Moissanite Cuban Link Chains: The Complete Guide to Iced-Out Luxury

What Is a Moissanite Cuban Link Chain?

A moissanite Cuban link chain takes the classic interlocking Cuban link design and encrusts every visible surface with moissanite gemstones — creating what the jewelry world calls the "iced out" look. Each stone is individually prong-set between the interlocking links, so light enters from every angle and fires back with intense brilliance. The result is a chain that catches every light source in the room and throws it back in rainbow flashes.

Moissanite itself is silicon carbide (SiC), a crystal first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater in Arizona. Today, all moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created — grown under controlled conditions that produce optically flawless crystals with consistent clarity and fire. At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is harder than sapphire (9.0) and second only to diamond (10). Its refractive index of 2.65–2.69 actually exceeds diamond's 2.42, which means moissanite returns more light to the eye. And its dispersion rating of 0.104 — the measure of how much a stone splits white light into spectral colors — is more than double that of diamond (0.044). In practical terms: moissanite throws more fire than diamond does.

Why sterling silver as the base metal? Moissanite Cuban link chains use 925 or 950 sterling silver because white metal complements the stone's colorless brilliance. A yellow gold base can shift the perceived color of the stones, making them appear warmer or slightly tinted. Silver keeps the stones looking icy white — which is exactly the point of an iced-out chain. GOLDZENN carries moissanite Cuban link chains from 8mm to 25mm widths in 925 sterling silver, with prices ranging from $561.51 to $5,522.09. For a deeper look at the Cuban link design itself, read our guide to Cuban link chains. For more details, see our 950 silver Cuban link chain guide.

Moissanite vs CZ vs Diamond: The Stone Comparison

This is the section most buyers are looking for. If you are considering an iced-out Cuban link chain, you are choosing between four stone types: moissanite, cubic zirconia (CZ), natural diamond, and lab-grown diamond. The difference in durability, brilliance, and long-term value is significant — especially for a chain you plan to wear daily.

The numbers tell the story. Moissanite's dispersion of 0.104 is more than double diamond's 0.044. That means when light passes through a moissanite stone, it splits into more spectral colors — creating the rainbow fire flashes that make an iced-out chain catch attention across the room. Its refractive index of 2.65–2.69 also exceeds diamond (2.42), meaning moissanite actually returns more light to the eye than diamond does. These are not marketing claims. These are gemological measurements you can verify in any materials science reference.

The critical advantage over CZ is longevity. Cubic zirconia is a porous material that absorbs body oils, lotions, and sweat over time. On a chain worn against the skin three to four times per week, CZ stones begin clouding within one to three years. That once-sparkling chain gradually turns hazy. Moissanite's silicon carbide crystal structure is non-porous — it does not absorb oils, does not cloud, and maintains its clarity indefinitely. For a chain that costs $500 to $5,000, that difference in longevity matters.

The Diamond Tester Question

Moissanite passes standard thermal diamond testers because it conducts heat at a rate similar to diamond. If someone tests your moissanite Cuban link with a basic pen-style tester, it will read as "diamond." However, advanced electrical conductivity testers — often called moissanite-specific testers — can distinguish between the two, since moissanite conducts electricity differently than diamond. We believe in full transparency here: moissanite is a distinct gemstone, not a diamond substitute. It happens to outperform diamond in fire and brilliance while costing a fraction of the price. For more on how moissanite compares to lab-grown and natural diamonds, read our moissanite vs lab-grown vs natural diamonds breakdown.

A diamond Cuban link chain with the same stone coverage as a 15mm GOLDZENN moissanite Cuban would cost upward of $50,000. Our 15mm moissanite Cuban link starts at $1,656.60. You get more fire, more brilliance, and a chain that will never cloud — at roughly 3% of the diamond price.

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How Moissanite Cuban Link Chains Are Made

Building a moissanite Cuban link chain is a multi-step process that combines metalwork with precision stone setting. The quality of each step determines whether the finished chain holds up to daily wear or falls apart within months.

