Not everyone wants to buy a real diamond. Some people want something that looks just as beautiful but costs less. That’s where Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia (CZ) come in. Both stones shine like diamonds and are often used in rings, earrings, and other jewelry. But they are not the same. Many buyers today ask:
“Which one should I choose—Moissanite or CZ?”
This blog will help you understand the difference. You’ll learn:
Which stone keeps its shine for a long time, Which one is stronger and lasts longer, Which one gives better value for the money. If you’re looking for a smart, stylish, and budget-friendly option, this guide will help you decide what suits you best.
Moissanite & Cubic Zirconia at a Glance
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone known for its intense iridescent sparkle and long-lasting shine. It is very hard, almost as durable as diamond, and perfect for everyday wear. Although it costs more than CZ, it offers great value for its quality. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is also lab-created and initially looks shiny, but its shine can fade over time. It is softer, less prone to scratching, and is best for lower-priced, short-lasting jewelry. In short, moissanite is for lasting sparkle; CZ is for fast, budget-friendly sparkle.
The Science Behind the Sparkle
Moissanite is made from silicon carbide and shines with bright, colorful flashes that last for years. It's strong, doesn't scratch easily, and keeps its sparkle over time. Cubic zirconia, made from zirconium dioxide, looks clear at first but tends to lose its shine, scratch, and turn cloudy. The main reason their sparkle is different is how they reflect light moissanite shows rainbow-like fire, while CZ mostly reflects plain white light. That’s why moissanite has a more lasting and eye catching shine.
Hardness & Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
Moissanite is much harder and stronger than cubic zirconia. On the hardness scale, moissanite is 9.25 while cubic zirconia is only around 8 to 8.5 That small difference matters a lot. Moissanite doesn’t scratch or chip easily, even if you wear it every day. It stays clear and shiny for years. Cubic zirconia, however, can get scratched fast and may even chip if it hits something hard. Over time, it often turns cloudy and dull. This is why moissanite is a better pick for rings or jewelry you wear all the time. It handles daily use much better and keeps looking beautiful.
Brilliance & Appearance: What the Eye Sees
Brilliance means how much a stone shines when light hits it. Moissanite shines more because it bends light in many directions. This makes it sparkle with rainbow colors, which is called “fire.” That’s why moissanite looks bright and full of color. Cubic zirconia shines too, but its shine is more plain, like clear glass. It doesn’t have the same colorful flashes. In sunlight or bright rooms, moissanite keeps glowing and looks lively. CZ may look bright at first, but it doesn’t shine as much and can look dull over time. So, when you look at both, moissanite simply stands out more and looks better to the eye.
Cost & Value: What Do You Get for Your Budget?
Moissanite is more costly than cubic zirconia, but it lasts much longer. Moissanite keeps its shine for years and doesn’t get dull or scratched easily. That’s why it’s worth the higher price. Cubic zirconia is cheap and looks nice at first, but it can turn cloudy and get damaged over time. If you want something for daily use or a special ring, moissanite is better. If you need something low-cost for short use, then CZ is okay.
Real-Life Use Cases: Who Should Choose What?
Choosing between Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia (CZ) depends on how and why you’ll wear the jewelry. Both stones look beautiful, but they’re made for different needs.
Moissanite Is Better For:
Engagement rings: It shines bright, stays strong, and looks close to a diamond.
Family keepsakes: Great if you want to pass it down to loved ones.
Special gifts: A good choice when you want to give something pure and lasting.
CZ Is Better For:
Trendy styles: Perfect for fashion lovers who like to change looks often.
Travel: Lightweight and low-cost, so there’s no worry if it gets lost.
One-time wear: Works well for parties, events, or short use.
Maintenance & Longevity
How Long It Lasts and How to Take Care Keeping your jewelry shiny and looking new depends on the type of stone you choose. Let’s look at how Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia (CZ) behave over time.
Moissanite – Stays Shiny for Years
Moissanite is strong. It doesn’t get dull or scratched easily. Even if you wear it every day, it still looks bright. You don’t need to clean it too often just a quick wash now and then keeps it looking great.
- Good for daily use
- Needs very little cleaning
- Keeps shining for a long time
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) – Looks Good But Fades Fast
CZ looks pretty when it’s new, but after some time, it can lose its shine. If you wear it often, it may start to look cloudy or scratched. It’s better for short-term use or jewelry you wear once in a while.
- Best for light or one-time use
- Needs more cleaning to look good
- May need to be replaced sooner
Easy Cleaning Tips
1. For Moissanite:
- Mix a little soap with warm water
- Soak the ring for a few minutes
- Use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to clean
- Rinse and wipe dry with a soft cloth
(Once every week or two is enough)
2. For CZ:
- Clean more often (maybe after each wear)
- Use gentle soap and warm water
- Wipe with a soft cloth no hard scrubbing
- Avoid strong cleaners or rough cloths
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing
1. Lab Grown VS Mined Diamonds
- Mined diamonds come from deep digging in the earth. This can harm land, water, and wildlife. It can also involve unsafe or unfair work.
- Lab-grown stones like Moissanite are made in labs. No digging. No damage. No harm to people.
2. Moissanite Is Eco-Friendly
- Moissanite is made with less water and energy.
- No land is broken. No forests are cut.
- It’s a clean and kind choice for the planet.
3. For People Who Care
- If you care about nature and fair work, Moissanite is the right stone.
- It looks beautiful, and it’s made the right way.
Final Comparison Table: Moissanite VS Cubic Zirconia
Moissanite shines brighter and lasts longer than Cubic Zirconia. It has a stronger sparkle and doesn’t get cloudy over time. CZ looks good when new but loses its shine faster. Moissanite is harder and better for daily wear, while CZ is softer and can scratch easily. Moissanite costs more but gives long-term value. CZ is cheaper, great for fashion or short-term use. Both are lab made, but Moissanite is more eco-friendly and perfect for conscious buyers. Choose Moissanite for lasting beauty, or CZ for budget-friendly style.
Why Luxurian Jewels Recommends Moissanite
At Luxurian Jewels, we choose Moissanite because it shines bright, lasts long, and is made without harm to the earth. It’s strong like a diamond but more affordable and kinder to nature. Our Moissanite rings are made with care. Each stone is clear, full of fire, and set in real gold not plated metal. This makes our pieces stand out from mass-market Cubic Zirconia jewelry. Some of our bestsellers include the classic round solitaire ring, the cushion-cut halo ring, and the three-stone anniversary band. These styles are loved for their beauty and meaning.
Conclusion
If you want a stone that stays shiny for years, Moissanite is the better choice. It keeps its sparkle, doesn’t scratch easily, and still looks new even after daily wear. On the other hand, Cubic Zirconia may shine at first, but it gets cloudy and dull over time. Moissanite is strong, bright, and made in a clean way without digging or damage to the earth. It’s a good mix of beauty, strength, and value. Choosing Moissanite means you don’t have to worry later. It’s made to last, easy to care for, and perfect for someone who wants something real and reliable. With Moissanite, you’re not just buying a pretty ring you’re making a smart choice that will shine for years.