If you are shopping for fine jewellery and trying to decide between natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds and moissanite, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions we get at DOLA. Here is everything you need to know.
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure. They are mined, cut, and graded for colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. The most prized are colourless with no visible inclusions. Natural diamonds hold their value over time and carry a geological history that no other stone can replicate. At DOLA, we use natural diamonds in our gold collections because we believe in materials that are exactly what they say they are.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is origin. They are created in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth. A lab grown diamond will pass every diamond test because it is, structurally, a diamond. They tend to cost significantly less than natural diamonds of the same grade, which makes them an accessible entry point into diamond jewellery. The trade-off is that they do not hold their value the way natural diamonds do, and for some buyers the origin story matters.
Moissanite is an entirely different stone. It was first discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893 by Henri Moissan, and what is sold today is lab created silicon carbide. Moissanite is not a diamond alternative. It is its own stone with its own properties. It is harder than most gemstones, highly brilliant, and has a distinct fire that some find more dazzling than diamond. It is also significantly more affordable. At DOLA, we use moissanite in our sterling silver pieces because it complements the metal beautifully and makes fine jewellery accessible at a lower price point without compromising on the look.
So which should you choose? If legacy, investment value and the story of the stone matter to you, natural diamonds are the answer. If you want the look and structure of a diamond at a lower price point, lab grown is a strong choice. If you want brilliance and beauty in a more accessible sterling silver piece, moissanite delivers that beautifully.
At DOLA, we are transparent about every material we use. Our 9ct and 18ct gold pieces are set with natural diamonds. Our sterling silver pieces are set with moissanite. Nothing is hidden. Everything is intentional.
