Laboratory-grown diamond is diamond; synthetic moissanite is a different simulant. Confirm identity, then use warm soapy water as a conservative compatible starting point for the finished piece.

A care comparison that starts with correct stone identity, then moves to the setting, treatments, companion materials, and condition instead of assuming all clear stones behave alike.

What this guide covers

Separate diamond identity from simulant appearance.
Inspect treatments, settings, and companion materials.
Clean gently and escalate uncertain powered methods.

Look-alike does not mean same material

Identity boundary
Natural diamond, laboratory-grown diamond, and synthetic moissanite can look similar but are not the same category. Appearance alone does not conclusively identify origin or simulant type.

What changes the care answer

Stone identity

Keep laboratory-grown diamond within the diamond category and moissanite within simulants.

Treatment and setting

A treated stone, fragile prong, adhesive, or companion gem can set a stricter limit than the center stone.

Cleaning depth

Warm mild-soap cleaning is conservative when compatible; powered methods still require complete-piece review.

Clean by identity and construction

1 — Read the report or disclosure
Confirm laboratory-grown diamond, natural diamond, or moissanite without guessing from sparkle.
2 — Inspect the mounting
Check prongs, channels, pavé, adhesives, coatings, and companion stones.
3 — Use gentle soap and water
Brush lightly only where the construction supports it, then rinse and dry completely.
4 — Recheck before wear
Stop if a stone moves, a prong catches, or the piece changes after cleaning.

Diamond and moissanite questions

Is moissanite a laboratory-grown diamond?

No. Synthetic moissanite is a diamond simulant with a different composition and properties.

Can a loupe always separate natural and lab-grown diamond?

No. GIA uses advanced testing for conclusive separation.

Can both use the same home cleaning?

Warm soapy water is a shared conservative starting point when the complete setting is compatible, but deeper methods still need item-specific review.

Continue exploring

Compare the care needs
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Jewelry Care Center