What’s the Difference Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds might both be made in a lab, but that’s where the similarity ends. One is a diamond in every scientific sense; the other is a brilliant diamond lookalike made from a completely different material.

Quick Breakdown:

• Moissanite = Lab-created silicon carbide, fiery rainbow sparkle, lower cost
• Lab-Grown Diamond = Lab-created real diamond, identical to mined diamonds
• Moissanite offers bold fire; lab diamonds offer classic brilliance
• Lab diamonds are harder, more durable, and certified by gem labs
• Moissanite is more affordable but holds less long-term value

At Mikado Diamonds, we offer both, but more importantly, we help you cut through the confusion so you can choose the one that feels right.

Keep reading to find out which stone best matches your values, vision, and budget.

What Are Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Moissanite: A Sparkly Simulant

Moissanite might look like a diamond at first glance, but it’s not one, not chemically, not structurally, and definitely not in how it plays with light. Originally discovered in meteorites, moissanite is made of silicon carbide and is now grown in labs for jewelry use.

Its biggest visual signature? Fire. And lots of it.

That high dispersion (tech term for how it bends light) gives it a “disco ball” effect some people love, and others find a little too much, especially under certain lighting or in vintage-style yellow gold settings.

While it's often marketed as a diamond alternative, it’s really its own stone entirely, affordable, durable, and undeniably flashy. And for couples looking for big sparkle on a tighter budget, it’s become a go-to.

Helpful Resource -> Is Moissanite a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Lab-Grown Diamond: A Real Diamond, Just Made Differently

Here’s the thing a lot of people still don’t realize: lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. Chemically, physically, and visually identical to the ones formed in the earth.

They’re grown using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods, both of which replicate the natural diamond-forming process in a controlled environment.

Lab diamonds have the same hardness (a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale), the same brilliance, and the same grading criteria as mined stones. When you buy a lab diamond from Mikado, you’ll get a GIA, IGI, or GCAL report, just like you would with a natural diamond.

The only difference? Where it comes from, and how much it costs. And that difference can be a game-changer for couples who want a stunning, high-quality diamond without the inflated price tag or ethical baggage.

Let’s break down how these stones compare, side by side.

Helpful Resource -> Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?

Side-by-Side Comparison: Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

When people ask me about the difference between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, this is usually the moment they go, “Ohhh.” Because side by side, the differences get really clear.

Here’s how they stack up:

Sparkle & Brilliance: Which Looks Better?

This one comes down to personal taste and how your eye responds to sparkle.

Lab-grown diamonds have the classic white brilliance that most people associate with a diamond engagement ring. 

It’s elegant, clean, and timeless. Moissanite, on the other hand, gives off a higher refractive sparkle. Think rainbow flashes, more fire, more pop, especially under direct lighting.

Some people fall in love with that rainbow shimmer. Others find it too flashy or “fake-looking,” especially in vintage settings or under warm lights. 

Durability & Daily Wear

Lab diamonds are the hardest material on earth, 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes them ultra-durable for daily wear, heirlooms, and active lifestyles.

Moissanite is still incredibly tough (9.25 on the Mohs scale), and much better than cubic zirconia or other lookalikes. You won’t scratch it by accident, and it won’t chip easily.

But over decades of wear, diamonds do tend to hold up just a bit better.

Ethical & Environmental Impact

For many couples we work with, the “what” of the stone matters, but the “how” matters just as much. Choosing an engagement ring isn’t just about beauty anymore; it’s about values.

Here’s how moissanite and lab-grown diamonds stack up when it comes to ethics and sustainability.

Moissanite: Lower Energy Use, But Less Transparency

Moissanite is often marketed as the more eco-friendly choice. And on the surface, that makes sense; it doesn’t require large-scale mining or the energy-intensive conditions of lab diamond production. But there’s a catch most brands don’t mention.

The vast majority of moissanite on the market is mass-produced overseas, primarily in high-output factories. And while the energy use may be lower per stone, the supply chain is almost completely opaque.

