Moissanite is superior in terms of durability, brilliance, and long-term value, making it ideal for engagement rings and everyday wear. Cubic zirconia offers an affordable and visually appealing option for temporary or occasional use but is less durable.
On the other hand, Moissanite's high hardness and toughness make it much more durable than CZ, which has a finite life due to its lower properties. While CZ can easily scratch, chip, and wear with regular use, Moissanite can withstand everyday wear and last a lifetime and beyond with proper care.
The Cons: It's just not a traditional diamond
If you're set on tradition, or you want a stone that holds resale value, moissanite might not be your first choice. While it's beautiful and durable, it doesn't carry the same prestige as diamonds, and some jewelers or jewelry lovers may not see it as a true equal.
The answer depends on your priorities. If you value affordability and unique sparkle, our Brilliant Earth gemologists recommend choosing moissanite. However, if you prefer a gemstone with classic brilliance, our gemologists recommend lab grown diamonds as the best option for you.
Most moissanite on the market today is created in specialized laboratories. Charles & Colvard® invented Forever One™ moissanite, setting the gold standard for quality. Moissanite's brilliance surpasses that of cubic zirconia and diamonds. Its refractive index reaches 2.65, higher than a diamond's 2.42.
The Aquamarine name comes from the Latin word for seawater and is said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. It is sometimes referred to as a poor man's diamond because of the pale color.
Moissanite looks a lot like a diamond, but it is not a "fake" diamond. Think of it like people who look very similar but are not related. These pairs are called doppelgangers.
The engagement ring salary rule is a long-standing guideline suggesting that a person should spend a certain portion of their income — commonly one to three months' salary — on an engagement ring. The most well-known version is the 3 months' salary engagement ring rule.
The simple answer is no, moissanite does not get cloudy. Unlike cubic zirconia, which may degrade or lose its clarity with prolonged wear, moissanite retains its optical properties indefinitely. Its structure is resistant to breaking down, ensuring it stays as stunning as the day you bought it.
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.
Depending on the quality grade and the brand, a 1-carat moissanite can cost anywhere between $200 to $600. Are Moissanite and Lab Diamonds the same? No, both are different stones. Moissanites have a 9.5 rating on the Mohs scale, are made from silicon carbide, and offer a more colorful rainbow-like reflection.
Moissanite is second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, rating at 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it highly resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear just like diamonds.
Its quality is judged by clarity, color, cut, and carat weight, just like diamonds. To find top-quality moissanite, check that the stone has no visible imperfections and is cut to enhance its shine. This will ensure the moissanite looks bright and stunning, similar to high-quality diamonds.
The Detergent Bath
A mild liquid detergent would be something like original Dawn dish detergent. We do not recommend the use of any abrasive cleaners for any type of jewelry. Brush pieces gently with a toothbrush and rinse well. A hair dryer may be used to finish drying the jewelry.
Moissanite is built to last a lifetime, equal to diamond in practical, everyday terms. Likewise, the stone maintains its brilliance and fire forever with simple care.
Many couples using a conservative budget-friendly engagement ring will spend $1,000 to $3,000 for their perfect ring. The average engagement ring cost in the mid-range choice is $3,000 to $6,000. Those wishing for luxury or larger-carat and higher-quality diamond rings may spend $10,000 or more.
One of the things I shared was my “3-Rings” rule. It goes like this: When your phone rings, and it's a potential client who's calling you, the first three rings are on the house. BUT — if someone doesn't pick it up by the end of the third one, each additional ring costs your firm $1,000.
Since moissanite is synthetically produced, there is always a plentiful supply of this beautiful gemstone. This abundance means that consumers don't have to worry about limited availability driving up prices, making moissanite an affordable alternative —unlike the traditional diamond.
The best fake diamonds are cubic zirconia (CZ), moissanite, and lab-grown diamonds. CZ is affordable and looks similar to real diamonds. Moissanite offers great brilliance and durability.
Moissanite is harder, more durable, and offers greater brilliance, making it suitable for long-term wear. Cubic zirconia, while less durable, provides a more subdued sparkle and is an economical choice for short-term use or decorative jewelry.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is a 186 carat diamond with a curse affecting only men. According to folklore, a Hindu description of the diamond warns that “he who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God or woman can wear it with impunity.”
Color Is More Visible In Large Diamonds
If you're buying a diamond under 1 carat, you might consider choosing an I, J, or K color diamond. Going over 1 carat? We recommend H color-grade diamonds or higher. This is because the larger a diamond is, the more likely it is to show any color.
A diamond appropriate for 75% of a $20k engagement budget could range from 1 to 2.50 carats, or even higher, depending on the shape, and how it's graded in other areas. It may even be able to get you a diamond 3 carat or larger stone if you opt for a lab-grown diamond instead.
While ideal grades can vary by a person's taste, we recommend getting a colorless moissanite with D to F color grades, clarity grades that fall from FL to VS1, and has an Excellent or Very Good cut grade. With these desirable grades, you will be sure to have an exceptionally beautiful moissanite stone.