Step 1: The Silver Cuban Link Base

The process starts with 925 or 950 sterling silver wire, which is formed into interlocking Cuban links. Each link is individually shaped, connected, and soldered to create the flat-laying Cuban link profile. The base chain must be structurally sound before any stones are set — the links need to hold their shape under the pressure of prong setting without distorting. This is the same interlocking link design used in solid gold Cuban link chains, adapted for stone mounting.

Step 2: Stone Cutting and Calibration

Moissanite stones are cut and calibrated to fit the specific dimensions of each link pocket. Every width requires a different stone size — an 8mm chain uses smaller stones than a 20mm chain. The stones must be uniform in size and shape to create the even, seamless iced-out coverage that defines a quality moissanite Cuban link.

Step 3: Prong Setting

Each moissanite stone is secured with micro-prongs between the Cuban links. This is the most labor-intensive step and the one that separates quality iced-out chains from lower-tier alternatives. Prong setting allows light to enter the stone from all angles — top, sides, and even underneath — maximizing the fire and brilliance of each stone. The alternative, bezel setting, wraps metal around the stone's perimeter and blocks side light entry. Prong setting is more expensive and more fragile, but the visual difference is dramatic.

Step 4: Quality Control and Finishing

After stone setting, each chain goes through alignment checks (are all stones level and evenly spaced?), clasp testing (does the box clasp lock securely and release cleanly?), and final finishing. Most moissanite Cuban chains receive a rhodium plating — a thin layer of rhodium metal over the sterling silver that adds tarnish resistance and a bright white finish. GOLDZENN's workshop brings 50+ years of combined experience to this process. For a look at our custom jewelry process, we have a full walkthrough of how pieces move from concept to finished product.

Width Guide: 8mm to 25mm

GOLDZENN carries one of the broadest moissanite Cuban link width ranges available — from a subtle 8mm to a commanding 25mm. The width you choose determines the chain's visual impact, weight, and price. Here is the complete breakdown with real prices from our catalog.

Specialty variants are also available: a two-tone 10mm (from $1,160.00), a yellow gold-tone 16mm (from $1,790.00), and a rose gold 20mm (from $2,840.00).

Choosing Your Width

8mm–10mm (Everyday / Layering): These are the most wearable widths. An 8mm moissanite Cuban sits close to the neck with subtle sparkle — ideal for daily wear or layering with a solid gold chain for dimension. The 10mm is our best seller and the sweet spot between visibility and comfort. If this is your first moissanite Cuban chain, 10mm is the width most buyers land on.

12mm–15mm (Statement): These widths announce themselves. A 12mm moissanite Cuban worn solo over a dark crew neck is hard to miss. The 15mm pushes into serious statement territory — significant visual weight, substantial heft on the neck, and stone coverage that catches light from across a room. For more on how width affects the look and feel of Cuban link chains in general, read our Cuban link width guide.

18mm–25mm (Maximum Impact): These are for buyers who want the boldest iced-out look possible. The 20mm and 25mm deliver wall-to-wall moissanite coverage on a chain wide enough to be seen from across any venue. These are special occasion and event pieces — or everyday pieces if you subscribe to the "more is more" philosophy.

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Silver Types: 925 Sterling vs 950 Silver

Most moissanite chain retailers carry one silver grade: 925 sterling. GOLDZENN carries both 925 and 950 — and that distinction is worth understanding before you buy.

The numbers refer to silver purity by parts per thousand. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper and other metals. 950 silver is 95.0% pure silver with only 5.0% alloy. Both are genuine silver, stamped with their purity marks, and both are hypoallergenic. The practical differences come down to hardness, tarnish resistance, and appearance.

For daily wear, 925 is the more practical choice. The slightly higher copper content makes it marginally harder — better at resisting the minor impacts and bends that come with everyday life. For collectors or buyers who want the highest possible silver purity, 950 is the premium option. Its lower alloy content gives it a slightly whiter, purer silver appearance and marginally better tarnish resistance out of the box.

