Moissanite vs Diamonds

Moissanite, lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds can all create a striking piece. The right choice starts with knowing what you are buying.

Are moissanite and lab grown diamonds the same?

No. Moissanite is silicon carbide. Diamonds are crystalline carbon. A lab grown diamond is diamond made in a laboratory, while a natural diamond formed in the earth. They share the same crystal structure and nearly the same chemical, physical and optical properties.

Moissanite

A different gemstone

A durable diamond alternative made from silicon carbide. Choose it because you like the stone itself, its appearance and the complete piece.

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Lab grown diamond

Diamond made in a lab

Diamond with a laboratory origin. CVD and HPHT describe growth methods, not different gemstone species.

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Natural diamond

Diamond from the earth

Diamond with a natural origin. Ask about the individual stone’s characteristics and any available independent report.

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What about durability?

Diamond rates 10 on the Mohs scratch hardness scale; moissanite is approximately 9.25. Hardness measures resistance to scratching, not immunity to chips or damage. The setting, links and clasp also affect how a piece holds up.

How should you compare pieces?

  • Compare the whole piece. Check the metal, construction, stone size and setting, not just the gemstone name.
  • Look in different lighting. Compare the appearance in daylight and ordinary indoor light, rather than judging only from a bright display.
  • Ask what the paperwork confirms. A diamond grading report and a moissanite seller’s quality description are different things.
  • Check the dimensions. Millimeters help you judge visible size. Confirm whether a listed carat weight refers to one stone or the total across the piece.

Does VVS mean it is a diamond?

No. VVS is a clarity term used in diamond grading. Seeing VVS in a moissanite listing does not make the stone diamond or establish an independent diamond grade. Confirm the gemstone material and what documentation is available for that particular piece.

Choose the look you want

Start with the style you will enjoy wearing and a comfortable budget. Ask for a comparison with similar dimensions, metal and construction so you can understand what changes between options.

Start a custom jewelry inquiry or visit our Grand Prairie showroom near Dallas. Tell us your style, budget and how you plan to wear the piece.

Next: understand 10K, 14K and 18K gold · All jewelry guides

Educational references: GIA: diamond simulants and lab grown diamonds and GIA: diamond alternatives and hardness.