"Iced out" just means a piece is covered in sparkling stones. It does not say what the stones are. They can be natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, moissanite or cubic zirconia (CZ), and the value changes completely from one to the next. Always ask what the stones are and how many carats they total.
The four stones you will see
| Stone |
What it is |
What to know |
| Natural diamond |
Mined diamond |
Hardest natural material; highest price and resale |
| Lab-grown diamond |
Real diamond made in a lab |
Same material as natural, lower price |
| Moissanite |
Lab-made silicon carbide |
Very hard, throws more rainbow sparkle than diamond |
| Cubic zirconia (CZ) |
Lab-made crystal |
Cheapest; softer, can scratch and look cloudy over time |
For more on the first two, see Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds and CZ.
How to read an iced-out listing
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Diamonds are listed by total carat weight, like "2.5 ctw." If a listing says only "iced" or "VVS" with no carat weight or stone type, ask.
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The metal matters too. Iced pieces come in solid gold, gold over silver, or plated base metal. Check the stamp and karat.
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Setting quality shows. Real diamond pieces are usually set stone by stone with prongs or pavé. Glued stones fall out.
How a jeweler tells them apart
Testers read how a stone conducts heat and electricity. Diamonds, moissanite and CZ each read differently, so a quick test answers the question. Looking alone can fool even experienced buyers under bright store lights.
Which one should you buy?
There is no wrong answer, only an honest one. Want the look on a budget? Moissanite or CZ in gold or silver. Want value that lasts? Natural or lab-grown diamonds in solid gold. Just make sure the listing says which.
Ask us
Not sure what is in your piece? Bring it to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, and we will check it. Call or text (973) 673-3800.
What "Iced Out" Really Means: Diamonds, Moissanite or CZ?
"Iced out" just means a piece is covered in sparkling stones. It does not say what the stones are. They can be natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, moissanite or cubic zirconia (CZ), and the value changes completely from one to the next. Always ask what the stones are and how many carats they total.
The four stones you will see
For more on the first two, see Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds and CZ.
How to read an iced-out listing
How a jeweler tells them apart
Testers read how a stone conducts heat and electricity. Diamonds, moissanite and CZ each read differently, so a quick test answers the question. Looking alone can fool even experienced buyers under bright store lights.
Which one should you buy?
There is no wrong answer, only an honest one. Want the look on a budget? Moissanite or CZ in gold or silver. Want value that lasts? Natural or lab-grown diamonds in solid gold. Just make sure the listing says which.
Ask us
Not sure what is in your piece? Bring it to 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, and we will check it. Call or text (973) 673-3800.