Diamond, Moissanite, and Zirconia: what's the difference?

Diamonds are the perfect choice for engagement rings, and let's face it, they look perfect in any other piece of jewelry. However, other gemstones have become very popular in recent years, especially Moissanite and Zirconia, which have become the main (more affordable) alternatives to diamonds.

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Both diamonds and Moissanite have extreme brilliance, but Zirconia is also an excellent substitute for those seeking a similar look to a diamond. But what is the difference between these three stones? In this guide, we will compare the characteristics of diamonds, Moissanite, and Zirconia to help you make the best decision when choosing the perfect stone for your jewelry.

What is a diamond?

Diamonds are precious stones made of pure carbon. They are the most popular gemstones for jewelry because they are the hardest natural mineral in the world. When properly cut, they exhibit a unique brilliance, making them the most sought-after stones in the world of jewelry.

Check it out: Collection of Diamond Rings from Loft Masculino

When buying a quality diamond, you should always consider the 4 C's:

Cut
Color
Clarity
Carat

The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance, while color and clarity affect its overall appearance. The weight of a diamond, known as carat, influences its value.

What is Zirconia?

Zirconia is an artificial stone commonly used as an alternative to diamonds. This lab-grown stone is cut in the same way as a diamond, achieving a similar appearance. Zirconia is much cheaper than a diamond and comes in a wide range of colors, from white and yellow to pink.

When buying Zirconia, it is important to consider its quality grading, giving preference to AAA-grade Zirconia, which is equivalent to high-quality diamonds. However, as a synthetic stone, it does not have the same durability as a diamond.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a silicon carbide stone. It can be found in nature (extremely rare) or created in a laboratory. It is visually identical to a diamond and just as hard. Moissanite can come in a variety of colors, from white and yellow to pink.

Its similarity to a natural diamond is so great that even professional diamond detectors are unable to determine the difference between the stones, often identifying Moissanite as a natural diamond.

When purchasing Moissanite, the rule of the 4 C's still applies. One positive aspect of Moissanite is its hardness and durability, which is almost equivalent to that of a natural diamond, reaching a fantastic 9.5 on the Mohs scale, while diamonds score 10 on the Mohs scale.

Comparing diamond, Moissanite, and Zirconia

1. Durability and hardness

Diamond is the hardest natural stone on the planet. Moissanite is the second hardest, followed by Zirconia.

2. Color and transparency

Diamonds come in a wide range of colors, from colorless to yellow and pink. Moissanite and Zirconia can also be found in a wide range of colors, with properties equivalent to high-quality diamonds.

3. Clarity

Diamonds are classified on a clarity scale from flawless to included (when there are inclusions inside the stone). Moissanite and Zirconia are not classified in the same way because, as lab-grown stones, they are flawless in terms of clarity, with no inclusions.

4. Cost

In terms of cost, diamonds are considered the most expensive gemstone, followed by Moissanite and Zirconia. Depending on the quality of the stone, a 1-carat diamond can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Moissanite is much cheaper, with a 1-carat stone costing around $400 to $600. The cheapest option would be Zirconia, with a 1-carat stone averaging around $20.

Pros and Cons of each gemstone

When choosing stones for your jewelry, it is important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each of these stones.

Diamond is the most durable and brilliant among the three stones, but it is also the most expensive. Additionally, as a natural and precious stone, it appreciates in value over time and becomes a form of investment.

Moissanite is cheaper than a diamond and has equivalent brilliance and durability, but it is lab-grown and not extracted from nature.

Zirconia is the cheapest of the three stones but is not as durable as a diamond or Moissanite.

Conclusion

It is important to consider the differences between diamonds, Moissanite, and Zirconia when choosing the right stone for you and your jewelry.

Diamond is the most durable, brilliant, and precious of the three stones but is the most expensive.
Moissanite shines like a diamond, is more affordable, and quite durable.
Zirconia is the cheapest of the three stones.

Understanding the differences between the three can help you make the right decision. Regardless of your budget or taste, you will certainly find the perfect piece of jewelry for your collection at Loft Masculino.