Three stones, three very different value propositions. Here is the bench-level comparison we give every client.
The numbers
Moissanite: Mohs 9.25, refractive index 2.65, fire 0.104 (high), 1ct-equivalent $300–$800, GRA certified. Lab-grown: Mohs 10, RI 2.42, fire 0.044, 1ct-equivalent $1,500–$3,000, IGI/GIA. Natural: Mohs 10, RI 2.42, fire 0.044, 1ct-equivalent $5,000–$15,000+, GIA/IGI.
What this means for you
Moissanite flashes rainbow. Under a bright restaurant light it looks festive; under office fluorescent it can look over-sparkly. Some clients love it; others return the ring after a week. If you want the classic, quiet "ice" look, pick a diamond.
Lab-grown diamond is the sweet spot for most of our clients: natural diamond optics, 70% less than natural, ethically sourced, and a real certificate. It holds value less than natural, but you are buying it to wear, not to flip.
Natural diamond matters if you want heirloom resale value, or if the ring will be passed down. We source GIA stones at near-wholesale because we have direct supplier relationships.
Common myth busted
"Moissanite is a fake diamond." No — it is a real mineral with its own refractive index. It is to diamond what sapphire is to ruby: a different stone, not an imitation. Read more on our materials page.
Unsure? Send us your budget and we will recommend the stone type in writing, no pressure.
