Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re trying to decide on the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring, or are just browsing alternatives to white diamonds, you will have probably come across moissanite and cubic zirconia. These two gems are often used in place of a white diamond as they are significantly less expensive, but what's the difference between these two diamond alternatives? In this guide we’ll be exploring how moissanite differs from cubic zirconia and which one is the better choice for your jewellery.

Moissanite is one of the rarest naturally occurring gemstones in the world, making it even rarer than natural diamonds! Due to its exceptional rarity, the majority of moissanite used in jewellery is created in a laboratory, but don’t fret, these synthetic gemstones have exactly the same chemical and visual properties of natural moissanite. Moissanite is in fact so visually stunning and durable that it is often used as a substitute for diamonds and allows for the use of a bigger and higher quality stone without the hefty price tag that comes with choosing diamonds. Take a look at our moissanite gemstone guide to learn more.

Cubic zirconia is composed of zirconium dioxide and is a man-made gemstone created in a laboratory. While cubic zirconia is an affordable option if you’re wanting a white gemstone on a budget, it isn’t necessarily great for everyday wear. As cubic zirconia ages it can become cloudy and over time will show signs of wear as it is susceptible to scratching. 

Moissanite used in jewellery is nearly always manufactured rather than mined, this is due to the extreme rarity of natural moissanite. However, despite the fact that both moissanite and cubic zirconia are lab-made gemstones, moissanite scores higher on the Mohs scale of hardness at a near perfect 9.25, while cubic zirconia lands at 8-8.5. This means that moissanite is far better suited to everyday wear as it's less likely to become scratched or damaged.

Moissanite also has far more sparkle than cubic zirconia, which can become cloudy over time. Moissanite is known for its bright, multicoloured reflections while cubic zirconia can lack the brilliance associated with white gemstones. Therefore, if you’re searching for a diamond alternative, your best bet is to stick with moissanite.

There is a vast difference in price between these two gemstones, this is due to a multitude of reasons. Cubic zirconia is a far less precious stone than moissanite and is created in mass, meaning it commands a lower market value. It is also a cheaper option compared to moissanite due to its lower Mohs hardness score and less brilliant appearance. We always recommend splashing out a bit more to get a gemstone that you know can last forever, especially if you’re buying a piece that you’ll wear everyday. Take a look at our moissanite engagement rings to find the perfect moissanite ring for you.

No, moissanite and lab grown diamonds are not the same. While they are both made in a laboratory, lab grown diamonds look, feel and are formed under the same conditions as natural diamonds while moissanite is its own gemstone. Take a look at our guide on lab grown diamonds vs moissanite if you would like to learn more about what distinguishes these two gemstones.

It really depends on what you want from a gemstone and the kind of use you intend it to have. And while that doesn’t sound the most romantic, it's important to remember that diamonds are the number one choice for engagement rings for a reason. Diamonds aren’t just visually stunning, they’re also the strongest substance on earth, meaning they are great for everyday wear and won’t scratch easily. However, moissanite is also an extremely strong gemstone and comes in at a lower price than lab grown diamonds, so if you have a budget to stick to but still want a gemstone that’s suited to everyday wear, moissanite could be a winner! Read our guide on moissanite vs lab grown diamonds if you're still unsure!

Moissanite isn’t a fake diamond, as it's its own gemstone in its own right. While it is often used as an alternative to diamonds, this doesn’t mean it's created for this sole purpose. Many people choose moissanite over diamonds for many reasons, it has its own distinctive appearance as it catches the light differently to diamonds. It's also thought of as a more eco friendly option than natural diamonds as it's created in a laboratory and doesn’t take as much from the planet to create.

To the naked eye it can be difficult to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. They both appear clear and colourless in appearance at first glance, however, moissanite has a higher refractive index of 2.65 while diamonds is 2.42. This means that moissanite has more brilliance and reflects light easier than diamonds, often resulting in a rainbow-like sparkle. 

Yes, moissanite is cheaper than lab grown diamonds of the same carat weight. This is due to the fact that diamonds always hold a higher market value than moissanite, due to their demand and reputation. Lab grown diamonds also go through a much more complex creation process than moissanite, which also increases the price. 

Yes, you can usually tell the difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia as moissanite has more brilliance, making it more ‘sparkly’. Cubic zirconia is also usually colourless compared to moissanite which can reflect different colours of light, giving it a rainbow-like appearance. Cubic zirconia can also appear cloudy over time, which might leave you wondering if moissanite gets cloudy. The answer is that with dirt buildup and general oils and grime that come with wearing a ring every day, any gemstone can become cloudy. However, with a good clean you can make it good as new! Take a look at our cleaning kits to bring your moissanite back to life.

We love moissanite and think it's a great choice for engagement rings, it comes in many different colours and its hardness level makes it perfect for everyday use! However, if you’re looking for a white stone and have the budget, we would recommend looking at lab grown diamonds. They’re even stronger than moissanite and have a more colourless appearance than moissanite.

Our selection of moissanite engagement rings could be the perfect place to start exploring moissanite jewellery. While we focus on the use of teal moissanite, our bespoke or custom packages are the best way to take on the role of jewellery designer and create the ring you’ve always dreamed of. Book an appointment, whether in person or virtual, and begin the journey to finding your perfect ring.