Center Stone Face-Off: Which One Should You Choose?
As you begin the engagement ring shopping process, you may be slightly overwhelmed with all of your center stone options. You may have even thought your only option was a natural diamond and now you are presented with three: natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, or moissanite. So, how do you decide which is the best center stone for you?
In this blog, we delve into the nitty-gritty details of each center stone option. We provide you with key features, pricing comparisons, and a few considerations to help guide your decision-making process. If you prefer visual content, you can watch our YouTube video Natural VS Lab Grown Diamond VS Moissanite: Everything You Need to Know.
What is a Natural Grown Diamond?
4.52 ct Round Diamond Cathedral Engagement Ring
Natural diamonds were formed nearly three billion years ago as a result of a high-pressure, high-temperature environment hundreds of miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Volcanic activity catapulted these gemstones to the surface where they lay waiting to be discovered.
While natural diamonds are made up of pure carbon, the vast majority of them also contain trace amounts of other elements. In some cases, these diamonds contain minuscule amounts of nitrogen which absorb blue light thus giving the diamond a slight yellow tint. In addition, most natural diamonds contain tiny inclusions, or imperfections, as a result of foreign materials infiltrating the natural diamond during the formation process.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
2.20 carat Lab-Grown Radiant Diamond Solitaire Ring
The lab-grown diamond was first produced in the 1950s for industrial use, though gem-quality lab-grown diamonds did not enter the market until the mid-2010s. A lab-grown diamond is identical to a natural diamond in both chemical makeup and visual appearance; the only difference between the two center stones is that lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab. In fact, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) identifies lab-grown diamonds as “real” diamonds.
The facets, and subsequent brilliance, of a lab-grown diamond, are exactly the same as a natural diamond. Since lab-grown diamonds are still real diamonds, they can be cut the same as a natural diamond.
What is Moissanite?
Cushion Cut Moissanite Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring
Moissanite is a rare gem that was originally identified in meteorite fragments by Dr. Henri Moissan. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, and the vast majority of moissanite used in engagement rings are lab-grown.
This diamond simulant has a different faceting style than both natural and lab-grown diamonds. In addition, the moissanite refractive index is higher than diamonds, which gives them more sparkle and fire. Moissanite hardness is comparable to natural and lab-grown diamonds with a 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Comparing Center Stone Features
The first step when determining the best center stone option for your engagement ring is to compare gemstone features: cut, color, clarity, and carat size.
Cut
Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds come in a wide variety of cuts and shapes including the round “brilliant” cut and fancy shapes. Each diamond receives a cut grade from the GIA.
Moissanite comes in the same cut, shape, and setting styles as diamonds. You can also find certain moissanite engagement rings in antique cuts if you prefer a more vintage aesthetic. The most popular cuts for moissanite include cushion, emerald, and round.
2.30 ct Oval Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
3.20 carat Lab Grown Oval Diamond Signature Wrap Engagement Ring
Oval Moissanite Pave Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
Color
The natural diamond and lab-grown diamond are graded on a GIA scale from D to Z and can contain a slight, natural tint of yellow or gray. Diamonds with a D-E-F color grade are considered colorless, while G-H-I graded diamonds are near colorless.
Moissanite is colorless by nature, and you will generally only find moissanite equivalent to diamonds in the D through I range.
2.02 ct Cushion Cut Diamond Pave Engagement Ring, G Color
3.2 carat Lab Grown Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, F-G Color
Cushion Cut Moissanite Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Clarity
Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are graded on the GIA clarity scale and carefully measured for imperfections and brilliance. Since lab-grown diamonds are created in the simulated environment as natural diamonds, both stones have a similar vulnerability to inclusions.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is created in a carefully controlled environment allowing for consistent production with high clarity and minimal imperfections. Moissanite clarity is measured on a scale similar to the GIA diamond color scale and is often provided by the manufacturer or seller of the stone.
Carat
Both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are measured in carats while moissanite is measured in millimeters. A 6.5mm moissanite is equivalent to a 1 carat diamond and an 8.5mm moissanite is equivalent to a 2 carat diamond.
2.3 carat Round Diamond Three-Row Band Engagement Ring
Round Moissanite Double Signature Wrap Engagement Ring, 2.2 carat equivalent
Center Stone Pricing Comparisons
Pricing is a major factor when selecting a center stone for your engagement ring. Each of these center stone options is priced at a different level, offering a wide variety of choices for your consideration.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are the highest-priced option as a result of the high demand and limited supply of these precious stones. Diamond value has increased over the years, and diamonds generally retain or appreciate their value.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are priced anywhere from 50%-70% lower than a natural diamond with comparable features. Since lab-grown diamonds are man-made, there is no cap on the supply of lab-grown diamonds, which drives down the price and lessens their value over time.
Moissanite
Moissanite is typically priced around 90% less than natural diamonds making them one of the most cost-effective center stone options.
Which Center Stone is Right for You?
How do you choose the right center stone for your engagement ring? The following considerations, while not extensive, may help to narrow your decision.
If you value rarity…
A natural diamond is rare by nature. As we mentioned previously, the quantity of natural diamonds is finite thus increasing the value of those left. If you prefer a center stone with an air of rarity and romanticism, a classic natural diamond is the best choice for you.
2.5 carat Radiant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
2.7 ct Heart Shape Diamond Signature Wrap Solitaire
If you want maximum sparkle and brilliance…
All three center stone options offer sparkle and brilliance that will reflect light beautifully. Moissanite does have a higher refractive index, which creates more fire than a natural or lab-grown diamond.
If you value sustainability…
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in purchase decisions. With the introduction of moissanite and lab-grown diamond alternatives, it is easier to make a sustainable engagement ring purchase.
Radiant Cut Moissanite Solitaire Signature Wrap Ring
Elongated Cushion Cut Moissanite Pave Prong Engagement Ring
If you want a diamond without the diamond price tag…
If you want a diamond that won’t leave you defaulting on your student loans, a lab-grown diamond is a great option. With exact clarity, color, and cut options as a natural diamond, it is virtually impossible to differentiate between these two center stones.
2.17 carat Lab Grown Radiant Cut Diamond Halo Ring
1.8 carat Lab Grown Oval Diamond ‘Swoop’ Engagement Ring
If you want beauty at a low price point…
If you want a beautiful engagement ring with an even lower price point, moissanite is your best option. Moissanite is a fraction of the cost of a natural diamond, with more sparkle and brilliance and comparable hardness.
Oval Moissanite Pave Prong Engagement Ring
Round Moissanite Two-Tone Six-Prong Engagement Ring
Choosing the Perfect Lauren B Center Stone
At Lauren B, we are here to guide you through every step of the engagement ring shopping process: from the style deliberation stage through ring resizing. Our design consultants are equipped with a vast knowledge of diamonds and gemstones and are prepared to work with you to design the perfect engagement ring for your style preferences and budget.
Schedule an in-store or virtual appointment with our design consultants or email info@laurenb.com for general inquiries and/or pricing.