Both grades benefit from rhodium plating, which most moissanite Cuban chains receive during finishing. Rhodium adds a hard, reflective coating that protects the silver from tarnish and enhances the white metal tone that makes moissanite stones pop. For a deeper comparison of silver versus white gold as a base metal for jewelry, read our white gold vs sterling silver guide.

Moissanite Cuban Link Bracelets

The moissanite Cuban link bracelet is the natural companion to the chain. GOLDZENN carries seven active bracelet models from 8mm to 16mm, all in 925 sterling silver, with gold bonded options at 14mm and 16mm for buyers who want a gold-tone iced-out wrist piece.

Gold bonded options include the 14mm gold bonded bracelet at $659.40 (8.5") and the 16mm gold bonded at $921.38 (9"). These use a gold bonding layer over 925 sterling silver, giving the warm gold tone while keeping the cost below solid gold.

Bracelet Sizing

To find your bracelet size, wrap a flexible tape measure around your wrist at the bone. Add 0.5" to 1.0" to that measurement for a comfortable fit — you want the bracelet to move slightly on the wrist without sliding over your hand. Standard sizing: 7" (small), 7.5" (medium), 8" (standard), 8.5" (large), 9" (XL).

Pairing Bracelets with Chains

Match your bracelet width to your chain width — or go one width smaller for a subtler wrist accent. A 10mm chain paired with an 8mm bracelet creates a cohesive iced-out set without the bracelet competing with the chain for attention. For trend inspiration on bracelet styling, read our Cuban link bracelet trends guide.

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Iced Out Chains: Moissanite vs Other Alternatives

"Iced out" means one thing: 100% stone coverage across the visible surface of every link. No bare metal showing. The entire chain is blanketed in stones, set between and on top of every interlocking link, creating a continuous field of sparkle. But not all iced-out chains are built the same, and the stone you choose determines whether that sparkle lasts.

Moissanite is the premium stone for iced-out jewelry, and the science explains why. Its refractive index of 2.65 returns more light to the eye than any other commonly set stone — more than CZ (2.15), more than diamond (2.42). Its dispersion of 0.104 creates more fire (rainbow light splitting) than diamond by a factor of 2.3x. And at 9.25 Mohs, it will not scratch from daily contact with clothing, keys, phones, or desk surfaces. Over months and years of wear, a moissanite chain looks the same as the day you bought it.

The problem with many iced-out chains on the market is the stone quality. CZ stones cloud from skin oil absorption — a process that typically takes one to three years of regular wear. The 8.0–8.5 Mohs hardness means CZ picks up micro-scratches visible under magnification within months. On top of that, lower-tier iced-out chains often use glue-set stones (not prongs) and base metal plating that flakes and peels. The chain looks incredible on day one and dull within a year.

How to Spot Quality Iced-Out Jewelry

• Weight: A genuine moissanite silver Cuban link should feel substantial. Hollow or featherweight chains signal thin base metal.
• Stone setting: Look for prong settings, not glue. Pull gently on a stone — it should not budge. Prongs hold; glue fails.
• Metal stamp: Look for 925 or 950 stamped on the clasp or a link. No stamp is a warning sign.
• Return policy and warranty: Reputable retailers stand behind their products. GOLDZENN offers a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship defects.

The Cost-Per-Wear Calculation

A $1,200 moissanite Cuban link chain worn three times per week for five years equals approximately $1.54 per wear. The stones never cloud, the silver can be polished indefinitely, and the prong settings hold for years of daily use. Compare that to a $200 CZ chain that clouds within 18 months and needs replacing — you are paying $2.56 per wear for an inferior product. The moissanite chain is not just the better chain. It is the better value. Browse the full range of trending chain styles or see how moissanite pairs with gold in our men's gold chain style guide.

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Specialty Moissanite: Colors, Tennis Chains, and Cross Motifs

Beyond the classic clear moissanite Cuban link, GOLDZENN carries an unusually deep range of colored and specialty moissanite jewelry. If you are looking for something that stands apart from the standard iced-out chain, this is where it gets interesting.

