If you want a stone that sparkles in gold, you have three main options. They look similar in a photo but differ in what they are, how they behave, and what they cost.
Natural diamond
A diamond formed in the earth over billions of years and mined. It’s the hardest natural material (10 on the Mohs scale), holds its clarity and colour indefinitely, and carries the highest price and the strongest resale market. Choose natural if provenance and long-term value matter most.
Lab-grown diamond
Chemically and physically the same material as a natural diamond — same hardness, same sparkle, same optical properties — just grown in a lab in weeks instead of mined. It typically costs 30–60% less than a comparable natural diamond for an identical look. Choose lab-grown if you want a real diamond at a lower price and aren’t focused on resale.
Shop lab-grown diamond rings →
Moissanite
A different stone entirely — silicon carbide, originally discovered in a meteorite and now lab-created. Key differences from diamond:
- More fire. Moissanite bends light more than diamond, so it throws off more coloured flashes — noticeably more “rainbow” sparkle, especially in larger sizes.
- Nearly as hard. 9.25 on the Mohs scale — below diamond but well above every other common gemstone, so it holds up to daily wear.
- A fraction of the price. Often around one-tenth the cost of a diamond the same size.
Choose moissanite if you want maximum sparkle per dollar and don’t need the stone to be a diamond — it’s the standard choice for iced-out chains, tennis pieces and statement studs.
Quick comparison
| Natural diamond | Lab diamond | Moissanite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Mined diamond | Lab-grown diamond (same material) | Silicon carbide (different stone) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 10 | 9.25 |
| Sparkle | Classic white brilliance | Identical to natural | More coloured fire |
| Relative price | Highest | ~30–60% less | ~90% less |
Which is right for you?
For an engagement ring where it matters that the stone is a diamond, lab-grown gives you that at a better price than natural. For chains, bracelets and studs where the goal is a big, bright look, moissanite delivers far more sparkle for the money. Browse moissanite chains, bracelets, studs and diamond bridal sets.