The Growing Alternative Diamond Market
As consumers increasingly choose ethical and affordable alternatives to natural diamonds, retailers face a key inventory decision: lab grown diamonds or moissanite? Both offer brilliant, ethical options, but they differ significantly in composition, pricing, and customer appeal. Understanding these differences helps you stock the right mix.
Composition and Origin
Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds — they are real diamonds, created in a laboratory through CVD or HPHT processes. Moissanite is silicon carbide (SiC), a different mineral that was originally discovered in a meteorite. Both are lab-created and ethically sourced.
Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite actually has higher refractive index (2.65 vs 2.42) and dispersion (0.104 vs 0.044) than diamond, meaning it displays more brilliance and fire (color flashes). Some customers love the extra sparkle; others prefer the more subtle, classic look of diamond. Lab diamonds sparkle exactly like natural diamonds.
Price Comparison
Moissanite is significantly more affordable — typically 1/10 to 1/5 the price of a comparable lab diamond. For example, a 1ct moissanite might wholesale for $20-50, while a 1ct lab diamond might wholesale for $300-800 depending on grade. This makes moissanite accessible to budget-conscious shoppers, while lab diamonds appeal to buyers who want "real diamond" status.
Durability and Wear
Diamond scores 10 on the Mohs scale; moissanite scores 9.25. Both are durable enough for everyday wear in rings. Moissanite is slightly more prone to scratching but still excellent. Both resist chipping well in protected settings.
Certification
Holycome's moissanite comes with GRA certification. Lab diamonds come with IGI or GIA certification. Both provide grading reports that reassure customers and support higher retail pricing.
Which to Stock?
We recommend carrying both: moissanite for entry-level and fashion rings, lab diamonds for premium engagement lines. Know your customer base — budget-friendly markets favor moissanite; luxury markets seek lab diamonds. Many retailers find success offering both at different price points.
View our moissanite rings and lab diamond rings collections.