
At TMC Fine Jewellers, 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 cultured 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 and key differences 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, making it a standout choice for those seeking refined beauty with ethical appeal.
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 possesses a high refractive index, resulting in 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 is a more affordable option, costing a fraction of the price of lab diamonds or mined stones, ranging between $1,200.00 and $5,000.00+. Depending on the size and cut, for the same carat weight, a moissanite ring allows for a larger or more intricate design without compromising on quality or visual impact – so, you can have your dream ring, without exceeding a reasonable budget.
Who Should Choose Moissanite?
Moissanite is ideal for those who desire the highest quality diamond alternative that is ethical and attainable. If you’re looking for an alternative to diamond that retains beauty and durability, yet offers more sparkle with a more accessible price point, moissanite may be your perfect match.
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.
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.
Durability
With a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, lab-grown diamonds are the hardest known lab created gemstone, promising enduring strength and brilliance for a lifetime of wear.
Appearance
Our Signature Range of lab-grown diamonds are exquisite and hand selected. We choose to work with only the most superb lab diamonds that deliver on our commitment of quality, ethicality and affordability. Our lab diamonds are IGI and GIA certified diamonds and are D - F Colour, VS2-VVS1+ Clarity and Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry. Given the controlled growth methods, lab-grown diamonds are often higher quality and ensure a level of brilliance that is truly breathtaking, with fewer inclusions, and the brightest colour.
Affordability and Accessibility
Lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than mined diamonds. Typically priced up to 70% lower than natural 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.
Sustainability
Unlike their natural counterparts that require mining, lab-grown diamonds have a lower environmental footprint and are inherently conflict free. Lab-grown diamonds support a future of responsible luxury, reducing environmental and social impacts associated with traditional diamond mining.
Who Should Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
A laboratory-grown diamond is ideal for someone who desires a real diamond with ethical origins.
For those seeking the authenticity of a real diamond alongside environmental and ethical integrity, lab-grown diamonds are the perfect choice. They are cut, polished, and graded by esteemed laboratories including the IGI and GIA, making them a timeless choice for engagement rings.
Making Your Choice: Moissanite or Lab-Grown Diamond?
Your decision comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re drawn to the heritage and symbolism of a real diamond, choosing lab diamonds will deliver timeless beauty with a clear conscience. If intense brilliance, affordability, and sustainability are your priorities, moissanite may be the ideal match.
Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer unique qualities that make them exceptional choices for your forever rings.
Common Questions
Can Lab Diamonds Be Mistaken for Moissanite?
While they may appear similar at first glance, a trained eye will discern the difference; moissanite has more fire, while diamonds exhibit a classic, white-light sparkle.
What Are the Limitations of Moissanite?
Its vivid sparkle, though loved by many, may be too bold for those who prefer a subtler brilliance. Some may also favour the traditional status of a diamond, whether mined or lab-grown.
Are There Drawbacks to Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their mined counterparts. While they represent a more modern approach to diamond creation, and are slowly being embraced by jewellers around the world, they are already favoured by those who value innovation, sustainability, quality and transparency.
True beauty is built on integrity. We believe luxury should never come at the cost of the world around us. By championing moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, we honour the balance of timeless elegance and ethical innovation. Every piece we create carries the promise of a better choice — for you, and for the future.
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.