Diamond Alternatives: Find the Right Stone for You

Looking beyond natural diamond? Your budget, preferred sparkle and plans for daily wear can help you narrow the choice. Use this guide to build a shortlist before you compare individual pieces.

Lab-grown diamond is diamond. Moissanite and CZ are different materials that can look like it. GIA explains this key difference in its guide to lab-grown diamonds. [1]

Start with your main reason to switch

“I want lots of sparkle.” Take a closer look at moissanite. It can show strong flashes of rainbow colour. [2]
“I want to try a style for less.” Put CZ on your list. It is a low-cost option, though it is more prone to scratches than moissanite. [2]
“I want a diamond, but not a mined one.” Look at lab-grown diamond. It shares the diamond material and its key optical traits. [1]

Moissanite: for bright sparkle and frequent wear

Moissanite is made of silicon carbide. GIA gives it a scratch-hardness rating of 9.25 out of 10. [3] Its strong rainbow flashes are part of its appeal. Check a video in daylight to see if you like that look. [2]

Choose it if: You enjoy a bright stone and do not need it to be diamond. Before you buy, compare the complete piece, including the metal, setting and fit.

Think twice if: Your main wish is to own a diamond. A similar look will not make moissanite the same stone.

Read our moissanite vs diamond guide for a closer comparison.

Cubic zirconia: for trying a look on a small budget

CZ is a lab-made stone. It usually costs less than diamond and scores 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its surface can show wear more easily than moissanite. [2]

Choose it if: You want to try a new shape or buy a piece for a few events. It may suit you when the style matters more than long-term wear.

Think twice if: You want one ring to wear often for years. Weigh the lower price against your care needs and plans to replace it.

Read moissanite vs cubic zirconia before you decide.

Lab-grown diamond: for those who still want diamond

A lab-grown diamond is made of carbon, like a natural diamond. GIA says both share key physical and optical traits. A trained lab uses special tools to tell their origins apart. [1]

Choose it if: You want diamond itself and are happy with a lab-grown origin. Ask for clear details about the stone and any report that comes with it.

Think twice if: You want a gem formed in the earth. Lab-grown origin will not meet that wish, even if you love the look.

Compare the whole piece before you pay

Set your full budget. Include the stone, metal, taxes and delivery. Compare the final price of each piece.
Check size in millimetres. Ask how wide the stone looks from above. Do not judge size from a close-up photo alone.
Check the metal and finish. Read what sits under any plating and ask what care the finish needs.
Read the terms. Check size exchanges, return eligibility, repair services and any extra costs before placing an order.

Use our jewellery buying guide for the full checklist.

Explore moissanite at Myraé

Ready to see a few styles? Start with the Heart's Desire Solitaire Ring, First Sparkle Studs or Silver Keystone Pendant. Each product page shows its current price and options.

Myraé sells jewellery, so this guide includes links to our own pieces. The gem facts below come from GIA. Your best choice depends on what you like and how you plan to wear it.

Sources

Gem facts were checked against the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The shopping suggestions are Myraé's advice.