Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia: Which is Right for You?
As the wedding season approaches, the list of expenses keeps on increasing. But what if we told you that there was a better and cheaper alternative to your diamond or gold engagement rings? Yes, we are talking about Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia and find which is the better alternative for you.
Brief Description: Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia
Before we proceed further, let us gather some information about both of them. One of the major difference between diamonds and its alternatives is that production. Diamonds are made and found naturally whereas Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are made in the laboratories. This is what makes them a cheaper and better alternative.
Moissanite
Moissantie stone was discovered in the year 1893 by a French chemist named Henri Moissan. It is a gemstone made of silicon carbonide and is completely lab-created. It is possible to find Moissanite naturally but it is incredibly rare.
This gemstone has the score of 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness making it one of the hardest gemstones available. This high score indicates that Moissanite is very durable and suitable for everyday wear jewellery.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic Zirconia is another lab-made alternative to diamonds which is quite affordable. It was developed in the late 1970s and has been widely used in traditional jewellery since them. Talking about the hardness, Cubic Zirconia scores between 8 and 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
It is comparatively lower to Moissanite which makes it a little more prone to scratches during usual wear and tear. However, jewellery made with cubic zirconia can be long-lasting if properly cared for.
Difference Between Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia
Though both of these gemstones are created artificially, both of them have their own unique properties. Let us look at the difference between Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia to help you make an informed decision.
|
Basis |
Moissanite |
Cubic Zirconia |
|
Composition |
Moissanite is made up of silicon carbide crystals. |
Cubic Zirconia is made up of zirconia dioxide. |
|
Brilliance |
It has the refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69. This means that it disperses more light resembling diamonds. |
When compared to Moissanite, it has a slightly lower refractive index of 2.15 to 2.18. |
|
Accessibilty |
Rare to find |
More Common |
|
Appearance |
Near colorless. Some larger stones may have slight yellow/green tint. |
Usually colorless and clear. But Cubic Zirconia may appear cloudy over time. |
|
Cost |
Much cheaper than real diamods. |
Budget-friendly |
|
Sustainabilty |
Moissanites are lab-created and are environmental friendly. |
CZ are quiet sustainable and does not impact the nature negatively. |
|
Maintainance |
Minimal maintenance is required. |
Frequent cleaning is required to maintain its sparkle. |
|
Used in |
Moissanite stones are popularly used in engagement and wedding bands. |
Ideal for fashion jewellery and gifting purposes. |
|
Customization |
Can be designed in various settings. |
Can be easily customized according to choice. |
Resale Value of Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia
When it comes to investing in jewelry, one of the major aspect is its resale value. Over time trends change and new designs become popular. This is the reason why resale value is important.
Moissanite jewellery has a higher resale value when compared to Cubic Zirconia. The obvious reason behind this is its durability and market demand. Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand has a lower resale value. As it is already quite affordable and it does not hold its worth well over time.
It is important to note that both of them are not “real” diamonds. Jewellery made up of gold and diamond are worth a huge amount of money. However, when it comes to looking pocket-friendly jewellery, both Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are great options.
Can Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia Replace Real Diamonds?
Well, the short answer to this question is no. Nothing can replace real diamonds. However, some lab-created gemstones can effectively become a better alternative to diamonds.
Moissanites are one of the best alternatives in the market at this point due to its unique properties as they closely resemble diamonds. Cubic Zirconia is a much more budget-friendly option but it is less durable when compared to moissanites.
These lab-created gemstones are considered at par with real diamonds visually. It is just the composition and origin that is different. They are tested and graded the same way as natural diamonds.
Conclusion
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are both premium alternatives to diamonds. Moissanite offers great brilliance along with extended durability where as Cubic Zirconia offers a diamond-like appearance with comparatively lower costs but with less durability.
The choice between the both depends completely on individual preferences and budget. In this article we have tried our best to provide a detailed comparison of moissanite and cubic zirconia. You can select the one that best fits your preferences, financial situation, and overall aesthetic by being aware of the differences between the two.