Diamonds have long been revered as the quintessential gemstone, adorning jewellery and symbolizing everlasting love and luxury. Their brilliance and durability have made them a coveted choice for engagement rings and adornments, embodying both elegance and status. However, depending on their individual qualities, diamonds can be expensive and subsequently, the quest for affordable alternatives to diamonds has led to the emergence of brilliant contenders - Moissanites, Cubic Zirconia, and White Zircons.
In this article, we delve into the world of diamond alternatives, exploring the allure and practicality of Moissanites, Cubic Zirconia, and White Zircons. While diamonds hold a significant place in the realm of jewellery, these alternatives offer an intriguing and often more affordable option for those seeking the beauty and durability of diamonds, without breaking the bank. Through a comparative lens, we aim to unravel the unique qualities and characteristics of each alternative, assisting you in making an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and values.
1. Moissanite
1.1. Origin & Occurence of Moissanites
Moissanite is a naturally occurring form of silicon carbide i.e., SIC and its various crystalline polymorphs. Named after French chemist Henri Moissan, who discovered it in the late 1800s within an Arizona meteor crater, moissanite is renowned for its unique properties. Moissanite stones rank as the 2nd hardest gemstone on the Mohs hardness scale (9.25), just after diamonds. Its physical properties, including its refractive index and brilliance, make it a captivating diamond alternative in jewelry.
Naturally occurring moissanite is rare and only found in specific geological settings. It occurs in upper mantle rock and meteorites, with instances of inclusions in diamonds, xenoliths, kimberlite, and lamproite. These occurrences contribute to the gem's scarcity in its natural form, adding to its allure and value. While naturally occurring moissanite is rare, most moissanites available today are synthetic and created in laboratories. This man-made version has gained popularity for its ethical and environmentally friendly aspects, offering an alternative to traditional gemstones.
1.2. Synthetic Production Process
The process of creating this stone synthetically began with the laboratory synthesis of SIC by Edward G. Acheson in 1891, just 2 years before Mr. Moissan's discovery of naturally occurring moissanites. Acheson's work laid the foundation for the eventual recognition of moissanite's unique gemological properties. The synthetic moissanite stone available in jewelry today results from controlled laboratory conditions, ensuring the gem's purity and consistency. This artificial creation has become a prominent feature in the jewelry industry, providing a stunning and durable alternative to diamonds.
Moissanite is an important diamond alternative, and is produced synthetically in laboratories through a process known as the Lely process or Lely method. This method involves creating large silicon carbide crystals by combining high-purity silicon with carbon. The mixture is then heated at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere.
The production of moissanite crystals using the Lely process is a time-consuming endeavour, taking many months for the crystals to form. Once the crystals are formed, they undergo cutting and faceting processes to prepare them for setting in jewellery such as earrings, rings, bracelets, etc. This gem is considered a high-quality and sustainable alternative to natural diamonds and diamond jewellery.
1.3. Physical Properties of Moissanites
Moissanite is rated 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, and is a highly durable mineral known for its stunning brilliance or ‘fire’ due to a refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69. Exhibiting a unique "disco ball effect" with noticeable double refractivity, moissanite is recognized as the most brilliant stone on Earth, surpassing natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds, and cubic zirconia. With a specific gravity of 3.22, moissanite's density enhances its appeal as a dense and brilliant gemstone for jewellery.
1.4. Moissanite Pricing vs. Diamond Pricing
You can anticipate spending approximately $5000 for a nearly colorless 1-carat diamond, whereas a completely colorless moissanite of the same size will cost you significantly less, at around $400. This translates to a price difference of over 10x, but can vary depending on the exact clarity and colour grades that are compared.
Moissanites are often used in jewelry as affordable alternatives to diamonds
2. Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
2.1. Origin & Occurence of Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia (CZ), a diamond substitute, is a lab-created cubic form of zirconium oxide that is distinct from natural minerals. It's produced by melting zirconium oxide in a metal chamber, supplemented with minerals like calcium and magnesium. The mixture is then heated to nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. After removal from the chamber, crystals start forming. CZs are versatile and can be cut into various shapes like emerald-cut, oval-cut, pear-cut, etc., offering flexibility in jewelry design. This gemstone has rarely been found in nature, and often in very small carat weights. The majority of cubic zirconia found in the market today is man-made/lab-grown.
