If you've been shopping for diamond alternatives in Canada, you've almost certainly come across moissanite. It's marketed heavily as a diamond look-alike at a lower price. But now that lab-grown diamonds are available at competitive prices, the comparison has shifted. Here's an honest breakdown. What Is Moissanite? Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was originally discovered in a meteor crater in 1893 and is now produced in laboratories for use in jewelry. It's hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale, compared to diamond's 10), brilliant, and significantly less expensive than mined diamonds. It is not a diamond. It has different chemical and optical properties, and while it looks similar to a diamond at first glance, there are observable differences. What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond? A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. Same chemical composition (pure carbon), same crystal structure, same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), same optical properties. The only difference from a mined diamond is how it was formed in a laboratory rather than underground over billions of years. Key Differences: Lab-Grown Diamond vs Moissanite The diamond tester test. This is a big one. Standard diamond testers measure thermal conductivity. Moissanite conducts heat differently than diamond, many moissanite stones will fail a standard thermal diamond tester or give an inconclusive reading. Lab-grown diamonds pass every time, because they are diamonds. More advanced testers can distinguish moissanite from diamond. If authenticity verification matters to you, only a lab-grown diamond gives you certainty. Appearance. Both are brilliant and eye-catching. However, moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means it produces more rainbow-colored "fire", the flashes of spectral color you see in the stone. Some people love this effect. Others find it looks less like a diamond and more like a disco effect, especially in larger stones and in sunlight. Lab-grown diamonds produce the same fire and brilliance as mined diamonds, no more, no less. They look exactly like diamonds because they are diamonds. Hardness and durability. Both are extremely hard and suitable for everyday wear. Diamond (10) is harder than moissanite (9.25), but in practical terms, both will last a lifetime with normal care. Price. Moissanite is generally less expensive than lab-grown diamonds of comparable size. However, the gap has narrowed significantly as lab-grown diamond prices have dropped. For many stone sizes, the difference in price is now modest, making the question of which to choose less about budget and more about what you want. Perceived value and authenticity. A lab-grown diamond is a diamond. When someone asks if your earrings are real diamonds, the answer is yes, with no asterisk. With moissanite, the honest answer is no. For many buyers, this distinction matters. Which Should You Choose? Choose lab-grown diamonds if: You want a real diamond, for yourself or as a gift Authenticity and passing a diamond test matter to you You want the exact appearance of a diamond, not a close approximation You're buying as a gift and want to say "these are real diamonds" Choose moissanite if: You want the absolute lowest price point possible You specifically like the extra fire/rainbow effect You're comfortable with a non-diamond stone and don't mind it testing differently For most Canadian shoppers, especially those buying as a gift or wanting genuine diamonds, lab-grown is the clear choice. The price gap between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite has narrowed to the point where the extra cost for an actual diamond is minimal, and the difference in what you're getting is significant.

The lab-grown diamond market in Canada has grown quickly over the past few years, and with it, the number of places claiming to sell quality diamond jewelry online. If you're trying to figure out where to buy and who to trust then this guide is for you. What to Look for When Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds Online in Canada Before you hand over your credit card, here's what separates trustworthy sellers from the rest: Real customer reviews. Not just star ratings, read the actual reviews. Look for comments about product quality, packaging, and whether the jewelry looked as described. A seller with hundreds of detailed positive reviews has a track record. Transparency about what you're buying. Is it clearly stated that the diamonds are lab-grown? Are carat weights, metal types, and settings clearly described? Vague product descriptions are a red flag. A diamond tester or verification method. Any reputable lab-grown diamond seller should be able to back up their product. VVS Diamond includes a complimentary diamond tester with every order so you can verify your diamond at home. CAD pricing and Canadian shipping. Look for sellers who display prices in CAD and ship with tracking to Canada. Hidden exchange rate conversions and surprise duties at the door are frustrating and avoidable. Luxury packaging. Diamond jewelry should arrive looking like diamond jewelry. If a seller ships in a plain envelope, that tells you something about how they view their product. Why VVS Diamond Is the Best Place to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds in Canada VVS Diamond was built specifically with Canadian shoppers in mind. Here's what sets us apart: Best price in Canada. Lab-grown diamonds are already more affordable than mined — we keep our margins lean so Canadian shoppers get the best possible price in CAD. Free shipping to Canada. Every qualifying order ships to Canada with tracking included. No surprise shipping fees at checkout. Diamond tester included with every order. We're so confident in our diamonds that we include the tool to verify them. Every single order. Luxury packaging. Your jewelry arrives in our signature luxury box, ready to gift, ready to impress. Genuine customer reviews. Thousands of happy customers across Canada and beyond. Read them on our website or on independent review platforms. Canadian-friendly store. Shop at vvsdiamond.com/en-ca prices in CAD, no conversion surprises, shipping calculated for Canada.

