At first glance, they look similar: colorless, sparkling, brilliantly cut. Nevertheless, diamond, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are three completely different materials. Here you will learn how to tell them apart and which stone is right for you.
The three stones at a glance
| Diamond | Moissanite | Cubic zirconia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon | Silicon carbide | Zirconium dioxide |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | 9.25 | approx. 8–8.5 |
| Fire (rainbow sparkle) | Strong | Very strong | Medium |
| Weight at the same size | Medium | Slightly lighter | Significantly heavier |
| Durability | Stays clear for a lifetime | Stays clear for a lifetime | Can become cloudy and scratched over the years |
| Price | High | Medium | Affordable |
How to tell the difference
1. The sparkle
Moissanite shows significantly more colored flashes of light than a diamond – especially in sunlight. Cubic zirconia sparkles beautifully, but looks more "glassy" and less lively.
2. The breath test
Breathe on the stone: Diamond and moissanite conduct heat very well, and the fog disappears in one to two seconds. With cubic zirconia, it remains significantly longer.
3. The weight
Cubic zirconia is significantly heavier than a diamond of the same size. For loose stones, this can be checked with a precision scale.
4. Scratches and aging
After a few years of wear, cubic zirconia often shows fine scratches on the edges and looks duller. Diamond and moissanite remain clear.
5. The diamond tester
A simple heat tester often shows "Diamond" for moissanite. Only a combined tester or a gemmologist can reliably distinguish between the two.
6. The certificate
Genuine diamonds are often sold with a certificate. High-quality moissanite also often comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Which stone is right for you?
- Diamond: If the natural origin and classic value are important to you.
- Moissanite: If you want the diamond look, maximum brilliance, and durability – at a fraction of the price. Ideal for rings that are worn every day.
- Cubic zirconia: For fashion jewelry and trend pieces where the price is the main focus.
At The Uniquora
For pieces that are meant to sparkle for a long time, we opt for moissanite, set in 925 sterling silver – for example, the 1 ct moissanite stud earrings, the emerald-cut moissanite drop earrings, or the 2 ct moissanite ring. You can find cubic zirconia in some fashion jewelry pieces, such as the pearl hoop earrings with cubic zirconia; the material is always stated in the product description.
You can read more about moissanite under Moissanite or Diamond. You can find the entire selection in our moissanite jewelry.