The Complete Guide to Lab Diamond & Moissanite Engagement Rings in Canada

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond. It shares the exact same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical properties, and hardness as a mined diamond — the only difference is where it was created.

Using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) technology, scientists recreate the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the earth. The result is a stone that is physically, chemically, and optically identical to a mined diamond, graded to the same standards by independent laboratories worldwide.

At Quorri, our PURE® lab grown diamonds are independently certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) — the global gold standard in diamond grading. Every stone carries a full grading report and a laser-inscribed report number for permanent traceability.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is not a diamond. It is a distinct gemstone composed of silicon carbide, first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater in Arizona. Because natural moissanite is extraordinarily rare, every moissanite used in jewellery today is laboratory created.

Moissanite has its own remarkable properties. It ranks 9.25 to 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale — second only to diamond — and produces a refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, compared to a diamond's 2.42. This means moissanite disperses light nearly 2.4 times more than a diamond, creating a distinctive rainbow-like fire and brilliance that many buyers find extraordinary.

At Quorri, our ATERNA® Gen 4 and LUXE® Gen 3 are diamond-grade moissanite, engineered to the highest available standards for colour, clarity, and cut precision.

Lab Diamond vs. Moissanite — Key Differences at a Glance

Brilliance & Sparkle — Which Stone Sparkles More?

Both stones are stunning — but in distinctly different ways, and understanding that difference is key to choosing the right one for you.

A PURE® lab grown diamond produces the classic, crisp white brilliance that diamonds have always been known for. The sparkle is clean, refined, and timeless. In natural daylight or candlelight, it catches light with an elegance that is both familiar and exceptional.

ATERNA® Gen 4 and LUXE® Gen 3 moissanite produce a more intense, multi-coloured fire — vivid rainbow flashes that dance across a room and catch light from every angle. Some buyers find this brilliance breathtaking. Others prefer the understated elegance of a diamond's white sparkle.

A useful way to think about it — diamonds sparkle with precision, moissanite sparkles with personality. Neither is better. They are simply different, and the right choice comes down to what moves you.

Durability — Which Stone Is Harder?

Both stones are exceptionally durable for everyday wear, but there is a meaningful difference worth understanding.

PURE® lab grown diamonds rate a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale — the hardest natural substance on earth. Nothing in everyday life will scratch a diamond.

ATERNA® Gen 4 moissanite rates 9.50 Mohs and LUXE® Gen 3 rates 9.25 Mohs. Both are harder than sapphire, ruby, and every other gemstone used in fine jewellery today. For daily wear, the practical difference between 9.25 and 10 is negligible — both will last a lifetime with normal care.

Every Quorri ring is handcrafted in solid gold or 950 platinum and backed by our Lifetime Guarantee, which covers stone tightening, accent stone replacement, and optical changes regardless of which stone you choose.

Price — How Do Lab Diamonds & Moissanite Compare?

Price is often the deciding factor, and both stones offer significant savings compared to mined diamonds.

A PURE® IGI certified lab grown diamond typically costs 70 to 80 percent less than a mined diamond of equivalent quality. For a 1.00ct Round, D/E colour, VVS1 clarity, Ideal cut stone, you can expect to pay approximately $2,000 to $3,000 through Quorri — compared to $8,000 to $15,000 or more for a mined equivalent.

ATERNA® Gen 4 moissanite starts at $699 per carat and LUXE® Gen 3 at $499 per carat, making it possible to choose a larger, more impressive centre stone for the same budget. Many couples who choose moissanite use the savings to upgrade their setting, choose a higher carat weight, or invest in a matching wedding band.

Explore our full stone comparison guide for a detailed breakdown of all three stone options side by side.

Can People Tell the Difference Between a Lab Diamond and Moissanite?

For lab grown diamonds — no. A PURE® lab grown diamond is chemically and optically identical to a mined diamond. Even trained gemologists cannot distinguish between them without specialised equipment. If owning a stone that is completely indistinguishable from a mined diamond matters to you, PURE® is your answer.

For moissanite — it depends on the observer. High-quality diamond-grade moissanite like ATERNA® Gen 4 looks strikingly similar to a diamond at first glance. The most noticeable difference to a trained eye is the distinctive rainbow fire, which moissanite produces more intensely than a diamond. To most people in everyday settings, a well-cut moissanite is beautiful and draws admiration rather than scrutiny.

Is a Lab Grown Diamond a Real Diamond?

Yes. A lab grown diamond is a real diamond in every scientific and legal sense. The Federal Trade Commission in the United States and equivalent bodies in Canada recognise lab grown diamonds as diamonds. They carry the same 4Cs grading — cut, colour, clarity, and carat — and are certified by the same independent grading laboratories as mined diamonds.

The only difference is origin. A lab grown diamond was created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than extracted from the earth. This makes it conflict-free, eco-friendly, and significantly more affordable — without any compromise to the stone itself.

Learn more on our lab grown diamonds page.

Which Metal Should I Choose?

Your choice of metal is as important as your choice of stone. Every Quorri ring is handcrafted in solid 10k, 14k, or 18k gold, or 950 platinum — never plated, never filled. Read our precious metals guide for a full breakdown, or use this overview to get started.

White Gold — the most popular choice for lab diamonds and colourless moissanite. Its cool, bright finish enhances the stone's brilliance and creates a sleek, modern look. Available in 10k, 14k, and 18k.

Yellow Gold — having a significant resurgence in 2025 and 2026. Yellow gold adds warmth and contrast that makes white and near-colourless stones appear even whiter. A timeless choice with a contemporary feel.

Rose Gold — romantic and distinctive. Rose gold pairs beautifully with both lab diamonds and moissanite, adding a soft warmth that flatters a wide range of skin tones.

