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The simplest difference: a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, while moissanite is a different gemstone that looks similar. Both are beautiful and both are far more affordable than mined diamonds — but they are not the same stone. Here is how they compare, honestly.
Key takeaways
- A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond (pure carbon); moissanite is silicon carbide — a different gem.
- Diamond is the hardest material (Mohs 10); moissanite is very hard too (9.25).
- Moissanite has more 'fire' — stronger rainbow flashes — which some love and some find too much.
- Moissanite is the cheaper of the two; a lab-grown diamond costs more but is a genuine diamond.
- Choose moissanite for a budget look-alike; choose a lab-grown diamond when you want a real diamond at far below mined prices.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made of silicon carbide. Naturally occurring moissanite is vanishingly rare (first found in a meteor crater), so virtually all jewellery moissanite is made in a lab. It is a brilliant, durable stone — and a legitimately beautiful choice — but it is a diamond simulant, not a diamond.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond — pure crystallised carbon, grown in a lab rather than the earth. It is a real diamond in every sense. For how they are made see CVD vs HPHT, and how they compare to mined in lab-grown vs mined.
Every centre diamond is Triple Excellent, D–E, VVS and at least three carats — the hard calls are made for you.
Design your ringLab-grown diamond vs moissanite, side by side
| Lab-grown diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Real diamond (carbon) | Silicon carbide (simulant) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 (hardest) | 9.25 |
| Brilliance / fire | Balanced diamond brilliance | More fire (rainbow flashes) |
| Colour | Graded D–Z; can be truly colourless | Near-colourless; can warm in larger sizes |
| Certification | IGI / GIA, on the 4Cs | Manufacturer, not diamond-graded |
| Price | More — but a real diamond | Least expensive |
How they look
Side by side, moissanite throws noticeably more coloured 'fire' — flashes of rainbow that some adore and others find reads slightly less like a diamond, especially in larger sizes and bright light. A lab-grown diamond has the balanced white-and-coloured sparkle people picture when they think 'diamond'. Neither is wrong; it is a matter of taste.
Durability
Both wear well for everyday rings. Diamond is the hardest known material at Mohs 10; moissanite is close behind at 9.25 — both far above everyday risks. For a lifetime ring, either will last, with diamond the most scratch-resistant of all.
Which should you choose?
If your priority is the lowest price for a sparkly white stone, moissanite is excellent value. If you want a real diamond — the actual stone, with diamond's look and an independent diamond certificate — at a fraction of mined prices, a lab-grown diamond is the answer. Montare works only in real, certified lab-grown diamonds, held to one standard: D–E, VVS1–VVS2, Triple Excellent, three carats minimum, IGI certified.
Design your ring in minutes. Every centre diamond is D–E colour, VVS clarity, Triple Excellent cut and at least three carats — IGI certified, made to order in Toronto.
Open the ring builder →Frequently asked questions
Is moissanite a diamond?
No. Moissanite is silicon carbide, a separate gemstone that resembles a diamond. A lab-grown diamond, by contrast, is a real diamond.
Can you tell moissanite from a diamond?
Often, yes — moissanite shows more rainbow fire, especially in larger sizes and bright light. Specialised testers distinguish them instantly.
Which is more durable, diamond or moissanite?
Both are very durable. Diamond is the hardest material at Mohs 10; moissanite is 9.25. Either suits everyday wear.
Which is cheaper, moissanite or lab-grown diamond?
Moissanite is the least expensive. A lab-grown diamond costs more but is a genuine, certified diamond — and still far below mined prices.
Prefer a real diamond? Build one in the ring builder or book a consultation.
The Montare standard
Lab-grown · D–E colour · VVS clarity · Triple Excellent · 3ct minimum · IGI certified
Every ring is made to order in Toronto and backed by our lifetime setting upgrade, with free, fully insured shipping.
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