With so many options out there, it can get confusing about which to pick?
Whether you are looking for the perfect central sparkle or accent stones to bling up your special piece, this information below will empower you to find the perfect sparkle according to your preferences and values.
Here are the differences between natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite:
Formation:
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years under high pressure and temperature. They are mined from the Earth's surface or extracted from underground deposits.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) processes. They have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds but are grown in weeks or months instead of billions of years.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, but the moissanite gemstones used in jewellery are typically created in a lab. They are composed of silicon carbide and are not chemically or structurally the same as diamonds.
Composition:
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds are composed of carbon, with a crystal lattice structure that gives them their exceptional hardness and brilliance.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, consisting of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a different chemical composition than diamonds, consisting of silicon and carbon atoms arranged in a different crystal structure.
Rarity and Value:
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds are rare and have traditionally held high value due to their scarcity (yes even if by controlled supply by a major player in the industry) and desirability.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are more abundant and can be produced in larger quantities, leading to lower prices compared to natural diamonds.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is also relatively abundant compared to natural diamonds and is generally less expensive.
Optical Properties:
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds have unique optical properties, including high refractive index, strong dispersion (fire), and excellent brilliance and sparkle.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same optical properties as natural diamonds, displaying brilliance and fire.
- Moissanite: Moissanite has even higher dispersion than diamonds, meaning it exhibits more fire and flashes of colour. It also has a slightly different appearance, with a different play of light compared to diamonds.
Durability:
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds are the hardest known substance, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds have the same exceptional hardness as natural diamonds.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is also relatively hard, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone for everyday wear.
Colour and Clarity:
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds come in a wide range of colours, from colourless to various shades of yellow, brown, and rare fancy colours like blue or pink. Clarity varies, and natural diamonds may have inclusions or imperfections.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds can also exhibit a range of colours and clarities, similar to natural diamonds.
- Moissanite: Moissanite is typically near colourless but may exhibit a slight yellow or greenish hue. It is generally more included and may have more visible clarity characteristics compared to diamonds.
Sustainability:
Natural Diamonds
- Environmental Impact: High due to mining, habitat destruction, and carbon emissions.
- Social Impact: Concerns about human rights violations in some regions.
- Economic Impact: Contributes to economic development but can lead to dependency.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this topic further or if you have any queries!
Kimba x