Platinum — the most premium choice. Solid 950 platinum is denser, heavier, and more durable than gold. It never fades, never needs replating, and is the ideal setting for a PURE® lab diamond.

Which Ring Styles Work Best with Lab Diamonds & Moissanite?

Both stones are versatile and work beautifully across all ring styles. Here is how different settings complement each stone's character.

Solitaire — the most timeless choice. A single centre stone in a four or six prong setting allows maximum light to enter from every angle. Ideal for both lab diamonds and moissanite, letting the stone's brilliance speak for itself.

Halo & Under-Halo — a ring of smaller accent stones surrounds the centre, amplifying perceived size and brilliance. Particularly stunning with moissanite, where the combined fire of multiple stones creates extraordinary visual impact.

Three Stone — representing past, present, and future. The side stones flank the centre and can be matched or contrasted in stone type. A meaningful choice for couples who want their ring to tell a story.

Accented Solitaire — delicate side stones run along the band, adding elegance without overpowering the centre. Works equally well with lab diamonds and moissanite.

Vintage & Antique — intricate milgrain detailing, filigree work, and old-world craftsmanship. Moissanite's rainbow fire pairs especially beautifully with vintage settings, creating a romantic, antique-inspired brilliance.

Nature Inspired — flowing, organic shapes drawn from the natural world. The sculptural detail of these settings complements both stones beautifully.

Designer — exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs crafted by our in-house Canadian designers for those who want something truly extraordinary.

Gemstone Rings — for those who want vibrant colour. Our PureGem® lab grown gemstones including ruby, sapphire, and emerald can be set as a centre stone or as accent stones alongside a lab diamond or moissanite centre.

Ethical & Eco-Friendly — Why Lab Grown Stones Matter

Both lab grown diamonds and moissanite are created in controlled laboratory environments — no mining, no land disruption, no conflict zone involvement. For couples who care about the ethics and environmental impact of their purchase, this matters deeply.

Traditional diamond mining requires the removal of vast amounts of earth, carries a significant carbon footprint, and has historically been linked to conflict financing in certain regions of the world. Lab grown stones eliminate all of these concerns entirely.

At Quorri, every stone we offer — PURE® lab diamonds, ATERNA® Gen 4, LUXE® Gen 3, and PureGem® gemstones — is 100% conflict-free and ethically produced. Beautiful jewellery and responsible choices are not mutually exclusive.

Caring for Your Lab Diamond or Moissanite Ring

Both stones are low maintenance by design, but a few simple habits will keep your ring looking extraordinary for decades.

Cleaning at home — soak your ring in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for 20 to 30 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Do this once a month for best results.

Professional cleaning — bring your ring to Quorri or a trusted jeweller once a year for an ultrasonic clean and inspection. Our Lifetime Guarantee includes complimentary cleaning in year one.

What to avoid — remove your ring when working with harsh chemicals, chlorine, or abrasive surfaces. While both stones are extremely durable, the setting and metal can be affected by prolonged chemical exposure.

Storage — store your ring in a soft-lined jewellery box or pouch when not being worn, separate from other pieces to prevent surface contact.

Custom Lab Diamond & Moissanite Engagement Rings in Canada

At Quorri, custom design is at the heart of what we do. If you have a vision in mind — a specific stone, a particular setting, or a design inspired by something you love — our Canadian design specialists will bring it to life.

The process begins with a complimentary design consultation. From there, our team guides you through stone selection, setting style, metal choice, and every detail in between. Every custom ring is handcrafted in Canada in solid gold or 950 platinum, with no obligation until you approve the final design.

Custom design quotes are always free. Request yours today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moissanite a lab grown diamond?
No. Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are two entirely different stones. A lab grown diamond is pure carbon, identical to a mined diamond. Moissanite is silicon carbide — a distinct gemstone with its own unique properties and appearance.

Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Some older diamond testers may identify moissanite as a diamond because both conduct heat similarly. Modern multi-tester devices can distinguish between the two. This is not a concern for most buyers — moissanite is openly sold as moissanite and its properties are well documented.

Does moissanite lose its sparkle over time?
No. Moissanite is extremely stable and will not lose its brilliance, colour, or optical properties over time. ATERNA® Gen 4 and LUXE® Gen 3 are backed by Quorri's Lifetime Guarantee against colour and optical changes.

Can I upgrade my stone later?
Yes. Quorri's Lifetime Stone Upgrade Program allows you to exchange your centre stone for a larger or higher-grade lab diamond at any time, with no conditions and no deadlines. Simply reach out to our team and we will take care of everything.

How long does a custom ring take?
Most Quorri engagement rings are handcrafted to order and completed within 14 to 18 business days. Rush orders may be available — contact our team to discuss your timeline.

Do you have ready to ship rings?
Yes. Our ready to ship collection features handcrafted rings available for immediate dispatch, shipping within 1 to 3 business days anywhere in Canada and the USA.

Do you ship to the USA and internationally?
Yes. We offer free insured shipping across Canada and the USA, and ship to over 30 countries worldwide including the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.

What is the difference between ATERNA® Gen 4 and LUXE® Gen 3?
Both are diamond-grade moissanite handcrafted in Canada. ATERNA® Gen 4 is our flagship stone with D/E colour grading and VVS1 clarity at $699 per carat. LUXE® Gen 3 offers E/F colour and VVS2 clarity at $499 per carat — exceptional quality at an even more accessible price point. Compare all three stones side by side.

Are your lab diamonds IGI certified?
Yes. Every PURE® lab diamond includes a full IGI grading report with a laser-inscribed report number for permanent traceability.

Do you offer financing?
Yes. Quorri offers flexible financing through Affirm, allowing you to split your purchase into manageable monthly payments. Available at checkout with no impact to your credit score to check eligibility.