There’s no standard certification process, no origin traceability, and no third-party oversight to confirm production ethics or environmental standards.

It’s not to say moissanite isn’t a conscious choice, but if transparency matters to you, there’s still a gap here.

Lab Diamonds: Disrupting the Old Diamond Narrative

Lab-grown diamonds are a massive step forward.

Unlike mined diamonds, which can involve environmental disruption, worker exploitation, and complicated geopolitical supply chains, lab-grown diamonds offer a clean, conflict-free alternative with a clear trail from lab to finger.

While they require significant energy to produce, many labs now use renewable energy or are transitioning toward it.

And unlike moissanite, most lab-grown diamonds are certified by independent bodies like GIA or IGI, giving you full transparency into origin, quality, and process.

We believe lab-grown diamonds are the future. They're proof that you can have beauty, ethics, and enduring value in one stunning stone. And in a world that’s finally rethinking outdated diamond rules, that’s a pretty powerful thing.

Price & Value: What You Really Get for Your Money

Let’s talk numbers, because no matter how romantic this process is, budget matters. Whether you're planning a surprise proposal or choosing a ring together, understanding what your money actually buys is key to feeling confident and proud of your choice.

Upfront Cost

The first thing most people notice? The price difference.

Moissanite is dramatically more affordable than lab-grown diamonds, often by 60–90%. You can get a 1.9-carat moissanite ring for around $1,300. A comparable lab-grown diamond of the same size and quality? Closer to $6,000.

That’s a huge difference, especially for couples saving for a wedding, a home, or just trying to be smart with their money. And for many, moissanite delivers enough sparkle and presence to make it worth the tradeoff.

But price is just part of the equation. The value conversation runs deeper.

Long-Term Value

Lab-grown diamonds hold value better over time. While they may not match the resale potential of natural diamonds, they can be appraised, insured, and resold on the secondary market. You’re buying a certified gemstone with intrinsic worth.

Moissanite? Not so much. It’s nearly impossible to resell for meaningful value, and it’s rarely accepted by traditional appraisers or insurers in the same way diamonds are.

Which One Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, this isn’t a battle between right and wrong; it’s a question of what matters most to you. Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are beautiful, ethical, and durable stones.

The key is choosing the one that aligns with your style, priorities, and story.

Choose Moissanite If…

• You want big sparkle without a big price tag
• You’re comfortable with a non-diamond gemstone and love that rainbow fire
• You’re shopping for a travel ring, a temporary option, or a creative piece outside the traditional engagement ring mold

Moissanite can be a fun, bold, practical choice. Just be sure you love it for what it is, not what it’s trying to imitate.

Choose Lab Diamond If…

• You want the classic diamond experience without paying for the mined version
• You care about long-term value, durability, and certified quality
• You like knowing exactly where your stone came from, and that it can be appraised, insured, and passed down

Lab-grown diamonds offer everything people love about mined diamonds, without the markup or the mystery. We see more and more couples embracing this shift, not as a compromise, but as a smarter, more intentional choice.

Final Thoughts: Beauty, Budget, and What Actually Matters

There’s no universal “right” answer when it comes to choosing between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, just the right fit for your love story.

At Mikado Diamonds, we offer both options because we believe you deserve to see and understand every path before making a decision. But more importantly, we promise to be real with you. No upselling, no pretending one stone can be everything to everyone.

We’re here to give you the clarity you need to choose confidently, whether that’s the dazzling rainbow fire of moissanite or the timeless brilliance of a lab-grown diamond.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just a ring. It’s a symbol of something bigger. And it should feel just as true and lasting as the commitment behind it.

Let’s Find Your Perfect Stone

Still deciding between moissanite and lab-grown diamond? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book a pressure-free consultation with a Mikado expert, and we’ll walk you through your options, answer every question, and help you find a ring that feels exactly right.

✨ Explore our Lab-Grown Diamond Collection

✨ Interested in Moissanite Options?

Because no matter what you choose, your ring should reflect you. Let’s create something meaningful together.