Cubic Zirconia vs. Moissanite

Cubic Zirconia vs. Moissanite: A Quick Guide

If you’re looking for an affordable diamond alternative, you’ve probably come across moissanite and cubic zirconia. Both are popular diamond alternatives that provide more or less the appearance of a natural diamond but at a much lower price point.

However, which is right for you? Moissanite or cubic zirconia?

While you may be positive that a diamond substitute is what you need, you still have to compare and contrast the various alternatives to natural diamonds to decide which is your best fit.

Here’s what you need to know when comparing cubic zirconia vs moissanite.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic, lab-produced stone made from zirconium dioxide, a form of zirconium oxide. A popular diamond alternative, cubic zirconia is affordable and mimics the brilliant sparkle of mined diamonds. However, compared to a diamond, cubic zirconia significantly lacks durability, is lower on the Mohs scale than diamonds, and is susceptible to scratching and clouding. Most cubic zirconia stones only retain their appearance for a few months. Cubic zirconia jewelry can be purchased just about anywhere that sells jewelry, including your local big-box store.

What is Moissanite?

While possibly not as well-known as cubic zirconia, synthetic moissanite derives from silicon carbide.  Moissanite was first discovered when it landed on Earth by way of meteorite. While natural moissanite does exist it is extremely rare, therefore nearly all colorless moissanite is lab-made.

Moissanite offers exceptional brilliance and fire, in comparison with a diamond, Moissanite will have more scintillation and fire due to its doubly refractive nature. Unfortunately, moissanite is still not as durable as diamond.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia Appearance

When comparing moissanite vs cubic zirconia sparkle, there’s one clear winner: moissanite. Thanks to moissanite’s higher refractive index, moissanite sparkles in a way that cubic zirconia can’t match.

When looking at clear or “white” stones such as moissanite, cubic zirconia, and diamonds, you’ll often find that stones can range from yellow-ish to completely clear. Diamonds and moissanite fall along this spectrum; and you will find their price increase when colorless and decrease as more of the yellow-ish tone is present. Meanwhile, most cubic zirconia is colorless.

Both moissanite and cubic zirconia are typically free from inclusions and offer high clarity. This is due to the controlled lab environment where manufacturers synthesize cubic zirconia and moissanite.

Moissanite Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia Durability

Moissanite offers greater durability than cubic zirconia. Moissanite rates a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, whereas cubic zirconia comes in at 8. While these ratings are lower than that of a diamond (which gets a 10 on the scale), moissanite’s higher ranking compared to cubic zirconia makes it far more durable overall.

Both can still be susceptible to scratches and dings with incorrect wear and care. Under the same circumstances, cubic zirconia will show wear and tear more and faster than moissanite.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia Price and Value

When comparing cubic zirconia vs moissanite price, you’ll find cubic zirconia is the most affordable option. That said, moissanite is still more affordable than diamonds, even if it’s not as cheap as cubic zirconia.

If you compare similarly sized stones, you might find that a cubic zirconia stone is under $50. In contrast, the same-size moissanite stone is several hundred dollars, and the same-size diamond is over a thousand dollars.

Thinking you may have to resell that jewelry at a later date? Keep in mind that neither moissanite or cubic zirconia will retain their value. However compared to diamonds they offer huge cost savings up front.

Moissanite Rings vs. Cubic Zirconia Rings: Which is Right for You?

So which is right for you? It all depends on a few factors.

• Budget

What does your budget look like? Unlike moissanite, cubic zirconia offers an extremely low price point. Sometimes, you can buy cubic zirconia jewelry for as little as $10. If you don’t have a healthy budget and want to save up for your high-quality jewelry purchase, go with cubic zirconia.

If you want something still more budget-friendly than a diamond but have more wiggle room in your budget, spring for the moissanite; the extra durability and sparkle will make it worth your money.

• Sentimental Value

Are you buying a sentimental, important piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring? For personal and meaningful jewelry purchases such as engagement rings, consider forgoing moissanite and cubic zirconia—purchase a real diamond. You want something that will last long-term and hold its value, and nothing will do that quite like a diamond.

• Durability

Moissanite boasts a higher durability than cubic zirconia. Choose moissanite over cubic zirconia if you want a diamond alternative that you can wear daily without worrying about scratches and dings.

Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite FAQs

What is the cost of moissanite vs cubic zirconia?

If a piece of cubic zirconia jewelry costs $50, the same piece with moissanite will cost you a few hundred dollars.

Do moissanite and cubic zirconia become cloudy over time?

Cubic zirconia does become cloudy over time due to surface abrasions, usually within a couple months of consistent wear. Moissanite, meanwhile, will not become cloudy over time if you give it the proper care. However, moissanite can become discolored due to high heat exposure.

Can you use a diamond tester to test moissanite and cubic zirconia?

You can use a diamond tester to identify cubic zirconia. However, moissanite is a little trickier, as some diamond testers may identify the highly conductive stone as diamond.

How do you clean moissanite and cubic zirconia?

You can clean moissanite and cubic zirconia using the same methods as cleaning diamonds at home. Just use mild dish soap and warm water to gently wash the jewelry, using a soft toothbrush. Then, use a clean, soft cloth to dry the jewelry completely.

Should I buy moissanite or cubic zirconia?

It will depend on your needs and wants for a new piece of jewelry. If you want the cheapest price possible, go with cubic zirconia. If you want an affordable price but a little more durability and a diamond-like appearance, go with moissanite.

When You’re Not Wearing Your Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia, Protect Your Real Diamonds

You might not want to wear your real diamond jewelry in many instances, such as while traveling, at the beach, hiking, etc. However, you still want to show off a little bling — so you might wear your moissanite or cubic zirconia. Go a step further and keep your real diamonds and all your jewelry protected with BriteCo specialty jewelry insurance.

Learn more about BriteCo’s extensive diamond coverage options and get a quote today!

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