02/08/2026
Not all diamond-like stones are real diamonds.
A customer once asked me,
“So this is basically a lab-grown diamond, right?”
But she was actually holding moissanite.
These are completely different gemstones.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.
They have the same carbon composition, crystal structure, hardness, and brilliance as natural diamonds. The only difference is that they’re grown in a lab using HPHT or CVD technology instead of being mined from the earth.
They are graded by GIA and IGI using the same 4Cs:
Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
Now let’s talk about moissanite.
Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, not carbon. It sparkles even more than a diamond because of its higher refractive index, creating colorful rainbow flashes. Some people love that look, while others prefer the classic sparkle of a diamond.
Although moissanite is durable (9.25 on the Mohs scale), it is not a diamond.
Then there’s Cubic Zirconia (CZ).
CZ is made from zirconium dioxide and has nothing in common with diamonds. It’s the most affordable option, but it’s softer, scratches more easily, and can become cloudy over time.
Here’s the biggest difference:
• Lab-grown Diamond = Real Diamond
• Moissanite = A Different Gemstone
• CZ = Diamond Simulant
