Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia: Which is the Better Diamond Alternative?
As men’s jewelry becomes more and more popular, so too do diamond alternatives, like moissanite vs cubic zirconia. These each have their place in helping men and women alike accessorize without breaking the bank.
But which is better, moissanite or cubic zirconia? We’ll compare and contrast cubic zirconia vs moissanite below to help you gain a clear understanding of where each has an edge and which is right for you.
Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, your need for durability, and your preference for sparkle and brilliance. Either way, though, you can find stunning styles here at Adamans. We carry both cubic zirconia and mossanite jewelry for men.
So whether you’re interested in a moissanite chain for men or a men’s tennis chain crafted from CZ, we’ve got you covered with high-quality jewelry at an unbeatable price, with a lifetime guarantee.
Why More Men Want Alternatives to Diamonds
Before we compare and contrast moissanite vs cubic zirconia, let’s take a step back and touch on some of the reasons you should opt for a diamond alternative in the first place.
It’s no secret that diamonds are the pinnacle of gemstones, but they’re not without their problems. Most notably, price. Diamond jewelry is incredibly expensive and often out of reach for the modern man.
Fortunately, there are alternatives that mirror the appearance of diamonds at a fraction of the price, two of the most common being CZ and moissanite. But cost-effectiveness isn’t the only reason to choose one of these alternatives. Ethics come into play, too.
If you don’t know what goes into mining diamonds, we’ll leave you to do your own research. Just know this - the process can be quite exploitive and problematic. There are environmental concerns as well. The good news is both CZ and moissanite are more sustainable choices that align with your morals.
That being said, which is better, moissanite or cubic zirconia? Let’s look at the unique characteristics of both options below to help you get a better understanding.
What is Moissanite?
So what is moissanite, exactly? This man-made gemstone has incredible brilliance and durability, and perhaps more importantly, it’s a fraction of the price you’d pay for diamonds of similar size.
Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. The mineral was initially mistaken for a diamond given its similar appearance and sparkle.
But, natural Moissanite is extremely rare, so nearly all gems used in jewelry today are lab-grown. This process actually has quite a few benefits, including an ethical, sustainable alternative to mined gemstones.
Still, people are drawn to Moissanite for its exceptional fire and sparkle, all thanks to its high refractive index. In fact, it often reflects light even more brilliantly than other gemstones (including diamonds), creating a dazzling effect that catches the eye from every angle.
Moissanite is also highly durable with a ranking of 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale. For comparison, diamonds are a 10 and the only other gemstone harder than moissanite.
This means you can wear moissanite on a daily basis without stressing about scratching, chipping, and breaking the stone. It’s a perfect choice for engagement rings, chains, bracelets, and any jewelry style in between.
But is it really better than CZ? Let’s get into the other half of the moissanite vs cubic zirconia comparison.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia, or CZ for short, is another synthetic gemstone widely used in jewelry since the 1970s. It’s entirely man-made, unlike moissanite, and was initially developed as a cost-effective alternative to diamonds.
The process involves heating zirconium oxide to extremely high temperatures, which creates a clear, diamond-like stone that can be produced in large quantities. This leads to its primary benefit, affordability.
CZ is a brilliant, eye-catching stone priced dramatically lower than diamonds. It’s a way more accessible option for fashion jewelry and special occasion pieces alike. It’s also more versatile and can be made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
This stone is known for its clarity, too. It’s virtually flawless since it lacks the inclusions or imperfections found in natural stones. Its optical properties give it a sparkle similar to diamonds, although its refractive index is lower, so it won’t have quite as much intense fire and brilliance.
It’s also less durable with a Mohs rating of 8, which is still fairly strong. CZ can hold up well in settings where it doesn’t face heavy wear and tear. Just be aware that it’s more prone to scratching and dulling over time.
Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia: Key Differences to Consider
So, which is better, moissanite or cubic zirconia? If you’re still on the fence as to which diamond alternative is right for you we’ll provide a more comprehensive side-by-side comparison of cubic zirconia vs moissanite below.
Price
If you’re trying to choose between cubic zirconia vs moissanite over diamonds, your decision is probably motivated in part by cost. So, it’s worth starting with a comparison of moissanite vs cubic zirconia price points.
CZ is one of the most affordable gemstones available, meaning you can purchase larger, more elaborate pieces of jewelry for a fraction of what you’d pay for smaller diamond pieces.