Black Moissanite

Black moissanite delivers a sleek, understated iced-out look — all the sparkle structure without the flash of clear stones. The Black Moissanite Tennis Chain 3mm starts at $315.00, and the black moissanite tennis bracelet offers widths from 2mm to 6.5mm starting at $83.00. This is the stone for buyers who want presence without brightness.

Blue Moissanite

Blue moissanite produces a sapphire-like tone with moissanite's signature fire. The Blue Moissanite Tennis Chain 10mm is a statement piece at $5,160.00–$6,860.00. The matching bracelet runs $2,820.00–$3,750.00. Premium-tier pricing for a color that does not exist naturally in most gemstones at this size.

Green and Yellow Moissanite

Green moissanite channels an emerald tone: the 3mm green tennis chain starts at $600.00, and the 4mm version starts at $765.00. Yellow moissanite takes on a canary tone: the 3mm yellow tennis chain starts at $480.00. Both colors pair particularly well with gold-tone accessories.

Cross Motifs

For buyers who want religious or fashion-forward symbolism in their chain, the Moissanite Cross Cuban Link Chain 18mm integrates cross patterns into the Cuban link design at $4,290.00–$4,915.00. The Cross Tennis Chain 3mm offers a lighter take at $490.00–$735.00.

Rose Gold Moissanite

The Rose Gold Moissanite Cuban Link Chain 20mm combines rose gold plating over sterling silver with full clear moissanite coverage — $2,840.00 to $3,340.00. This is one of the most visually distinctive chains in the entire moissanite lineup.

For more on tennis chain styling across all stone types, read our guide on 7 ways to style a tennis chain. And if you want to understand how moissanite pairs with other chain types in a layered look, check out our types of gold chains overview.

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Solid Gold Moissanite Options

For buyers who want moissanite stones set in real gold — not silver — GOLDZENN offers 14K gold moissanite tennis chains and tennis bracelets. These combine the optical superiority of moissanite with the intrinsic value and prestige of solid 14K gold, available in yellow, white, and rose gold.

The 14K Gold Moissanite Tennis Chain comes in 84 variants: seven widths (2mm to 5.5mm) across four lengths (16" to 22") in three gold colors. This is one of our most viewed products, with over 2,200 monthly search impressions.

The 14K Gold Moissanite Tennis Bracelet mirrors the chain lineup with 60 variants across four widths and five lengths, starting at $1,437.67 for a 2mm/6.5" bracelet.

Gold versus silver moissanite comes down to this: gold adds intrinsic precious metal value and status. Silver offers the same stone brilliance at a lower entry point. Note that moissanite Cuban link chains are currently available in silver only — if you want gold with moissanite, the tennis chain and tennis bracelet formats are the path. For context on gold karat differences, read our 10K vs 14K vs 18K gold comparison, and for gold market pricing, see our understanding gold prices guide.

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How to Care for Your Moissanite Chain

Moissanite stones are nearly indestructible under normal wear conditions. The silver base, however, requires attention. Here is how to keep your moissanite Cuban link chain looking its best for years.

Silver Tarnish Prevention

• Store in an anti-tarnish pouch or sealed bag when not wearing. Exposure to air — specifically sulfur compounds in the air — causes silver to tarnish over time. A sealed environment slows this dramatically.
• Keep away from humidity. Bathroom storage is the number-one cause of silver tarnish. Store your chain in a cool, dry location.
• Remove before swimming. Chlorine (pool and hot tub) accelerates tarnish and can damage rhodium plating.
• Remove before exercising. Sweat contains salts that tarnish silver with repeated exposure.

Moissanite Stone Cleaning

• Warm water + mild dish soap + soft toothbrush: This is the gold standard for at-home cleaning. Gently scrub between the stones and links, rinse under warm water, and pat dry with a soft cloth.
• Ultrasonic cleaning: Safe for moissanite. At 9.25 Mohs, the stones handle ultrasonic vibration without issue. Many jewelry stores offer ultrasonic cleaning as a complimentary service.
• Professional polishing: Recommended annually for rhodium-plated silver chains. A jeweler can re-plate the rhodium layer and restore the bright white finish. For more detailed cleaning steps, read our jewelry cleaning guide — the principles apply to silver as well. You can also explore our rhodium dipping guide for silver-specific maintenance.

