What's the difference?
Let's take a look at the key differences including durability, brilliance, and costs
between lab created Diamonds, Moissanite, and Sapphires so you can make the choice that is best suited for you and your ring!
This image showcases the 3 different lab grown stones in solitaire ring settings. Can you guess which one is the diamond, moissanite, and sapphire?
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite, referred to as a diamond simulant, is engineered to give the illusion of similarity to diamonds, but is compositionally and visually quite different from a real diamond.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal made from silicon carbide that is used as a less expensive alternative in jewelry and engagement rings.
It was first discovered in 1893, when a scientist, Henri Moissan, found diamond-like particles from a meteorite that hit the earth and formed a crater.
After many years of trial and error, the particles Moissan discovered were successfully synthesized to produce what is now one of the world’s most scintillating gemstones, Moissanite. Which is why natural Moissanite is incredibly rare. Most Moissanite on the market today is man-made.
What is Lab Created Sapphire?
A lab sapphire is not a fake gemstone; it is formed using an expedited process in a laboratory instead of forming over many, many years in a natural mine.
There's the misconception that "lab-created" means "fake" or "simulated" but the fact of the matter is that natural gemstones and lab-grown ones have the same chemical and physical properties and are ultimately composed of the same organic minerals.
The core difference between natural and lab-created gems, is that a natural gem originates within the earth and is mined from the earth, while a lab-created gem is carefully engineered in a laboratory during an expedited time period using the same mineral components as natural stones.
What is a Lab Created Diamond?
Lab diamonds (also known as lab created diamonds) just like mined diamonds, are made from carbon. They are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that duplicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they form in the mantle, beneath the Earth’s crust.
These lab created diamonds consist of actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Since they are made of the same material as natural diamonds, they exhibit the same optical and chemical properties.
The process for grading lab grown diamonds is the same as traditional diamonds and focuses on the cut, clarity, carat, and color of each gemstone. The cut is responsible for the brilliance of the diamond, and arguably the most important factor. Clarity refers to the appearance and lack of cracks and defects. When referencing clear diamonds, the lack of color makes a higher grade. Finally, carat is the measure of the diamond's size and weight. Each diamond is examined carefully and assigned a quality rating.
Now Let's Compare
We will now look at the key differences including durability, brilliance, color, and costs between Lab Grown Diamonds, Moissanite, and Sapphires!
Which one should I choose?
There is no wrong answer! Hopefully this post provides some helpful information and opinions about each one. Now it's up to you to decide whether a diamond, a moissanite, or a white sapphire will fit your lifestyle, budget, and ring design best. If you have any additional questions please don't hesitate to email our team directly at info@stagandfinch.com. We are always happy to give our own personal opinions for a particular design!