diamond that is formed naturally. You cannot tell the difference unless someone has told you that it is a lab-made diamond.
Do lab-created diamonds have any value?
The value of lab-grown diamonds is subjective, and it depends on your budget and preferences. Although the resale price of lab grown diamonds is similar to that of mined ones, it's still important to keep in mind that investing in either may not be wise. The value of diamonds usually depreciates over time, unless it is a rare or large stone. Lab grown diamonds may be an affordable alternative to natural stones, but they are best viewed as a purchase made for the beauty and meaning of them, rather than as an investment.
Are Lab Created Diamonds Perfect?
Not quite. Like naturally mined stones, lab-grown diamonds may also have imperfections. The same is true for lab-grown diamonds and those mined out of rock. They are both made from the same substance, so they have the same vulnerability for inclusions. These can cloud a diamond's transparency. Whether they're mined or lab grown, diamonds can be graded by the same four Cs: cut, color, and clarity.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite has been a popular diamond alternative in jewelry because it is so affordable. Moissanite carries a rich history of symbolic meaning.
Like diamonds, the moissanite gemstone is made not from carbon but silicon carbide. You can also find moissanite in nature, but it is more commonly grown in laboratories. Natural moissanite can be extremely rare. It is also formed as tiny crystals. Natural moissanite is therefore not ideal for jewelry.
Can you tell the difference between Moissanite or Diamond?
Most definitely! Many people choose moissanite for its similarity to diamonds. But the differences between the two can be easily seen by those with discerning eyes. Remember that diamonds come from carbon.
Moissanite comes from silicon carbide and is therefore different in both composition as well as physical characteristics, including color, brilliance and strength. You'll see that the diamond sparkles more than moissanite when you compare them side-by-side.
It has a more "colorful", or dispersion, sparkle. This dispersion is what gives moissanite its sparkle, which reminds one of fireworks. The effect is more noticeable when the stones are larger.
Moissanite also has a double refractive property, unlike diamonds that are only reactive. This means the stone reflects light in a doubled way, just like how zircon and other gemstones refract light. It is almost as hard a diamond. The hardness rating of 9.25/10, instead of 10/10, makes it nearly as tough as the gemstone.
Both diamonds and moissanites can be made or found in a wide variety of colors. Most moissanite jewellery was yellowish in color. More recently, the material is made to look brilliant and bright. The options for colored moissanite are plentiful, and it is a good choice for personal pieces.
Color changes in moissanite may occur at high temperatures. Although these color changes are usually not permanent, they can last for a long time. You should never leave your jewelry inside a hot vehicle!
You now know the difference between diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. What about moissanite against them?