Side-by-Side Fair Retail Valuation
| Stone (disclosed origin) | Est. Fair Retail | This Piece vs. Natural | Stone $/ct vs. Natural |
|---|
| VVS D-Color GRA Moissanite (your pick) | $5,000 | 96% less than natural | 96% less per carat |
| IGI/GIA CVD Lab-Grown Diamond | $19,820 | 83% less than natural | 83% less per carat |
| Natural Mined VS Diamond | $115,110 | — | 0% less per carat |
75%–92% savings: IGI/GIA lab-grown diamonds typically cost 75%–92% less than comparable natural mined diamonds, and VVS D-color moissanite costs less still.
Moissanite (silicon carbide, RI 2.65, fire dispersion 0.104 vs. diamond's 0.044) passes a standard thermal-conductivity diamond probe; a dual thermal + electrical conductivity tester distinguishes moissanite from diamond — and under FTC 16 CFR Part 23 it must always be sold as moissanite, never as diamond.
Values use approximate retail $/ct (moissanite ~$160, lab-grown ~$650, natural VS ~$3,800) plus metal and labor; actual prices vary by cut, color, clarity and maker.