What’s the Difference Between Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, Diamonds, and Lab Grown Diamonds? A Comparison Guide.

When you’re trying to find the perfect piece of jewelry to shine as bright as you do there are a lot of options:  You have "real" diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, and Lab Grown Diamonds.

With all these options you might be wondering, “What makes these gem stones different, and which is right for me?”

Luckily your friends at Mr. Inkwells have you covered, and we have created this comprehensive Gem Stone Comparison Guide. In this guide we will cover everything you need to know and more about Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, and Lab Grown Diamonds. We will go over the differences, the benefits, and how to choose the right stone for your style.

A Quick Note on “Real” Diamonds

At Mr. Inkwells, we are committed to providing only the most body safe piercing jewelry. Not only that, but we only provide gems that you can feel good about wearing. That’s why we exclusively use Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, and Lab Grown Diamonds instead of traditional mined diamonds.

What’s wrong with mined diamonds?

The primary problem? Sustainability and ethics. Traditional diamond mining requires moving massive amounts of earth, which has a devastating ecological footprint. On top of that (and more importantly), the mined diamond industry has a long history of conflict and human rights abuses.

That’s why we only use lab created stones and synthetics. It enables us to bypass the destructive mining process entirely. The gems we use are 100% cruelty free, environmentally sustainable, and conflict free. That means you get all of the brilliance (in some cases more) and durability you want, with none of the guilt.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ): The Brilliant Budget Choice

About & How It's Made: Cubic Zirconia (or CZ as it is commonly referred to) is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. In a specialized lab, this material is melted down at incredibly high temperatures to form a crystal that closely mimics the look of a diamond. Because it is entirely manufactured, it is almost always completely flawless and colorless.

Comparison:

• Price: Very affordable. CZ is the most budget friendly option.

• Look & Shine: CZ has excellent brilliance and clarity. However, because it is slightly more porous than the other stones, it can absorb oils from your skin and soaps over time, which can temporarily dull its shine until it is cleaned.

• Hardness: 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It is durable enough for everyday wear but can scratch over time if handled roughly.

• Why Someone Should Choose It: CZ is perfect if you want that classic diamond look on a budget. It’s an ideal choice for trendy piercing jewelry that you might want to swap out frequently to match different outfits or moods because CZ stones come in a variety of colors.

Check out some of selection of CZ jewelry by clicking here

Moissanite: Born from the Stars

About & How It's Made: Technically we are all from the stars…  but Moissanite has an incredible origin story: Moissanite was first discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893. Because of its comic origins, natural Moissanite is very rare. That means the Moissanite used in jewelry today is lab grown using silicon carbide. Moissanite is a true gemstone in its own right, not just a diamond imitation.

Comparison:

• Price: Mid range. It is more of an investment than CZ, but still significantly less expensive than a diamond.

• Look & Shine: Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than a diamond. This means it bends light more, resulting in a spectacular "fire" or rainbow flashes of light. If you want maximum bling, then you can’t go wrong with Moissanite.

• Hardness: 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It is the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry, making it highly resistant to scratching and perfect for a lifetime of everyday wear.

• Why Someone Should Choose It: You should choose Moissanite if you want unmatched sparkle, incredible durability, and a unique gemstone with a cosmic backstory, all at a price point that won't break the bank.

Check out some of Moissanite jewelry by clicking here

Lab Grown Diamonds: Real Diamonds, Minus The Cruelty

About & How It's Made: Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right away: lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made of pure carbon, just like mined diamonds. Scientists replicate the extreme heat and pressure of the earth's mantle using High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. The result is a stone that is physically, chemically, and optically identical to a diamond pulled from the earth. That’s right, you get a real diamond minus all the cruelty and sustainability issues, plus you can save a little scratch too.

Comparison:

• Price: The most expensive of the three options, but still generally 30% to 50% less expensive than a mined diamond of the exact same quality.

• Look & Shine: They possess the exact same classic brilliance, fire, and scintillation that natural diamonds are famous for. Even a professional jeweler cannot tell the difference without highly specialized equipment.

• Hardness: A perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. It is the hardest known mineral, meaning it will never scratch or lose its sharp facets.

• Why Someone Should Choose It: Choose a lab grown diamond if you want the absolute pinnacle of luxury and durability. It’s for the person who wants a real diamond for their piercing, but insists on an ethical, eco-friendly origin.

Check out some of our Lab Grown Diamond at your local Mr. Inkwells Piercing Studio

So What Should You Choose?

When it comes to upgrading your piercing jewelry, there is no wrong choice, only the choice that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and your personal style.

If you want affordability and versatility, then a Cubic Zirconia is your go to. If you want high durability and maximum bling,  then you can’t go wrong with Moissanite. And if you want the classic prestige and unbreakable strength of a diamond without the environmental toll, Lab Grown Diamonds are the ones for you.

Whatever you choose, you know at  Mr. Inkwells, you will be getting a piece of jewelry that looks as good as the ethics behind it. So, shop online or stop by the studio to see the difference for yourself and find the perfect sustainable stone for your next piercing. Besides, searching for your perfect piece is part of the fun!

See you soon!