A diamond necklace is one of those pieces that works for everything: date night, the office, a wedding, or just because. But if you've priced mined diamond necklaces in Canada recently, you already know they come with a significant markup. Lab-grown diamond necklaces give you the same brilliance and elegance at a fraction of the cost and in 2026, they've never been more popular with Canadian shoppers. Here's a look at the best lab-grown diamond necklaces available in Canada right now, and what to consider before you buy. Why Lab-Grown Diamond Necklaces Are Taking Over in Canada Canadian jewelry shoppers are smart. When they find out that a lab-grown diamond is chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond graded on the same 4Cs, passing the same diamond tests and costs significantly less, the choice becomes obvious. Lab-grown diamonds are created using the same extreme heat and pressure that forms diamonds in nature. The result is a real diamond, not an imitation. A gemologist can't tell the difference with the naked eye. Neither can anyone admiring your necklace. For Canadian buyers, lab-grown also means better value on exchange rates and a more accessible price point in CAD. Free shipping to Canada makes it even easier. What to Look for in a Diamond Necklace Chain length: The most common lengths for women are 16" (sits at the collarbone), 18" (just below the collarbone), and 20" (mid-chest). For a statement pendant, 18" is the most versatile. Pendant style: Solitaire pendants are timeless, a single diamond on a delicate chain. Cluster pendants group smaller diamonds for more surface sparkle. Halo pendants surround a center stone with a ring of smaller diamonds for extra brilliance. Carat weight: For necklaces, 0.5ct–1ct is elegant and subtle. 1ct–2ct makes a clear statement. Anything above 2ct is genuinely eye-catching. Metal: 14k gold (yellow, white, or rose) is the sweet spot for durability and beauty. White gold pairs beautifully with diamonds for a classic look. Rose gold adds a warm, modern touch. Best Lab-Grown Diamond Necklaces at VVS Diamond Teardrop Diamond Pendant — A stunning pear-shaped lab-grown diamond suspended on a delicate gold chain. The pear shape appears larger than its carat weight suggests, making it one of our most eye-catching pieces. Ships to Canada with free shipping. Solitaire Diamond Pendant — The classic. A single brilliant-cut lab-grown diamond in a prong setting on a fine gold chain. Effortlessly elegant and works with everything. One of the best-value diamond necklaces in Canada. Cluster Diamond Pendant — Multiple lab-grown diamonds arranged in a flower or cluster pattern for maximum sparkle per carat. Great for those who want brilliance without a single large stone. Every necklace arrives in our signature luxury jewelry box with a complimentary diamond tester so you can verify your diamond is real the moment it arrives. Frequently Asked Questions Do lab-grown diamond necklaces look real?They are real. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in every measurable way. No one will be able to tell the difference including gemologists without specialized equipment. Does VVS Diamond ship necklaces to Canada?Yes, free shipping across Canada on qualifying orders. Most Canadian orders arrive within 5–10 business days with tracking included. What's the best diamond necklace for everyday wear?A solitaire pendant in 14k gold is the most durable and versatile choice for daily wear. The setting protects the diamond and the chain length can be adjusted to suit any neckline. Can I get the necklace gift wrapped?Every VVS Diamond order comes in a luxury jewelry box, no extra gift wrapping needed.

When shopping for diamond jewelry, especially an engagement ring, one of the first decisions you’ll face is diamond cut. For many men beginning the process, the terminology can feel overwhelming. Round, oval, pear, marquise… what do they actually mean, and how do you know which one is right? In simple terms, the diamond cut refers to the shape and faceting style of the stone. Each cut reflects light differently, influences the overall look of the jewelry, and often reflects the wearer’s personal style. Understanding the basics can make the buying process far easier and help you choose a piece that feels truly special.   Round Cut The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular diamond shape in the world. Designed with 58 facets, it is engineered specifically to maximize light reflection and brilliance. For shoppers who want the most sparkle possible, the round cut is usually the safest choice. Why many buyers choose round: Maximum sparkle and fire Timeless, classic appearance Works well in nearly every ring style If you’re unsure what shape to pick, a round diamond is rarely the wrong decision.   Oval Cut The oval cut offers brilliance similar to a round diamond but with a longer, more elegant silhouette. Because of its elongated shape, it can make the finger appear slimmer and longer. Oval diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among people who want something classic but slightly more distinctive than a round stone. Key benefits: Excellent brilliance Elegant elongated appearance Often appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight Pear Cut The pear cut, sometimes called the teardrop shape, combines the round and marquise styles into one distinctive form. One end is rounded while the other comes to a delicate point. This shape is both elegant and eye-catching. Depending on how the ring is worn, the pointed end can face toward or away from the hand, creating slightly different visual effects. Why it stands out: Unique and graceful shape Appears larger due to elongated design A blend of classic and modern style   Emerald Cut Unlike brilliant cuts that focus on sparkle, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity and elegance. Its step-cut facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect that looks refined and sophisticated. Because the facets are larger and more open, clarity becomes more important with this shape. Reasons buyers love emerald cuts: Sophisticated, understated look Elegant rectangular shape Highlights the diamond’s clarity and quality   Marquise Cut The marquise cut is instantly recognizable by its long, narrow shape with pointed ends. It’s one of the best diamond cuts for maximizing perceived size because the elongated form makes the stone look larger than its carat weight. This cut also creates a bold, dramatic look that stands out from more traditional shapes. Highlights of the marquise: Appears larger than many other cuts Elegant, elongated profile Distinctive and eye-catching   Choosing the Right Diamond Cut While all diamond cuts are beautiful in their own way, the right one ultimately depends on personal style, lifestyle, and the statement you want the piece to make. A few quick tips when choosing: For maximum sparkle: Round or oval For a unique look: Pear or marquise For sleek sophistication: Emerald At the end of the day, the best diamond cut is simply the one that feels right for the person who will wear it.