How to tell the difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia?

We have been presented with several alternatives to diamonds in today’s jewelry market, which provide you the freedom to choose a gemstone that fits perfectly in your budget, looks pretty on your figure, and provides you with the value you have been seeking. But, along with these plenty of options comes the confusion and stress of not choosing the wrong gemstone.

Think for a second: you did buy a gemstone that looks dazzling on you today, but what if tomorrow its beauty fades away? Or what if it always reminds you that you bought an alternative, not a special gemstone?

Trust me, none of us wants to feel that way, and that’s why we are here—to help you choose the best gemstone for you. Today, we are bringing you the difference between Moissanite and American diamond. You must be aware of the basic terms related to both of these gemstones. Even if you don't, after finishing this article, you definitely will.

Understanding the rainbow gemstone Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone that carries the beautiful touch of nature, reflecting the colors of the rainbow within it. It is as white as a diamond but filled with vibrant colors, holding fire and exceptional brilliance. Beyond its beauty, Moissanite offers much more—it is as strong as a diamond at a lower price, providing durability, low maintenance, and a variety of color options and sizes.

Moissanite is not just a perfect diamond alternative but is also a highly loved gemstone in its own right. This means you will not just own a diamond alternative but a gemstone that adds a unique spark to your essence all on its own.

Understanding American Diamond?

“A man-made gemstone that is famous as a diamond alternative at a fraction of the price.“

This is the first line that comes to mind while explaining an American diamond. An American diamond is also known as cubic zirconia, a gemstone that closely resembles a diamond in appearance. Created from the man-made substance cubic zirconia, these gemstones feature a colorless surface and are quite hard, though not as hard as diamonds, making them more prone to scratches.

An American diamond will provide you with plenty of options for customization at a far lower price. However, what will hurt later is seeing its beauty fade over time. Yes, you heard it right. America Diamond can offer you a great, cheap, and beautiful deal, but it doesn’t last long. They lose their spark with time, and you will need to get another one, investing the same amount and time.

Which one should you choose between Moissanite and American Diamond?

Well, this question might be on your mind right now, but I won't tell you directly whether you should buy a Moissanite or an American diamond. It's entirely your decision. What I can do is explain the differences between these two gemstones.

Now, let’s start with an example: suppose you are wearing a beautifully crafted engagement ring with an American diamond. We all know engagement rings are precious; we want them to last forever and never fade away, but these types of guarantees come with a price that is not as expensive as a real diamond but as expensive as moissanite since it will carry its fire and brilliance after years of you wearing it.

American diamond engagement rings will fade and start to look old and boring, and an American diamond can be recognized by a person with a little knowledge of gemstones. I am sorry to tell you the truth, but your loving engagement ring will not be something you will be wearing for a lifetime.

Now let’s assume you choose a moissanite instead. Will it fade away or look old after 20 years? No. Moissanite guarantees to provide you with sparkle for a long duration of time. It does not get scratched like an American diamond, as it is as hard as a natural diamond. Moissanite needs to be maintained, but at a low budget because it comes with a natural dust repellent feature and looks breathtaking to every person who sees it.

Technical Differences

Now that we are aware of the basic differences between Moissanite and American diamonds, let us study them in a bit of technical language.

• Moissanite comes in both natural and man-made options; the choice completely depends on the buyer. Whereas the American diamond is a man-made gemstone,.
• Moissanite looks very appealing and holds a lot of spark within it. It has a higher refraction index than an American diamond, which means Moissanite will carry more brilliance and fire.
• Moissanite comes with a hint of yellow or brown within it. American diamonds are colorless but can come in various colors as well.
• The American diamond requires high maintenance to keep it clean, but Moissanite requires low maintenance since it has a dust-repelling property.
• Moissanite is harder than American diamonds, which makes them less likely to get scratched.
• Moissanite retains sparkle and brilliance over time, but an American diamond will become dull.
• Moissanites are cheaper than diamonds; on the other side, American diamonds are cheaper than moissanite.

Conclusion

When choosing between Moissanite and America Diamond, it’s important to judge both gemstones on the basis of their technical differences and how they align with your preferences and needs. It is clear that moissanite offers better value than an American diamond, but an American diamond is cheaper than moissanite. American diamonds are hard, but moissanite is harder. Both are durable but Moissanite needs low maintenance.

In short, while buying yourself a gemstone between two of these, keep all factors in mind. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what is most important to you—whether it's the enduring brilliance and durability of Moissanite or the budget-friendly and customizable nature of American Diamond. Understanding these differences will help you select the gemstone that best fits your style, lifestyle, and long-term expectations.

FAQs

Which is better, cubic zirconia or moissanite?

Moissanite is generally considered better than cubic zirconia (also called an American diamond) for a few key reasons. Moissanite is much harder, meaning it won't scratch easily and will last longer without losing its sparkle. It also has more brilliance and fire, which means it shines brighter and reflects more colorful flashes of light. On the other hand, cubic zirconia is cheaper but doesn’t last as long—it can get dull and scratched over time. So, if you want something durable and beautiful for years to come, moissanite is a better choice, 

Is American Diamond the same as moissanite?

No, American Diamond and moissanite are not of the same type. While both popular alternatives to diamonds, they differ in their composition, brilliance, and durability. Moissanite is naturally occurring but at the same time is a lab-created gemstone, whereas American Diamond refers to man-made cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic material fabricated to resemble a diamond. Moissanite has more fire and sparkle, while cubic zirconia is less durable and may turn dull with time.

Which diamond requires more maintenance: moissanite or cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, or American Diamond, is more high maintenance than moissanite. It tends, over time, to get cloudy, dull, and scratched; hence, it requires frequent cleaning to maintain its brilliance. Conversely, the tougher hardness of moissanite contributes to dust repelling, making it resistant to dirt or scratches, and maintaining sparkle with very little maintenance.

Does moissanite or cubic zirconia have a higher resale value?

Generally, moissanite has a higher resale value than cubic zirconia. This is because it happens that moissanite is somewhat tougher and more brilliant than general cubic zirconia, adding onto its resale value. On the other hand, Cubic Zirconia material is cheaper and not as resilient; hence, it will always tend to drop in resale value over time.

Which is better for an engagement ring: moissanite or cubic zirconia?

Moissanite is not only more rare, but also considered better for an engagement ring than cubic zirconia. First of all, moissanite is harder and close to the hardness of a natural diamond, hence rarely scratching or getting damaged. It maintains brilliance and sparkle for many years hence. Of those, cubic zirconia is less expensive but softer and apt to lose brilliance over time, making it less than ideal for an engagement ring that is supposed to last a lifetime.

Does moissanite or cubic zirconia lose its sparkle over time?

Being softer, cubic zirconia tends to eventually lose its sparkle due to scratches and cloudiness that occur over time; at the same time, moissanite retains brilliance and sparkles for a pretty long period of time due to its higher hardness and superior optical properties.