Understanding Lab Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds offer consumers a “real” diamond, possessing the same chemical makeup, optical qualities, and physical characteristics as natural diamonds. Made of carbon, just like natural diamonds, they are indistinguishable in composition.
The creation process of lab grown diamonds mimics that of natural diamonds; the main difference is that natural diamonds form in the Earth’s crust, while lab diamonds are synthesized in a controlled laboratory environment. This involves subjecting carbon to extreme temperatures and pressures to form diamonds.
Similar to natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are assessed on color, cut, carat, and clarity scales. These criteria significantly influence the grading and quality of the diamond.
| Natural Diamonds | Lab Grown Diamonds | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Formed in the Earth over millions of years | Grown in laboratories over a few weeks | Produced in labs over weeks |
| Made of carbon | Made of carbon | Made of silicon carbide |
| Mix of color and clarity based on growth | Mix of color and clarity based on growth | Higher color and clarity due to manufacturing in a lab |
| Up to $6000 for a quality 1-carat diamond | Up to $2000 for a quality 1-carat lab diamond | Up to $600 for a 1-carat moissanite |
| 10 on the hardness scale | 10 on the hardness scale | 9.25 on the hardness scale |
| 2.417 – 2.419 refractive index | 2.417 – 2.419 refractive index | 2.65 – 2.69 refractive index (reflects more colors than diamonds) |
Defining Moissanite
Moissanite is a near-colorless gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Naturally occurring moissanite is exceedingly rare, so the moissanite sold commercially today is laboratory-made. Despite being nearly as hard as diamonds and cut similarly, moissanite presents a stunning alternative to natural or lab grown diamonds.
When choosing moissanite, consider the 4Cs.
- Carat: Moissanite is roughly 15% lighter than diamonds. Prices are based on the gem’s size in millimeters, unlike diamonds, which are priced by carat weight.
- Color: Moissanite is graded on a color scale akin to the GIA diamond color grading system, available in colorless (D-E-F range), nearly colorless (G-H-I range), and faintly colored (J-K range).
- Clarity: Clarity varies from FL to I3. While inclusions in moissanite with higher clarity can only be seen under intense magnification, lower grades like I3 may show inclusions visible to the naked eye.
- Cut: The cut should enhance the fire, sparkle, and brilliance. A well-cut stone allows more light to play within and adds value to the gem.
Lab Diamonds vs. Moissanite: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a comparative analysis of lab diamonds and moissanite:
- Appearance: Both lab diamonds and moissanite appear similar, making it difficult for anyone but experts to tell them apart.
- Sparkle: Due to varying faceting patterns, moissanite displays a distinctive type of brilliance, showcasing fiery rainbow flashes. In contrast, lab grown diamonds reflect light in more complex ways, contributing to their famed sparkle.
- Refraction: With different refractive indices (moissanite: 2.65-2.69, lab diamonds and natural diamonds: 2.42), each stone demonstrates unique types of brilliance.
- Durability: Lab created diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite’s hardness is 9.25, denoting both gemstones as highly durable.
- Color: Lab grown diamonds have a varied color spectrum similar to natural diamonds. The moissanite color scale parallels the GIA diamond grading system, although not officially used to grade moissanite.
- Price: For a nearly colorless 1-carat gem, anticipate paying around $5,500 for a natural diamond, roughly $1,800 for a lab-created diamond, and approximately $500 for moissanite.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite
Lab grown diamonds offer several benefits, extending beyond affordability:
- Durability: With a 10 on the Mohs scale, lab grown diamonds are as robust and resistant to chipping as natural diamonds. Moissanite’s hardness of 9.25 also ensures longevity.
- Ethical sourcing and conflict-free: The origins of lab grown diamonds and moissanite can be tracked, unlike most natural diamonds.
- Environmental impact: Lab created diamonds and moissanite are more eco-friendly, reducing the extensive environmental damage caused by diamond mining.
- Cost: Both options are significantly more cost-effective compared to natural diamonds, with moissanite being even more affordable.
Although lab grown diamonds and moissanite boast abundant benefits, there are some drawbacks. Unlike naturally rare diamonds, they don’t hold the same long-term value. Moissanite sparkles differently than lab grown diamonds, and while lab grown diamonds are harder, each gemstone presents unique characteristics. Remember to evaluate them based on the 4Cs to find the best fit for you. For any queries, experts are available to assist via chat.
