Lab-Grown Diamonds · Moissanite ·

Are Lab Grown diamonds And Moissanite The Same?

At first glance, lab grown diamonds and moissanite may appear similar. Both are brilliant, affordable alternatives to mined diamonds. But are they truly the same?

In short: No. Lab grown diamonds and moissanite are not the same. They differ in composition, brilliance, durability, and value.

Let’s explore the nuances of each stone and help you choose which one best suits your vision.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond—pure carbon crystalized in a lab instead of deep in the earth. It has the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as a mined diamond. That means it has identical sparkle, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), and brilliance.

At PHD Jewelers, our lab grown diamonds are GIA- or IGI-certified, hand-selected for exceptional beauty, and available in a wide range of cuts and sizes. They’re ideal for those seeking timeless elegance with modern sophistication.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made of silicon carbide, not carbon. While it resembles a diamond in shape and shine, it’s a completely different stone. It was first discovered in a meteor crater—giving it a space-age allure—but what you’ll find in jewelry today is man-made.

Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear. It also boasts an even higher refractive index than diamonds, which means more fire, sparkle, and rainbow-like flashes under light.

Can Moissanite Be Mistaken for a Diamond?

Yes—to the untrained eye, moissanite can look like a diamond. However, professional jewelers and gemologists can spot the difference almost immediately based on brilliance, luster, and double refraction.

Some diamond testers can even mistake moissanite for a real diamond due to similar heat conductivity. That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted jeweler like PHD Jewelers, where expertise and advanced testing ensure full transparency and trust in your purchase.

Key Differences Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite

To the naked eye, they may seem similar—but a closer look reveals noticeable differences. Here’s what sets them apart:

1. Composition

  • Lab Grown Diamond: Pure carbon, identical to natural diamonds.

  • Moissanite: Silicon carbide, a different gemstone altogether.

2. Brilliance

  • Lab Grown Diamond: Classic white sparkle, subtle and crisp.

  • Moissanite: Intense fire with colorful rainbow flashes—some find it too much for daily wear.

3. Durability

  • Lab Grown Diamond: 10/10 Mohs—scratch-resistant and heirloom-worthy.

  • Moissanite: 9.25/10 Mohs—very strong but slightly less resistant to scratches.

4. Price

  • Lab Grown Diamond: More affordable than mined diamonds, but pricier than moissanite.

  • Moissanite: Significantly lower in cost than lab grown or natural diamonds.

5. Appearance Under Light

  • Moissanite tends to show more double refraction and sparkle in prismatic colors.

  • Diamonds (lab or mined) show more precise, clear light return—what we traditionally associate with “diamond sparkle.”

How to Tell Them Apart

While casual observers may not spot the difference immediately, trained jewelers and gemologists can distinguish lab grown diamonds from moissanite using tools—or even the naked eye under the right lighting.

Here’s how you can spot the difference:

  • Color flashes: Moissanite shows more rainbow-colored fire than a diamond.

  • Facets: Diamonds reflect light sharply, while moissanite may appear “softer” or more “glassy.”

  • Weight: Moissanite is lighter than a diamond of the same size.

  • Heat and electrical testers: These tools can differentiate stones with accuracy.

For peace of mind, always purchase your gemstone from a trusted jeweler like PHD Jewelers, where expertise and gemological precision guide every sale.

Can They Be Used Interchangeably?

Yes—but with caveats.

You can choose either a lab grown diamond or a moissanite as the center stone in an engagement ring, necklace, or pair of earrings, but it’s important to understand what you gain and what you give up.

When Interchangeable:

  • Budget flexibility: Moissanite offers a dazzling look at a fraction of the price.

  • Everyday wear: Both stones are durable enough for most jewelry types.

  • Custom designs: Both fit beautifully into the same ring settings.

When Not Ideal:

  • Matching side stones: Moissanite and diamonds sparkle differently, so pairing them side by side often looks mismatched.

  • Heirloom value: Lab grown diamonds hold more appraisal potential and resale value.

  • Certification & grading: Lab grown diamonds come with trusted grading reports. Moissanite usually does not.

What Each Stone Is Best For

Lab Grown Diamonds:

  • Engagement rings with legacy in mind

  • Anniversary jewelry

  • Custom heirloom designs

  • Clients seeking authentic diamond brilliance

Moissanite:

  • Larger-look engagement rings on a budget

  • Everyday fashion rings or travel jewelry

  • Alternative bridal styles

  • Those who love high sparkle and color flashes

Discover Both Stones at PHD Jewelers

At PHD Jewelers, we believe in informed decisions and timeless elegance. That’s why we proudly offer both lab grown diamonds and moissanite, so you can choose the stone that fits your moment, your style, and your budget.

Need help deciding? We invite you to visit our showroom and view stones side-by-side, speak with our expert jewelers, and use our Ring Builder Tool to bring your idea to life.

PHD Jewelers

379 W Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041

Call us at (610) 679-9191

Email: Sales@phdjewelers.com

Discover your perfect diamond—or moissanite—with PHD Jewelers.

Share your love story with us using #PHDMoments.

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