What’s the difference between moissanite gems, lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds? Not much when it comes to brilliance, sparkle and durability – but the difference in cost can be as much as 95%!
Apart from the significant cost-saving, the main difference between the three is their origin. Mined diamonds are extracted from the earth. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technologies. Moissanite gems are a diamond simulation – it is a naturally occurring mineral formed from silicon carbide and, like diamonds, can also be created in a lab.
Here’s a really great video that compares moissanite, lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds – can you spot the difference?
There is a growing movement towards sustainability, transparency and traceability in the diamond and gemstone supply chain. In October 2022, Swiss luxury brand Breitling announced it will phase out mined stones by the end of 2024. A growing number of celebrities are also on the trend (largely due to it being a more ethical choice), including Bindi Irwin, Penelope Cruz, Meghan Markle, Lady Gaga and Emma Watson.
Today, lab-grown diamonds and gemstones are increasing in popularity as they are a more ethical and sustainable choice, plus they offer traceability and come at a fraction of the cost of a mined diamond. They are graded exactly the same way as mined diamonds and, as of 2018, the leading US consumer body (FTC) ruled that a diamond is a diamond no matter the origin. Allied Market Research has projected that the global lab-grown diamonds market size will reach $49.9 billion by 2030.
Sisters Lauren Chang Sommer and Alana Chang Weirick have long been ahead of the lab-grown gem curve, having launched their lab-grown jewellery business, Moi Moi, 18 years ago.
Moi Moi was was the first lab-grown diamond store in the country and they remain a leader in the industry for their quality diamonds and moissanite gemstones, with flagship stores in Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building and the recently-opened Melbourne store on glamorous Collins Street.
All of their jewels are ethical, socially responsible and come with a guaranteed source of origin, promising that brilliant jewels don’t need to cost the earth.
Moi Moi’s SUPERNOVA moissanites are precisely cut to ensure each gem is both breathtakingly beautiful and will last forever. Moissanite offers immense value, with RRPs at 90- 95% less than diamonds of the same size and quality! Their LAVANA lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds and are graded using the same standards as mined diamonds – the difference is that you can be assured they were made ethically, with complete traceability. At a fraction of the cost (typically 70-80% less) of mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds offer excellent value for those seeking larger stones or a more ethical option.
In the market for some new bling? Check out Moi Moi’s latest collections here.
