White Sapphire Vs. Diamonds

White sapphire is available in natural and lab-grown varieties. Natural white sapphires are typically more expensive than lab-grown stones, but they can look milkier and have visible inclusions.  Lab-grown white sapphires  are clearer and more affordable than their natural counterparts. White sapphires are very durable, but they are not nearly as brilliant, fiery, or sparkly as a diamond.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Vs. Diamonds

Cubic zirconia is probably the most commonly known diamond alternative. CZ is often found in children’s and costume jewelry, but it is sometimes used in placeholder and lower quality engagement rings. It is an artificially produced version of the element zircon. Colorless CZ is common, but its brilliance is easily diminished when it gets dirty. It weighs almost twice as much as a diamond, and, like moissanite, has a lot of fire. It is often cut with larger facets to make the fire less noticeable, but those large facets can also make it look more artificial. CZ has good hardness, but it scratches more easily than a diamond.

Moissanite Vs. Diamonds

'Moissanite is a silicon carbide crystal that’s made in a lab. It is extremely hard, but still more likely to scratch than a diamond. It has a lot of fire—a rainbow effect seen when light hits the stone—but moissanite lacks the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond. This rainbow effect can also make it look more artificial. Many moissanites are colorless, but it is more susceptible to color changes from heat. The color likely won’t hold up as well as a diamond over time.

KAY does not offer moissanite products at this time.