Natural vs Lab Grown Diamond vs Moissanite

Quick answer: Natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds and moissanite all look beautiful, but they differ in origin, sparkle and price. Natural and lab grown diamonds are both real diamonds (carbon, 10 on the Mohs scale) with the same look; lab grown costs far less. Moissanite is a different gemstone (silicon carbide, about 9.25) with more rainbow fire and the lowest price. Choose natural for tradition and rarity, lab grown for a real diamond at great value, and moissanite for maximum size and sparkle on a budget.

This is the most common question our customers ask. Here is a clear three-way comparison.

Natural vs Lab Grown vs Moissanite

	Natural diamond	Lab grown diamond	Moissanite
Material	Carbon	Carbon	Silicon carbide
Real diamond?	Yes	Yes	No, a different gem
Hardness	10	10	About 9.25
Sparkle	Classic white brilliance and fire	Identical to natural	More rainbow fire
Grading	GIA, IGI	IGI, GIA	Brand or lab reports
Origin	Mined over billions of years	Grown in weeks (CVD or HPHT)	Lab created
Price (1 ct look)	Highest	Much lower	Lowest
Resale	Some, below retail	Low	Very low

Which Looks Best?

Natural and lab grown diamonds are visually identical, even to experts without lab equipment. Moissanite looks very close but shows more colorful flashes, especially in sunlight and larger sizes.

Which Is Best Value?

Lab grown: a real diamond for a fraction of natural pricing.
Moissanite: the biggest size for the smallest budget.
Natural: highest cost, but valued for rarity and tradition.

Shown: Pear Cut Halo Moissanite Solitaire Ring

Who Should Choose Each?

Natural diamond

Buyers who value geological rarity and tradition above price.

Lab grown diamond

Buyers who want a real diamond, larger size and excellent value.

Moissanite

Buyers who love extra fire and want the most size per dollar.

Durability

All three are excellent for everyday wear. Diamonds (natural and lab) are the hardest; moissanite is close behind and harder than sapphire.

Shop at Ivevar

We offer lab grown diamonds and moissanite, handcrafted in our Surat workshop and clearly labeled. Every piece ships free worldwide, with 30-day easy returns. See our comparison page, loose lab diamonds and moissanite rings.

Shop Pear Lab Diamonds and Moissanite

Pear Halo Moissanite RingShop Now

Pear Bezel Moissanite RingShop Now

Delicate Pear SolitaireShop Now

0.50 Ct F VVS2 PearShop Now

0.56 Ct F VVS2 PearShop Now

0.40 Ct E VS1 PearShop Now

Swipe to see more → | View pear lab diamonds

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a lab grown diamond a real diamond?

Yes, chemically and physically identical to natural.

Is moissanite a diamond?

No, it is a different gemstone that looks similar.

Which is cheapest?

Moissanite, then lab grown, then natural.

Can people tell them apart?

Not natural vs lab by eye; moissanite shows extra fire.

Which lasts longest?

All three last a lifetime with normal care.

The Bottom Line

Natural for rarity, lab grown for real-diamond value, moissanite for maximum sparkle per dollar. All three make beautiful, lasting jewelry.

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Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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