2.2. Physical Properties of Cubic Zirconia
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) boasts the required hardness for durable and long-lasting jewelry in various sizes. It scores 8.5 on the Mohs scale. Cubic zirconia is dense, with a refractive index of 2.15-2.18 and a specific gravity of 5.6-6.0. It exhibits fancy color options, including yellow, blue, red, green, etc.
2.3. Cubic Zirconia Pricing vs. Diamond Pricing
Cubic zirconia is considerably more affordable than diamonds. For instance, a 1.50-carat, princess-cut cubic zirconia ring may be priced at around $40, while a 1.40-weight princess-cut diamond ring, with excellent clarity, cut, and color, may cost in the vicinity of $10,000. As the weight increases, the price gap between cubic zirconia and diamonds widens even further.
A Cubic Zirconia
3. White Zircon
3.1. Origin & Occurence of White Zircons
White Zircon, a gemstone composed of zirconium silicate, is prized for its glossy and clear appearance, often serving as an alternative to diamonds. With a history spanning centuries, the mineral zircon was first discovered in Sri Lanka around 2000 years ago, gaining popularity for both ornamental and healing purposes. It is also considered to be the oldest material found on earth. Mined from locations such as East Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and the United States, white zircon stone is cut into faceted stones or cabochon shapes for use in jewelry or decorative items.
3.2. Physical Properites of White Zircons
White zircon's hardness on the Mohs scale, measuring 7.00 - 7.50, ensures longevity for everyday wear. With a high refractive index, ranging from 1.81 to 1.98, this gem exhibits the optical property of splitting light into its component colors. This accounts for the captivating flashes of rainbow colors observed in these gems. The nearly colorless variety of this zircon stone is particularly sought after for its ability to capture light with exceptional brilliance, producing flashes of blue and orange fire in sunlight or lamplight. White zircon stone surpasses diamonds in both index of refraction and dispersion, creating a spectacular sparkle at a more affordable price.
A White Zircon
3.3. White Zircon Pricing vs. Diamond Pricing
White zircon is an affordable alternative to diamonds, but its price is considerably lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a diamond-like appearance at a lower cost. In general, white zircon costs around $30 per carat and can go up to $100 for higher qualities. Meanwhile, diamonds of similar weight can range from $1500 to $16000 or more, with larger diamonds being exponentially pricier.
| Point of Distinction | Diamond | Moissanite | Cubic Zirconia | White Zircon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Natural or Lab-Grown | Usually Lab-Grown | Usually Lab-Grown | Natural |
| Price | $$$$$ | $$$ | $ | $ |
| Mohs Hardness Rating | 10.00 | 9.25 | 8.00 - 8.50 | 7.00 - 7.50 |
| Refractive Index | 2.42 | 2.65 - 2.69 | 2.15 - 2.18 | 1.81 - 2.02 |
| Resale Value | High | Medium to High | Low | Low |
Diamond Alternatives: A Quick Snapshot
Choosing the Right Diamond Alternative
Considering your lifestyle when choosing a gemstone is crucial. Some gemstones may not withstand daily wear and tear as well as others, so longevity is a key factor. It's wise to consult with a jeweler or conduct research to understand how resilient your preferred stone is.
As for diamond shapes, they indeed reflect personal style. The plethora of options allows for a tailored choice, from the classic round brilliant to the unique fancy shapes, each with its own charm. Considering the wearer's preferences and the setting in which the real diamond or its simulant will be placed helps in making a suitable selection. Additionally, exploring alternatives can provide similar brilliance at a more affordable price point. These options offer a range of choices without compromising on the visual appeal and breaking the bank. Ultimately, whether it's about longevity, aesthetics, or cost-effectiveness, understanding these aspects can help you make an informed decision when choosing gemstones and natural diamond shapes.
Conclusive Reflections
All 3 diamond alternatives - moissanite, cubic zirconia, and white zircon - offer affordable and dazzling options for adornment compared to real diamonds. Moissanite stands out as the most brilliant and durable mineral, though it cannot match diamonds' rarity. Cubic zirconia is highly affordable and available in diverse cuts and colors but can be prone to scratching. White zircon captures flashes of blue and orange fire through its high refractive properties, and some believe it possesses metaphysical benefits. Overall, all these diamond-like gems expand creative possibilities for jewellery design while fitting various budgets. Additionally, exploring other alternatives, such as white sapphire or lab-created diamonds, can provide a similar diamond-like brilliance at a more affordable price point. These options offer a range of choices without compromising on the visual appeal.
