Kind, not mined.™
Stuck between moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, and mined diamonds? Unsure which one's for you? The table below simplifies the key differences in appearance, durability, price and more to help you pick your perfect gem. You'll discover luxury jewellery is available at a fraction of the cost, and without the environmental impact.
Understanding the Difference
Why choosing moissanites or lab-grown diamonds is the no-brainer choice.
Moissanite |
Lab-Grown Diamond |
Mined Diamond |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to create | Depending on the size, can take 8-12 weeks to form | Depending on the size, can take 4-10 weeks to form | Millions of years to form deep within the earth |
| Method | Created in a lab, using a combination of high-purity silicon with carbon and heating the mixture at high temperatures | A small diamond seed is subjected to high pressure and temperature causing it to crystallise into a diamond which continues to grow | Diamonds are mined from the earth via giant, open-pit or underground mines |
| Process | The process is closely monitored to ensure the desired size, quality, and characteristics of the moissanite | The process is closely monitored to ensure the desired size, quality, and characteristics of the diamond | Unsustainable and environmentally destructive consequences from mining |
| Conditions | Well controlled conditions, FAR less impact on the environment | Well controlled conditions, FAR less impact on the environment | Industry reputation for unethical labour practices |
| Composition | Silicon carbide | Carbon | Carbon |
| Hardness | 9.25-9.50 on Mohs scale | 10 on Mohs scale | 10 on Mohs scale |
| Fire (Colourful flashes of light) | 0.104 | 0.044 | 0.044 |
| Refractive Index | 2.65-2.96 | 2.417 - 2.419 | 2.417 - 2.419 |
| Price Results | Results in very affordable & sustainable diamond alternatives | Results in affordable & sustainable diamonds | Results in expensive & unsustainable diamonds |
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Lab-grown diamonds are identical to earth-mined diamonds in every way.
They possess identical chemical, physical, and optical characteristics to naturally mined diamonds, showcasing the same brilliance and sparkle, at a much less cost to you, and the planet!
What is a Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, first discovered in 1893 by scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. Initially mistaken for diamonds, moissanite is now recognised for its unique qualities. It's renowned for its exceptional brilliance and fire, often exceeding that of diamonds. Durable and hard, ranking close to diamonds on the Mohs scale, it's a popular choice for jewellery.
Moissanite is lab-created (it's very rare in nature), making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional diamonds. Its sparkling appearance and sustainability make it a favoured choice for modern, conscious consumers.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-created diamonds match mined diamonds in every aspect, except price! Created using advanced technology, these diamonds replicate the physical, chemical, and optical characteristics of mined diamonds, making them visually indistinguishable. Their conflict-free and ethical sourcing provides an added advantage, letting you make an eco-conscious choice on your next jewellery purchase.
Lab-created diamonds offer a responsible, cost-effective alternative for those seeking the luxury and beauty of diamonds without the ethical and financial implications of mined diamonds.
What is a Mined Diamond?
The extraction process of mined diamonds can have significant ecological impacts, disrupting landscapes and ecosystems. Diamond mining has also been linked to violence and exploitation. As consumers become increasingly conscious, there is a growing emphasis on responsible sourcing and ethical practices, making lab-grown diamonds a better choice.
