When it comes to finding the perfect gemstone for a piece of jewelry, it can be difficult to decide on the best option. Moissanite, diamonds, and cubic zirconia are all popular stones that have various characteristics that make them unique. To help you out in your search for the ideal stone, here is a breakdown of what each gem has to offer.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-created stone made from silicon carbide. It has become increasingly popular in recent years because it looks very similar to diamond but at a fraction of the cost. It is predominantly clear or colorless; however it can be created in blue and pink hues.
It is slightly softer than diamond on the Mohs Scale of Hardness but it has a higher refractive index, meaning more fire and brilliance than CZ or diamond. It’s also typically less expensive than diamonds but more expensive than cubic zirconia. So if you’re looking for something that looks like a diamond without breaking the bank, moissanite might be right for you.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia (or CZ) is another type of lab-created stone made from zirconium dioxide. It’s much cheaper than diamonds or other precious gems and has become one of the most popular stones used in costume jewelry because of its affordability and sparkle. However, cubic zirconia is much softer than diamond or moissanite; its hardness rating is just 8 on the Mohs scale which makes it more prone to scratches or chips.
What are Diamonds?
Diamonds are perhaps the most popular gemstone in the world due to their beauty and rarity. They are also incredibly hard—with a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale—which makes them extremely resistant to scratches and chips. Unfortunately, they are also very expensive which can make them cost prohibitive for many people looking for an affordable option for their jewelry needs.
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances known to man (ranking 10 on the Mohs scale), so they’re extremely durable and resistant to scratches and other damage. They also have excellent clarity, allowing them to capture light better than many other stones—which gives them their signature sparkle that everyone loves so much!
Are moissanite and diamonds better than cubic zirconia?
While it’s not as hard as moissanite or diamond, CZ ranks 8.5 on the Mohs Scale, which is the same hardness as topaz! it does have some advantages over other gems when it comes to durability—it won’t chip or crack easily and its color won’t fade over time like some other gemstones can do. CZ also has excellent clarity, so it can look very close to a real diamond—if you’re on a tight budget but still want something with some sparkle, CZ could be the way to go.
Which is more expensive – diamonds, CZ or moissanite?
Of course, diamonds tend to be more expensive than both moissanite and CZ due to their rareness; however, they are still usually considered worth the higher price tag if you’re looking for something special enough for an engagement ring or a special occasion gift.
Is it better to buy a diamond or moissanite?
When trying to decide between diamonds, moissanite, and cubic zirconia for your next piece of jewelry, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – each stone has its own unique benefits and drawbacks that must be weighed when making your decision. If you’re looking for something sparkly but still affordable, then moissanite or cubic zirconia may be good choices; however if you want something truly timeless with unmatched durability then a diamond may be your best bet – albeit at a higher price point. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and budget so take some time to research each stone before making your decision!
When considering your options between moissanite and cubic zirconia and diamond there are many factors that come into play such as budget, type of jewelry setting desired, durability needs and overall look desired in your finished product. Ultimately each person must decide what works best for them based on their individual situation; however understanding all three options will help guide your decision making process towards purchasing the perfect piece of jewelry just for you!