Moissanite may be more expensive than CZ, but even its price point pales in comparison to diamonds. Moissanite jewelry costs thousands of dollars less than you’d pay for diamond jewelry of a similar size and style.
While CZ is cheaper than moissanite, you should be aware that you typically get what you pay for. Let’s put the two side by side based on aesthetics.
Aesthetics
You don’t want to be that guy wearing fake diamonds, and fortunately, your secret is safe if you choose moissanite. Not only is it visually indistinguishable from diamonds to the vast majority of people, but it also passes diamond testing!
This gem is known for its intense brilliance and fire, which refers to the way light reflects through the stone. It creates rainbow-like flashes when light catches it. It also has a higher refractive index than CZ, meaning it sparkles more vividly in the light.
That doesn’t necessarily mean moissanite is inherently better than CZ. Some people love the extra fire Moissanite offers, while others may find it too flashy, especially in larger stones.
CZ produces less fire, making it a more subtle solution for those who want a bit of shine without coming off as too “loud” so to speak. You need to know that this gem tends to lose its luster over time, though, especially when worn daily.
Durability
If you’re looking for a statement piece you can wear for special occasions only, then durability may not be quite as important to you. But those who are choosing between cubic zirconia vs moissanite for a daily driver need to account for hardness.
We mentioned already that moissanite is second only to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale at 9.25. It’s highly resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking. Moissanite can withstand everyday use without losing its structural integrity.
On the other hand, CZ is a bit softer at just 8 on the Mohs scale. That doesn’t mean it’s fragile, but it will be more susceptible to scratches, especially if worn daily in pieces like rings.
As we briefly touched on above CZ can also start to cloud or dull with wear. This becomes accelerated when the gem is exposed to chemicals or heat.
Manufacturing
While both are far more ethical, sustainable alternatives to diamonds, the actual process of producing moissanite and CZ varies greatly.
Moissanite is created through a complex lab process that mimics the natural formation of silicon carbide crystals. The goal is to produce a stone with high clarity and consistency while minimizing environmental impact.
Cubic zirconia is brought to life through a simpler process involving the heating of zirconium oxide. It’s then cooled to create synthetic crystals. Since it’s more straightforward the process is also more efficient.
This is what leads to moissanite vs cubic zirconia price differences. But, it’s also what leads to differences in aesthetics and hardness.
Versatility
Moissanite and CZ are each used in a wide variety of jewelry styles - from rings and chains to earrings and bracelets. But the distinction is that moissanite is often chosen for high-end pieces, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom-quality jewelry.
This is because of its longevity and brilliance. Its durability makes it suitable for daily wear, and it holds up well in settings that require a strong stone, like rings and bracelets.
In contrast, CZ is more commonplace in fashion jewelry or temporary pieces since it’s cheaper and less durable. It’s also a better option for those who want something less flashy.
So, Which is Better Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia?
At this point you should have a clear understanding of which is better, moissanite or cubic zirconia. If not, there are really just three things you need to consider:
What’s Your Budget?
Cubic zirconia offers unbeatable affordability if budget is your primary concern. You can enjoy the look of large, dazzling stones without spending much. But if you have more money to spend and want something that will last, moissanite offers far better value over time.
How Important Is Durability?
Those who are hard on their jewelry or wear it frequently need to accept the reality that CZ won’t meet their needs, even though it’s much cheaper. It still has its place in occasional wear, but moissanite is the clear winner for its hardness and resistance to scratching.
Preference for Sparkle and Brilliance
Moissanite has an unmistakable edge when it comes to brilliance and fire, which is why it’s the ideal pick for those who want a gemstone that catches the light and stands out. CZ is still eye-catching, but much more subtle for those who want to fly under the radar.
Bringing Our Cubic Zirconia vs Moissanite Comparison to a Close
As we wrap up our comparison of moissanite vs cubic zirconia it’s clear that each of these diamond alternatives has its place. It just comes down to aligning with your budget, durability needs, and preferences for appearance.
Both offer incredible value, but understanding the differences will help you make the best decision for your personal style and needs. Remember that either way, Adamans has an unparalleled selection of men’s jewelry to choose from.
Shop high-end Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia jewelry that’s guaranteed to pass the test - literally. Discover GRA-certified pieces with a lifetime guarantee for unmatched style that won’t break the bank.
