Moissanite Vs Cubic Zirconia – Which Gemstone Is Right For You?

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are two popular diamond simulants that closely resemble natural diamonds in appearance, but offer more ethical mining alternatives. Both gems can be created in laboratory conditions for use as ethical alternatives to mined diamonds which often involve hazardous mining practices.

Both gems share many similar properties, such as durability and brilliance, yet there are a few key distinctions between moissanite and cubic zirconia that you should keep in mind when selecting either stone for an engagement ring or other jewelry pieces.

Price

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are two diamond alternatives that offer similar sparkle at a lower cost, and may be better choices for engagement rings than diamonds. Both stones offer stunning jewelry pieces but which one would best suit you? Both stones make stunning additions to your jewelry wardrobe but which is right for you? Moissanite boasts superior brilliance and durability than cubic zirconia but has a higher price point; moissanite may offer superior brilliance but comes at the price of higher maintenance needs as compared to its cousin, moissanite.

Cubic zirconia has a lower refractive index than moissanite, so its light may not shine as brightly. Furthermore, its durability may be inferior due to a Mohs hardness rating of only 8.5 as opposed to diamond’s 10.

Moissanite, composed of silicon carbide, comes in several attractive shades such as white (sometimes known as “cz”), pink, blue, green and yellow as well as bi-colored/parti-colored varieties – making it the ideal material for creating colorful high-quality jewelry pieces.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia offer many setting options, allowing you to select a design that perfectly reflects your personal and lifestyle needs. For a luxurious piece, look for one with round or elongated shapes in VVS clarity; while for those on a budget who favor classic colors such as off-white or yellow cubic zirconia may offer cheaper solutions.

Brilliance

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are both stunning diamond alternatives, each providing stunning visual effects at a fraction of their natural cost. When selecting which gemstone suits your personal priorities and preferences best, take into account each gemstone’s brilliance, durability, and close resemblance to diamonds – this may make Moissanite worth paying an increased cost if looking for something with lasting luster similar to natural diamonds.

Cubic zirconia offers an affordable alternative that still looks beautiful and is durable enough to wear daily, though it may lack the brilliance and is more prone to scratches over time than moissanite.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia both possess high refractive index ratings of 2.65-2.69, giving both stones their brilliant brilliance. Cubic zirconia however may appear duller under certain lighting conditions due to a lower refractive index rating of around 2.17;

Durability

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are two popular gemstone options used in engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry pieces. While both types are very similar in most ways, each differs significantly in durability, color saturation and brilliance – with moissanite providing superior performance in these categories for everyday wear.

Moissanite boasts a higher refractive index (RI) rating than cubic zirconia, which indicates superior brilliance. Furthermore, moissanite is much harder and more durable than CZ; its PSI rating exceeds 300 percent higher than diamond, making it less susceptible to chipping or breaking than other gemstones.

Moissanite gemstones should be carefully considered when purchasing, since their surfaces tend to accumulate oils and residue over time, leading to cloudiness or clouded appearances in some stones. While this should not be considered a deal-breaker for most individuals, it might be something worth keeping in mind when purchasing such an expensive gem.

Cubic zirconia is an affordable diamond simulant known for its vibrant sparkle. However, due to a lower Mohs hardness score than moissanite it may become more susceptible to scratches over time, which won’t detract from its appearance but could limit resale value or practicality for everyday wear – thus best suited for temporary pieces such as fashion jewelry.

Availability

If you’re searching for an alternative diamond that still shimmers beautifully, take a closer look at moissanite. Rated 10 on Mohs scale of hardness, this stone offers outstanding wear resistance compared to cubic zirconia and CZ stones. Due to its higher refractive index than CZ stones, light can easily reflect off moissanite, giving it more gorgeous shine and making it an excellent choice for engagement rings.

Cubic zirconia features a slightly lower hardness rating than diamonds (8 on the Mohs scale), making it more susceptible to scratches and wear over time. Furthermore, its weaker color spectrum and decreased fire can make it less desirable than moissanite; yet still an affordable way to enjoy diamond-like appeal.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are manufactured to look and perform like natural gemstones. Both gems come in an assortment of shapes and sizes – including round brilliant, marquise princess radiant cushion emerald oval trillion/triangular/trapezoid and baguette cuts – so they can be used as either center stones or side stones in jewelry such as rings earrings pendants necklaces bracelets.

Moissanite may be more durable and beautiful than cubic zirconia, yet both gemstones boast beauty and durability that rival natural diamonds. Your choice should ultimately depend on personal preferences and budget constraints.