What's the difference between natural and labgrown diamonds and moissanite?

• Diamond Type: Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural diamonds, created via HPHT or CVD methods, while natural diamonds form over 1-3 billion years deep within the Earth.
• Financial Considerations: Lab-grown diamonds are 30-70% cheaper but have negligible resale value, whereas natural diamonds retain value due to rarity and heritage.
• Market Trends: Younger consumers favour lab-grown diamonds for sustainability, transparency, and affordability, potentially capturing up to 70% of the Australian market by 2026.

What are natural diamonds? 

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure over millions of years. 

Authenticity: natural diamonds are unique bearing a distinct history as it reflects its geological origin.

Value: natural diamonds tend to be on the pricier side, due to the rarity and the rigorous mining process. 

Certification: reputable natural diamonds come with grading certificates from recognised organisations, to state their quality based on cut, clarity, colour and carat weight. 

What are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also called synthetic or cultured diamonds are created in laboratories through techniques like high-pressure high-tempurature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD). They have identical physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. 

Sustainability: lab-grown diamonds are more environmentally friendly as they bypass traditional mining processes. 

Affordability: lab-grown diamonds are about 20-40% less expensive than natural diamonds.

Ethical considerations: lab grown diamonds don't have the same issues related to conflict diamonds, with a more ethic choice for consumers. 

What is moissanite? 

Remarkable brilliance: moissanite has a high refractive index than diamonds, resulting in an exceptionally higher sparkle than diamonds. 

Durability: with a hardness rating of 9.25 of the Mohs scale, moissanite is slightly less durable than diamonds, but highly resistant to scratching. 

Affordability: moissanite is 80% less expensive than natural diamonds, and 50% less expensive than lab-grown diamonds.