Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds & Moissanite – What’s the Difference?

Can you spot the real diamond? Read on to understand the differences between recycled diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite. (Find the answer to which stone is which at the bottom of this post!).

Gemstone comparison

If you’ve been searching for diamond engagement rings or jewellery, you’ve probably come across moissanite as an alternative to diamonds. But what is moissanite and why should you consider this gemstone instead of recycled or lab-grown diamonds?

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral first discovered by a French chemist, Henri Moissan. He found particles of the gem in a crater formed by a meteorite that fell to Earth in Arizona and had initially thought they were diamonds!  

Since natural moissanite is extremely rare, most moissanite today is lab grown. It has a very similar appearance to diamonds but is more affordable.

Why Buy Moissanite?

Whether you choose a diamond or moissanite will depend on your individual preferences and budget. But, if you are looking for a sustainable option, moissanite offers a great choice. Here’s why…

• Conflict Free – these lab-grown gemstones haven’t been mined (which damages sensitive eco-systems as well as the landscape) and are created with minimal environmental impact and should be fully traceable.
• Value – Moissanite is less expensive than both recycled, and lab-grown diamonds so offers great value for money.
• Durability – gemstones are measured on something called the Mohs Scale of hardness which assess a gem’s ability to withstand surface scratching. A diamond is the hardest known mineral and achieves a 10 on this scale. However, moissanite isn’t far behind, achieving a 9.25 rating still making it a suitable for everyday wear.
• Appearance – how light is reflected from the interior of a gem is known as ‘Brilliance’ and moissanite has a slightly different Brilliance when compared to diamonds which affects their appearance. Moissanite is known for its fiery rainbow flashes vs a diamonds ‘sparkle’.

Recycled Diamonds vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

While moissanite offers a great alternative to diamonds, you might have your heart set on the ‘real’ thing. Then comes the question of whether you choose recycled diamonds or lab-grown diamonds.

At Jacqueline & Edward, as ethical and sustainable jewellers, we only use recycled, or lab grown gemstones which are conflict free and have the least environmental footprint.

• Recycled diamonds have been previously mined and cut and are then re-purposed for use in new jewellery. These diamonds are sourced from estate sales, auctions, and other secondary markets. Recycled diamonds are considered a sustainable option as they don’t require new mining to extract them. 
• Lab grown diamonds, just like moissanite, is be grown in a lab using technology that replicates the natural process of diamond formation. Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds but are more affordable and more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds.

When choosing between recycled or lab grown diamonds or moissanite, it ultimately depends on your personal preference, your values as well as your budget. 

• Recycled diamonds are a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds and appeal to those who value reusing, upcycling, and reducing waste.
• Lab-grown diamonds are eco-friendly and completely conflict free (having never been mined) and appeal to those who are concerned about the environmental impact of diamond mining.
• Moissanite has the same appeal as lab-grown diamonds but will have a greater appeal to the cost conscious who have a tighter budget to work with.

Still unsure about the best option for an engagement ring or piece of jewellery? Visit our workshop where we’ll be happy to show you the comparison in appearance of each gemstone option. Book a visit to our workshop.

All our engagement rings and weddings rings can be made using either recycled diamonds, lab-grown diamonds or moissanite. Just select your preference once you have chosen your preferred style ring. All our jewellery is made from recycled gold, silver or platinum too, so you can be confident you’re making an ethical purchase.

Discover our engagement rings and diamond wedding rings.

So, which stone is a diamond, a lab-grown diamond and moissanite? Answer (from left to right) – moissanite, lab-grown, recycled diamond.