3ct Moissanite Square Pendant
£173.69
Square Moissanite Studs
£111.46
Golden Luxe Crystal Set
£67.49
Celestial Cascade Set
£93.59
Moissanite and cubic zirconia pieces from our collection
Moissanite and cubic zirconia are the two most popular diamond alternatives — and they're often confused for each other. They're genuinely different stones, though, with different strengths. Here's an honest comparison so you can choose the right one for the piece and the budget.
What each one actually is
Moissanite is silicon carbide, a crystal grown in a laboratory for jewellery (it also occurs in tiny amounts in nature). Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a lab-made crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Both are lab-created and sold honestly as what they are — neither is a diamond, and we never describe them as one.
Hardness and durability
This is the biggest practical difference. Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — one of the hardest gemstones used in jewellery — so it resists scratches and is well suited to everyday wear. Cubic zirconia is softer, around 8 to 8.5, which is still reasonably hard but means it can pick up surface scratches and lose a little sparkle over the years, especially in rings that take daily knocks.
Sparkle
Both sparkle beautifully, but differently. Moissanite has a very high refractive index (2.65) and throws lots of colourful 'fire' — those rainbow flashes. Cubic zirconia has a bright, clean sparkle that's a touch softer and whiter. In good condition, both look brilliant; over time, a well-cared-for moissanite tends to hold its sparkle longer.
Longevity
Moissanite doesn't cloud and keeps its brilliance for years with basic care. Cubic zirconia can dull faster because oils and everyday wear cling to it — a gentle clean brings it back, but very old CZ can look a little tired. Both are easy to look after; our moissanite care guide and CZ care guide cover the routines.
Side by side
| Moissanite | Cubic Zirconia | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 — very hard | ~8–8.5 — softer |
| Sparkle | Lots of colourful fire | Bright, softer, whiter |
| Longevity | Doesn't cloud; holds up to daily wear | Can dull/scratch faster over years |
| Price | Mid | Lowest |
| Best for | Everyday & keepsake pieces | Budget & occasion pieces |
So which should you choose?
For a piece you'll wear daily or want to keep for years — an everyday ring, a special pendant — moissanite's extra hardness and lasting sparkle earn its higher price. For an occasion piece, a trend you want to try, or a gift on a tighter budget, cubic zirconia gives you a lot of sparkle for less. Both are honest, beautiful choices; it's really about how hard the piece has to work.
The short version
Moissanite is harder, holds its sparkle longer and costs a bit more — ideal for everyday and keepsake pieces. Cubic zirconia is softer and more affordable — great for occasion and budget pieces. Neither is a diamond, and both are lovely when you know what you're getting.