Gemstones

Natural Zircon

Zircon is a natural gemstone and mineral (ZrSiO4) renowned for its exceptional brilliance and "fire" that rivals diamonds.

Often misunderstood due to its similar name to the synthetic cubic zirconia, zircon is a distinct natural material and is one of the oldest known minerals on Earth, with some specimens dating back 4.4 billion years.

Key characteristics

  • Brilliance & Fire: High refractive index (1.92–2.01) creates intense sparkle and multicoloured light flashes.
  • Double Refraction: A unique optical trait where light splits, making facet edges appear "doubled" when viewed through a loupe.
  • Colours: Naturally occurs in yellow, brown, and red; blue and colourless varieties are popular and often produced via heat treatment.
  • Durability: Hardness of 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, though it is brittle and prone to chipping on facet edges.
  • Birthstone: One of the official birthstones for December.
Silver Natural Zircon Solitaire Ring Just Silver Jewellery

Moissanite

Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone made of silicon carbide, prized for its exceptional brilliance and ethical origins. It is significantly more affordable than diamonds and scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable for everyday wear like engagement rings.

Key characteristics

  • Exceptional Fire: Known for more "rainbow" flashes than a diamond due to its higher refractive index.
  • Ethical & Sustainable: Almost all moissanite is lab-created, minimising environmental and ethical concerns.
  • Durability: Only slightly softer than diamonds, it is one of the hardest gemstones on earth.
Silver 9 Stone Mossanite Eternity Ring Just Silver Jewellery

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made of zirconium dioxide that is widely used as a low-cost, durable alternative to diamonds.

While it visually mimics a diamond, it is chemically different and typically has a lower refractive index and hardness (8–8.5 on the Mohs scale).

Key characteristics

  • Visual Appeal: CZ is virtually flawless and colourless, whereas natural diamonds often have inclusions or a slight yellow tint.
  • Durability: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance (10 on the Mohs scale), while CZ is softer and can scratch or become cloudy over time.
  • Cost: You can often find high-quality CZ pieces at retailers for a fraction of the cost of a diamond.
Silver ring with a Zirconia on a finger against a neutral background