Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond: Which Should You Choose?
Lab-grown diamond vs moissanite: which should you choose?
By Lavora Diamonds, Provo, Utah. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond (crystallized carbon, Mohs hardness 10, graded on the 4Cs by IGI), while moissanite is a different gemstone, silicon carbide, with a hardness of about 9.25 and noticeably more rainbow fire. Choose moissanite if the lowest cost and extra colorful sparkle matter most; choose a lab-grown diamond if you want an actual diamond with a diamond grading report.
Leaning lab-grown? Text us your shape, carat and budget. Get your price in about 12 hours, then a 3D render in 24–48 hours.
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Side-by-side comparison
| Lab-grown diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon (diamond) | Silicon carbide |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | About 9.25 |
| Look | Classic white brilliance and fire | Stronger rainbow fire, more visible in larger sizes |
| Grading | 4C diamond report (IGI on every Lavora center) | Sold by brand and color grade, not a 4C diamond report |
| Price | Higher than moissanite | The lower-cost option |
How they look different
Moissanite bends and splits light more strongly than diamond, so it throws more rainbow-colored flashes. Some people love that; others feel it reads less like a classic diamond, especially above about 2 carats. Moissanite is also doubly refractive, so facet edges can look slightly doubled when viewed through the stone at certain angles.
Durability for everyday wear
Both are hard enough for an engagement ring worn every day. Diamond is the hardest natural material on the Mohs scale at 10; moissanite at about 9.25 is harder than sapphire.
What Lavora makes
Lavora Diamonds designs custom engagement rings around IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, typically in the VVS1–VS1 clarity range, and natural diamonds quoted on your specs. You see a 3D model of your ring in 24–48 hours, and production takes 4–5 weeks after 3D approval and payment. Complete engagement rings have a $2,000 minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Is moissanite a fake diamond?
No. Moissanite is its own gemstone, silicon carbide, not an imitation sold as diamond. It is simply a different material from diamond.
Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond is crystallized carbon and is graded on the 4Cs. Every Lavora lab-grown center comes with an IGI report.
Which sparkles more, moissanite or lab-grown diamond?
Moissanite shows more colorful, rainbow fire. Diamond shows a more balanced mix of white brilliance and fire, which many people see as the classic diamond look.
Can a jeweler tell moissanite from a diamond?
Usually, yes. Doubled facet edges and the stronger rainbow fire are visible under a loupe, and electrical-conductivity testers separate the two.
How do I get a price for a lab-grown diamond ring?
Text your shape, carat and budget to 385-592-7180 or use Price My Ring. You get your price in about 12 hours, then a 3D render in 24–48 hours.