PALESSI Gem Guide
We work with lab-grown diamonds and moissanites. Upon request, we also offer natural diamonds.
At PALESSI, choosing a gemstone is an essential part of the design. Here, we explain the key differences so you can choose with clarity and confidence.
Origin and composition
- Natural diamond: Formed in the Earth under high pressure and temperature over millions of years. Composition: crystallized carbon.
- Moissanite: A lab-grown silicon carbide (SiC) gemstone. Natural moissanite is extremely rare; the lab-created version is used in jewelry for its quality and size.
- Lab-grown diamond: A real diamond grown using HPHT or CVD, replicating natural conditions. Composition: crystallized carbon.
Optics, hardness, and clarity
- Brilliance/fire: Diamond (natural or lab) = classic, balanced brilliance. Moissanite exhibits more intense fire (greater dispersion) and can look “sparklier.”
- Hardness (Mohs): Diamond 10/10 (maximum); Moissanite ~9.25, excellent for daily wear.
- Clarity: Diamonds (natural/lab) range from flawless to included; moissanite usually presents fewer visible inclusions in common ranges.
Availability and cost
- Natural diamond: Scarcest and highest price due to rarity and demand.
- Moissanite: More affordable and readily available; great brilliance-to-value ratio.
- Lab-grown diamond: More accessible than natural ones, with the same diamond properties.
Ethical and environmental impact
- Natural diamond: Mining can involve environmental impact and, depending on the origin, ethical risks.
- Moissanite: Lab-grown, usually with a lower footprint and better traceability.
- Lab-grown diamond: Generally less impact than traditional mining and verifiable origin.
| Characteristic | Natural Diamond | Lab-grown Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Nature | Laboratory (HPHT/CVD) | Laboratory |
| Composition | Crystallized carbon | Crystallized carbon | Silicon carbide (SiC) |
| Brilliance / Fire | Classic, balanced | Classic, balanced | More intense (greater dispersion) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 (maximum) | 10 (maximum) | ~9.25 |
| Availability / Cost | Scarce / High | Good / Medium–High | Wide / More accessible |
| Ethics / Environmental | Depends on origin (mining) | Lower footprint; traceable | Lower footprint; traceable |
Certifications
- Natural diamond: Certificates from GIA, IGI, or other recognized laboratories detailing the 4Cs.
- Moissanite: Authenticity and quality certificates from the manufacturer or third-party labs; the key is grading transparency.
- Lab-grown diamond: Certificates from IGI, GIA, etc., indicating lab origin and specifications (4Cs).
Need help choosing? Our team will advise you based on aesthetics, daily wear, budget, and ethical values, so your PALESSI piece is perfect for you.