Cubic zirconia and Moissanite vs. Diamond

Are you looking for a stunning and affordable alternative to diamonds? If so, you might want to consider cubic zirconia and moissanite, two of the most popular synthetic gemstones that can rival the beauty and brilliance of natural diamonds. But how do these gemstones compare to the most coveted stone in the world? Let’s find out!

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a man-made crystalline material that is composed of zirconium dioxide. It was first discovered in 1892, but it was not until the 1970s that it became commercially available as a diamond simulant. CZ is very hard, with a Mohs scale rating of 8.5, but not as hard as diamond, which has a rating of 10. CZ is also very dense, about 1.7 times heavier than diamond. CZ can be made in various colors, such as white, pink, yellow, green, and blue, but the most common color is colorless, which mimics the appearance of a flawless diamond. CZ is also very sparkly, with a high refractive index of 2.15, but it tends to have more fire (the flashes of rainbow colors) than diamond, which can make it look less realistic. CZ is very affordable, with an average price of $20 per carat.

Moissanite is another man-made crystalline material that is composed of silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona, but it was not until the 1990s that it became commercially available as a diamond alternative. Moissanite is harder than CZ, with a Mohs scale rating of 9.25, but still slightly softer than diamond. Moissanite is also less dense than CZ, about 0.9 times lighter than diamond. Moissanite can also be made in various colors, such as near-colorless, faint yellow, green, and gray, but the most common color is near-colorless, which resembles a high-quality diamond. Moissanite is also very sparkly, with a higher refractive index of 2.65, but it also has more fire than diamond, which can make it look more colorful and flashy. Moissanite is more expensive than CZ, but still much cheaper than diamond, with an average price of $400 per carat.

Diamond is a natural crystalline material that is composed of pure carbon. It is the hardest known substance, with a Mohs scale rating of 10. It is also very dense, about 3.5 times heavier than water. Diamond can be found in various colors, such as colorless, yellow, brown, pink, blue, green, and red, but the most common color is colorless, which is graded from D (the highest) to Z (the lowest) based on the presence of impurities. Diamond is also very sparkly, with a refractive index of 2.42, but it has less fire than CZ and moissanite, which can make it look more clear and pure. Diamond is the most expensive of the three gemstones, with an average price of $4,000 per carat.

So, which gemstone is the best for you? That depends on your personal preference, budget, and style. Here are some tips to help you choose the best stone for your jewelry:

  • If you want a gemstone that looks exactly like a diamond, you might want to go for a high-quality CZ or a near-colorless moissanite, as they have the closest color and clarity to a flawless diamond. However, you should be aware that CZ and moissanite have more fire than diamond, which can make them look less natural in some lighting conditions. You should also be careful about the size and cut of your CZ or moissanite, as a too large or too perfect stone can raise suspicion about its authenticity.
  • If you want a gemstone that has more sparkle and color than a diamond, you might want to go for a colored CZ or a faint yellow or green moissanite, as they have more variety and personality than a colorless diamond. However, you should be aware that colored CZ and moissanite are less common and less desirable than colorless ones, and they might not match well with some metals and settings. You should also be careful about the quality and origin of your colored CZ or moissanite, as some of them might be treated or enhanced to achieve their color, which can affect their durability and value.
  • If you want a gemstone that has more durability and prestige than CZ and moissanite, you might want to go for a diamond, as it is the hardest and most valuable of the three gemstones. However, you should be aware that diamond is also the most expensive and the most controversial of the three gemstones, as it is often associated with environmental and social issues, such as mining, conflict, and labor. You should also be careful about the certification and grading of your diamond, as some of them might be synthetic or treated to improve their appearance, which can affect their quality and price.

You can find a wide range of beautiful and affordable cubic zirconia and moissanite stones on our website. Visit wholesaleloosecz.com today and discover the perfect gemstone for you!