Stone guide
Which stone is right for you?
We work with three types of lab-grown stones. Each has different strengths — here's how they compare so you can choose with confidence.
Most popular
Lab-Grown Diamond
Identical to mined diamonds
Hardness10/10
Brilliance2.42 RI
Fire0.044
From
$60
Maximum fire
Moissanite
More fire than diamond
Hardness9.25/10
Brilliance2.65 RI
Fire0.104
From
$100
Colourful choice
Lab-Grown Gems
Sapphires, emeralds & rubies
Hardness8–9/10
Brilliance1.76 RI
Colour rangeWide
From
$90
Side by side comparison
| Property | Lab-Grown Diamond | Moissanite | Lab-Grown Gemstones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 9.25 | 8–9 (varies by stone) |
| Refractive index | 2.42 | 2.65 | 1.76 (sapphire) |
| Dispersion (fire) | 0.044 | 0.104 | 0.018 (sapphire) |
| Daily wear | Excellent — scratch resistant | Excellent — nearly as hard | Very good — suitable for rings |
| Appearance | Classic white sparkle | More rainbow fire, slightly warmer | Rich colour — pink, blue, green |
| Certification | IGI certified (above 1ct) | Certificate of authenticity | Lab report available on request |
| Best for | Engagement, everyday elegance | Maximum sparkle, larger stones | Colour lovers, statement pieces |
| Available metals | Silver, gold, platinum | Silver, gold, platinum | Silver, gold, platinum |
| Starting from | $60 | $100 | $90 |
Common questions
Can a jeweller tell the difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds? +
Not with the naked eye or a standard loupe. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. Identification requires advanced lab equipment such as a DiamondView machine.
Will moissanite look fake? +
No. Moissanite is a real gemstone with its own distinct properties — it's not cubic zirconia. It has more fire (rainbow dispersion) than diamond. In smaller sizes under 1ct, most people won't notice a difference from diamond. In larger sizes, the extra fire becomes more visible, which many people prefer.
Which stone is best for everyday wear? +
Lab-grown diamonds (10 Mohs), moissanite (9.25 Mohs), and lab-grown sapphires (9 Mohs) are all suitable for daily wear. They resist scratching from common surfaces and hold up well over time.
How are lab-grown stones priced compared to mined? +
Lab-grown stones are generally less expensive than mined equivalents because the production process is more efficient and the supply chain is shorter. The stones themselves have the same physical and optical properties.
Are lab-grown diamonds certified? +
Lab-grown diamonds above 1 carat come with an IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate grading cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. For smaller stones, we provide our own documentation confirming the stone type and specifications.
What metals are available? +
All SilviQ pieces are available in 925 sterling silver (rhodium plated), 9K through 18K gold (yellow, white, or rose), and 950 platinum. Silver pieces are ready to ship; gold and platinum are made to order.