Lab-grown diamond or moissanite is a question of preference, not right or wrong.
Both are beautiful, durable, and able to be worn every day. The difference lies in what you value most in your stone. This guide has been designed to help you make that choice with clarity.
Our Gemstones
At TMC, we are proud to offer an exquisite selection of laboratory-grown gemstones, sourced from ethical origins. As bespoke jewellers, we prioritise sustainability, crafting heirloom pieces you'll cherish forever. Our commitment to lab-grown gemstones (moissanite and lab-grown diamonds) reflects our dedication to sustainable practices with minimal impact on the planet.
But what exactly sets moissanite and lab-grown diamonds apart, and which is the right choice for your heirloom piece?
Let’s explore the unique characteristics of each…
Moissanite: The Ethical Diamond Alternative
Celebrated for its distinctive sparkle, the moissanite gemstone is the highest quality diamond alternative. It is renowned for its exceptional durability, captivating brilliance, and compelling affordability.
Composition
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, a material that occurs as a naturally occurring mineral in the earth’s crust but is incredibly rare in nature. All moissanite used in fine jewellery is laboratory-grown, ensuring a sustainable and mining-free origin, compared to natural moissanite.
Durability and Hardness
One defining feature of moissanite is its impressive durability, with a hardness rating of 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the toughest gemstones available, second only to diamonds. This exceptional hardness means moissanite can withstand daily wear, making it a wonderful choice for engagement rings and other jewellery.
Sparkle and Brilliance
Moissanite has a distinctive sparkle with remarkable fire and brilliance. When light hits its surface, moissanite produces vibrant rainbow flashes, giving it a breathtaking, radiant appearance sure to catch the eye.
Affordability
Compared to lab diamonds, moissanite offers a more budget-friendly alternative, typically priced between $1,200.00 and $5,000.00+, depending on the size and cut.
Who Should Choose Moissanite?
Moissanite is perfect for someone seeking an ethical, affordable, and high-quality diamond alternative.
Learn more about Our Signature Moissanite.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Real Diamond with Ethical Origins
A laboratory-grown diamond is chemically and optically identical to a mined diamond. They are one and the same - real diamonds. Grown in a laboratory environment, lab-grown diamonds offer the beauty of a real diamond without impacting the planet.
Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds, identical in every way to mined diamonds. They are cut, polished, and graded in the same way, making them a timeless choice for engagement rings. Our lab-grown diamonds are D or E in colour, with VS1-VVS1 clarity or higher, ensuring a level of brilliance that is truly breathtaking.
Composition
Created from pure carbon in advanced laboratory settings, lab-grown diamonds reflect the beauty of tradition without the environmental toll of mining. There are two common techniques laboratories employ to grow lab diamonds. The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) methods.
Affordability and Accessibility
Lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than mined diamonds. Choosing a lab-grown diamond allows you to enjoy the quality and beauty of a larger diamond without the high price tag associated with mined diamonds.
Who Should Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
A laboratory-grown diamond is ideal for someone who desires a real diamond with ethical origins.
Learn more about Our Lab Diamonds.
Making Your Choice: Moissanite or Lab-Grown Diamond?
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer unique qualities that make them exceptional choices for your forever rings. Moissanite provides unparalleled sparkle at an affordable price, while lab-grown diamonds offer the timeless beauty of a real diamond with minimal impact on our beautiful planet.
No matter which gemstone you choose, rest assured that both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are exceptional choices for your engagement ring.
Explore our Signature Range to find the perfect precious gemstone for your heirloom piece.
