Diamond Alternatives
If you're in the market for stunning jewellery but are looking for alternatives to mined diamonds, you're in the right place. At Heavenly London, we offer a range of high-quality diamond alternatives that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and affordable. Let's dive into the four types of diamond alternatives we offer: Cubic Zirconia, Lab-Sapphires, Moissanite, and Lab-Grown Diamonds. We'll also explore where each stone falls on the MOHS scale, which measures hardness and durability.
1. Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic Zirconia is a popular diamond alternative known for its brilliance and affordability. While it was initially found in nature, most CZs today are man-made. This gemstone is created by melting zirconium oxide with other minerals at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a flawless, colorless stone that mimics the look of a natural diamond.
Cubic Zirconia Grading & Mohs Hardness
CZ stones are graded on a scale from 1A to 5A, with 5A being the highest quality. The hardness of cubic zirconia on the Mohs scale is between 8 and 8.5, making it a durable option for everyday wear.
- Mohs Hardness: 8 - 8.5
- Durability: High, though not as durable as diamond or moissanite.
| CZ Grade | AB (1A) | AA (2A) | AAA (3A) | AAAA (4A) | AAAAA (5A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohs | 8 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| Clarity | Cloudy & Soft | Fair Clarity | Mid-Clarity | Average Clarity | Very Clear |
2. Lab-Sapphires
Lab-grown sapphires are another great alternative for those seeking vibrant color and brilliance. Created in controlled environments, these sapphires have the same chemical composition as their natural counterparts but come without the ethical and environmental impact of mining.
Lab-Sapphire Mohs Hardness & Durability
Sapphires are incredibly durable, making them perfect for everyday jewelry pieces.
- Mohs Hardness: 9
- Durability: Very high, making them almost as hard as diamonds.
| Stone | Mohs Hardness | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Lab-Sapphire | 9 | Extremely durable |
3. Moissanite
Moissanite, a gemstone originally discovered in meteorites, is one of the most brilliant diamond alternatives available. It's created in laboratories today and has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it sparkles even more.
Moissanite Mohs Hardness & Durability
Moissanite is an incredibly hard and durable stone, perfect for everyday wear.
- Mohs Hardness: 9.25
- Durability: Comparable to diamonds, making it highly resistant to scratching and damage.
| Stone | Mohs Hardness | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Moissanite | 9.25 | Exceptional |
4. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way—except they are made in a lab. Chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds offer a more sustainable and affordable option without sacrificing any of the brilliance or durability that diamonds are known for.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Mohs Hardness & Durability
Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are the hardest gemstone available, making them perfect for all types of jewelry.
- Mohs Hardness: 10
- Durability: The hardest and most durable gemstone available.
| Stone | Mohs Hardness | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Diamond | 10 | The most durable |
Where Do These Stones Rank on the MOHS Hardness Scale?
The MOHS scale measures how resistant a gemstone is to scratching. Here’s how each of our diamond alternatives ranks:
- Lab-Grown Diamonds – 10
- Moissanite – 9.25
- Lab-Sapphire – 9
- Cubic Zirconia – 8 to 8.5
