Lab Diamonds

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is “is a lab-created diamond a real diamond?” The answer is yes! Lab diamonds are grown in a laboratory using technology that replicates the natural growing process. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural diamond, the only difference is in the origin. Natural diamonds take between 1 and 3 billion years to form, while a lab-grown diamond can be grown in as little as 2 weeks. Lab and natural diamonds are evaluated using the 4 C’s- color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Learn about 4 C’S

 

 

Moissanite

Natural moissanite forms on meteors and is incredibly rare, therefore moissanite available today is lab-created. Moissanite may share some similarities to diamond but indeed they are quite different.

Hardness: Like diamonds, moissanite is an extremely hard element but yet diamond is still harder. Diamonds are the hardest natural element, scoring a 10 on the Moh’s hardness scale. Moissanite is just behind, scoring 9.25.

Brilliance: Brilliance is the amount of light reflected from the inside of the gem. Moissanite gives off rainbow flashes of light, called fire, and has a higher refractive index than a diamond so it will exude more sparkle.