When it comes to jewelry, the search for a brilliant, high-quality piece that doesn’t break the bank can be challenging. Diamonds have long held their position as the top choice for luxury, but their price tags and environmental impact have many buyers searching for alternatives. Enter moissanite—a gemstone that has taken the jewelry world by storm, especially in hip-hop fashion. Known for its intense sparkle, durability, and affordability, moissanite chains are emerging as a top choice. Here's why they are the best option today and how they stack up against diamonds and cubic zirconia.

cubic zirconia vs diamond vs moissanite

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a unique, lab-created gemstone known for its extreme brilliance and fire. Originally discovered in meteorites, it’s now produced sustainably in labs to bring high-quality sparkle to jewelry lovers. As a gemstone, it has an impressive dispersion index and hardness, making it ideal for chains that demand both beauty and durability.

Moissanite jewelry in vvsbox

The affordability advantage

When shopping for a necklace that offers high-end sparkle and sophistication, price is always a consideration. Moissanite has the look and sparkle of diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost. Here's how moissanite stacks up financially: 

• Diamonds: A diamond necklace of similar size can cost up to hundred times more than moissanite. Due to the rarity and high demand for diamonds, they come with a hefty price tag.
• Cubic Zirconia (CZ): Although CZ is even cheaper than moissanite, it doesn't offer the same brilliance or durability. CZ stones can lose their sparkle over time, leading to more frequent replacements.
• Moissanite: Moissanite offers the luxurious look of diamonds without the sky-high price tag, making it a smart and stylish choice for those seeking a balance of quality and affordability.

Brilliance and sparkle

One of the primary factors that attracts buyers to moissanite necklaces is the unparalleled brilliance of the gemstone.

• Moissanite vs. Diamond: Moissanite has a higher dispersion index than diamonds, which means it sparkles even more under light. Its fire (colour dispersion) is also more vibrant, producing colourful flashes that catch the eye.
• Moissanite vs. CZ: While CZ can appear brilliant at first, it tends to lose its sparkle over time and doesn't handle scratches well. Moissanite, on the other hand, will retain its sparkle for years, even with regular wear.

If you want a necklace that will sparkle and turn heads, moissanite's sparkle is second to none, even surpassing that of diamonds.

Durability and everyday wear

Necklaces are often worn every day, so durability is key to ensuring lasting beauty.

• The hardness of moissanite: With a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is highly resistant to scratches and wear. It's second only to diamonds, which have a rating of 10.
• The limitations of cubic zirconia: With a hardness of around 8-8.5, CZ is more susceptible to scratches and wear over time, which can affect its appearance.

Moissanite's durability makes it an ideal gemstone for everyday necklaces, offering lasting value and beauty compared to both diamonds and CZ.

Environmental and ethical considerations

For many buyers today, the ethical and environmental impact of their jewellery is an essential consideration.

• Diamond Mining: Natural diamonds are often associated with ethical concerns, from environmental impact to working conditions in mining regions. Lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable choice, but are still much more expensive than moissanite.
• CZ as a lab-created option: Although CZ is also lab-created, it doesn't offer the same longevity or aesthetic appeal, making it less sustainable in the long term.
• The eco-friendly creation of moissanite: Moissanite is created in a laboratory, which minimises the environmental impact of diamond mining. The controlled laboratory environment ensures consistent quality without the ethical concerns associated with mining.

Conclusion: Why moissanite necklaces are the best choice

If you're looking for a high quality, sustainable and affordable gemstone necklace, moissanite is the way to go. With its unparalleled brilliance, durability, ethical sourcing and versatility, moissanite shines as a clear winner over diamonds and cubic zirconia. It's no wonder this gemstone is becoming a top choice for fashion-forward jewellery lovers looking to invest in pieces that combine luxury and value.