All About Stones

CZ (Cubic Zirconia) Stones

  • What They Are: CZ stones are lab-made and mimic the look of diamonds.
  • Sparkle: They have a lot of shine initially, but they don’t have the same fire or brilliance as diamonds and can look slightly “glassy.”
  • Durability: CZs are softer than diamonds, which means they scratch more easily and may lose their sparkle over time.
  • Price: They’re much more affordable than diamonds, which is why they’re popular in fashion jewelry.

Moissanite

  • What It Is: Moissanite is a lab-created stone with a hardness similar to diamonds.
  • Sparkle: Moissanite actually has more sparkle than diamonds, with a fiery, rainbow-like brilliance. It’s easy to spot next to a diamond because of this.
  • Durability: It’s almost as hard as a diamond, so it resists scratching and is very durable.
  • Price: Moissanite is more affordable than diamonds but costs more than CZ because of its durability and sparkle.

SI Clarity Diamonds

  • What They Are: SI (Slightly Included) diamonds have minor inclusions, or tiny natural flaws, visible under magnification but usually not noticeable to the naked eye.
  • Sparkle: These diamonds still have good brilliance and are a popular choice if you want a real diamond at a lower price.
  • Price: More affordable than VS or VVS diamonds, as their inclusions make them less rare.

VS Diamonds

  • What They Are: VS (Very Slightly Included) diamonds have very small inclusions that are hard to see even under magnification.
  • Sparkle: They have excellent sparkle and clarity, and their inclusions don’t impact the overall beauty of the stone.
  • Price: VS diamonds are more expensive than SI diamonds, but they offer a good balance between quality and cost.

VVS Diamonds

  • What They Are: VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) diamonds have tiny inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under magnification.
  • Sparkle: VVS diamonds have exceptional brilliance and clarity, giving them that “wow” factor.
  • Price: These are higher-end diamonds and are more expensive due to their rarity and almost flawless appearance.

In summary: CZ is a low-cost diamond alternative but doesn’t last as long, Moissanite is a durable and affordable option with lots of sparkle, and SI, VS, and VVS diamonds each offer increasing levels of clarity and beauty at higher price points. VVS diamonds are the closest to flawless, making them the priciest.