Lab Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia - What's the Difference?
Lab-grown diamonds, Moissanite, and Cubic Zirconia.
These sparkling gems grace the fingers, necks, and wrists of many, yet the differences
between them can remain unclear to most.
Alluring and radiant, each of these three stones possess individual characteristics that make
them unique. The question is - how do they compare against each other?
What makes them
similar, and what makes them different?
In this article, we dive into each stone to learn about what they are, and what sets them
apart.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are known as synthetic or cultured diamonds. They share the same
physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
The only difference is that they’re created in a controlled environment. How?
With advanced technological processes like High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Using these processes, scientists are able to replicate
the conditions under which diamonds naturally form in the Earth’s mantle.
The HPHT method imitates the natural environment by applying extreme heat and pressure,
while the CVD method uses gas mixtures and controlled temperatures to ‘grow’ the diamond
layer by layer.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Real Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are just as real as diamonds mined from the earth. They offer the
same hardness, brilliance, and fire, but at a lower cost and with a more transparent
background.
This more transparent background is one of the major attractions of lab-grown diamonds.
If you’re someone who feels a bit uneasy about the various social and environmental
challenges associated with diamond mining, then a lab-grown Diamond might be a more
suitable alternative. Because diamonds are created in controlled environments, you can rest
assured that these concerns are often entirely eliminated.
With respect to costs, lab diamonds are usually 70 - 80% less expensive than natural diamonds
because the process of creating them is more efficient and cost-effective than the process of
mining them. This means that with these lab-grown diamonds, you get much more value for
your money compared to their mined counterparts
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia are gemstones that are manufactured to look like diamonds. While they do
occur naturally, they are incredibly rare to find in nature.
These stones are made of synthesised crystalline material, unlike natural diamonds which
are formed over billions of years deep underground.
The creation of cubic zirconia usually involves the use of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) crystals,
which are melted and stabilised with other elements to form the clear, brilliant stones we see
in jewellery. The hardness of CZ falls on 8.5 on the Mohs scale, which is softer than both
diamonds and moissanite, which are 10 and 9.25 on the scale, respectively.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is referred to as a diamond simulant because it’s engineered to give the illusion
of a diamond while being chemically different.
Like cubic zirconia, moissanite is a gemstone that can rarely be found in nature, so it’s
commonly created in man-made labs.
Discovered in 1893, Moisannite was notably first found within a meteorite. Its founder - Dr.
Henry Moissan, discovered microscopic particles of the gem in a meteorite that fell to earth.
At first, he thought he had discovered diamonds, but then realised upon further inspection
that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide rather than carbon.
Moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index that ranges from 2.65 to 2.69, giving it more
“fire” or a rainbow-like play of colours. The hardness is also notable, ranking it at 9.25 on the
Mohs scale, so while it’s slightly less than a diamond’s perfect 10, it’s still higher than cubic
zirconia. This durability makes it popular for daily wear.
Diamonds: Comparing Lab-Grown diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, and Moissanite
In the world of gemstones, understanding the nuances of each type is crucial, especially
when it comes to choosing one that resonates with your preferences and budget.
When comparing lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and cubic zirconia, each boasts unique
attributes, catering to various aesthetic preferences and price points.
Lab-Grown Diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds not just in its broad
appearance, but also in terms of hardness, brilliance, and fire. This similarity extends to
colour as well. lab-grown diamonds are subjected to the same rigorous Gemological Institute
of America (GIA) grading system as their natural counterparts. They can range from being
entirely colourless to having a slight tint, largely dependent on the intricacies of their
production and the quality assurance processes in place.
Diverging slightly in its appearance from diamonds, moissanite is renowned for having more
brilliance and fire than that of a diamond - courtesy of its higher refractive index. While it
stands nearly shoulder to shoulder with diamonds in terms of durability, its colour profile has
subtle differences that can be easily recognized by the discerning eye. Primarily available in
near-colourless variations, moissanite can, in certain lighting conditions, exhibit a faint yellow
or even a greenish hue.
Cubic Zirconia, the most budget-friendly of the three, although softer and slightly less brilliant
than lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, manages to hold its own. It captures the essence
of diamonds in its appearance, but its chemical composition brings about a signature
colourless and flawless look. Additionally, while predominantly colourless, cubic zirconia can
be fashioned into diverse hues based on preferences. It's worth noting though, that the less
expensive versions might possess subtle undertones of yellow or appear off-white. The final
colour is often a result of the stone's unique composition combined with the specifics of its
production process.
To wrap up, while all three gemstones generally come with a more approachable price tag
compared to natural diamonds, their subtle colour variations and individual characteristics
make each a unique choice worth considering.
Choosing the Right Stone for You
Choosing the right gemstone isn’t just a decision, it’s a statement.
If you’re in the market for something that sparkles and looks nice, cubic zirconia and
moissanite are two notable gemstones perfect for occasional wear.
If you’re looking for real diamonds though, and want an option that’s ethically responsible
and able to give you the most value for your budget, lab-grown diamonds are the clear
choice.
If you’re in the market for lab-grown Diamonds, VENA NOVA stands as the premiere
destination for such stones. Our local showroom in Calgary has one of the largest collections
of lab-grown diamonds in the country. We invite you to visit us to experience the brilliance
and quality of our collection firsthand