What NOT to Do

• Never use bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemical cleaners on silver or moissanite.
• Never expose to chlorine (pools, hot tubs, cleaning products).
• Never apply lotions, perfumes, or sprays while wearing the chain — put the chain on last, after all products have dried.
• Never store multiple chains together in an open drawer — they can scratch each other. Use individual pouches.

GOLDZENN offers a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship defects. If you have questions about your chain's care or need a repair, contact us at (321) 521-4651 or contact@goldzenn.com. For quality verification guidance, our how to spot real gold article covers the testing methods that apply to precious metals in general.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moissanite the same as a diamond?

No. Moissanite is silicon carbide (SiC), a distinct gemstone with different optical and physical properties. It scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale versus diamond's 10. Where it surpasses diamond is in fire (dispersion: 0.104 vs 0.044) and brilliance (refractive index: 2.65–2.69 vs 2.42). Moissanite is not a diamond imitation — it is a separate gemstone that happens to outperform diamond in two of the three key optical categories.

Does moissanite get cloudy like CZ?

No. Cubic zirconia is a porous material that absorbs body oils and clouds within one to three years of regular wear. Moissanite's silicon carbide crystal structure is non-porous — it does not absorb oils and maintains its clarity indefinitely. This is the single biggest reason moissanite is preferred over CZ for chains worn against the skin.

Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Moissanite passes standard thermal diamond testers because it conducts heat at a rate similar to diamond. If someone tests your chain with a basic pen-style tester, it will read as "diamond." However, advanced electrical conductivity testers — called moissanite-specific testers — can distinguish between the two. Moissanite conducts electricity differently than diamond, and these advanced testers detect that difference. Full transparency: moissanite is its own gemstone, not a diamond replacement.

What width moissanite Cuban chain looks best?

For everyday wear: 8mm–10mm. For a standalone statement piece: 12mm–15mm. For maximum visual impact: 18mm–25mm. Our best seller is the 10mm moissanite Cuban link chain — it balances visibility with everyday comfort. Prices start at $967.41 for the 10mm in 16".

Is a moissanite Cuban link chain real silver?

Yes. GOLDZENN's moissanite Cuban link chains are made from genuine 925 sterling silver (92.5% pure silver). Select models use 950 silver (95% pure). Every chain is stamped with its silver purity mark. Browse our full moissanite Cuban link collection to see all available silver grades.

Is 925 or 950 silver better for a moissanite chain?

Both are excellent choices. 925 sterling silver is the industry standard and slightly more durable due to higher alloy content — making it the better all-around option for daily wear. 950 silver is rarer with higher purity, giving a slightly whiter appearance. Choose 925 for durability, 950 for purity.

Can I shower with a moissanite Cuban chain?

We recommend removing it. The moissanite stones are completely unaffected by water, but the sterling silver base can tarnish from repeated soap and mineral exposure. For the longest life, shower without it and dry it completely before storage. For more care details, read our jewelry cleaning guide.

How heavy is a 20mm moissanite Cuban chain?

The 20mm moissanite Cuban link chain is a substantial piece. The sterling silver base provides structural weight, and the moissanite stones add additional mass across every link. Expect significant heft comparable to mid-weight solid gold chains — this is not a lightweight or hollow chain. Prices range from $3,644.17 (16") to $5,466.94 (24").

Are moissanite chains worth the investment?

From a cost-per-wear perspective, absolutely. A $1,200 moissanite Cuban chain worn three times per week for five years equals approximately $1.54 per wear. The stones never cloud, never scratch under normal conditions, and the silver base can be polished indefinitely. Compare that to a CZ chain that clouds within one to three years and needs replacing. Moissanite is the clear long-term value for iced-out jewelry.

Will moissanite scratch or chip?

Moissanite is extremely scratch-resistant at 9.25 Mohs — harder than sapphire (9.0) and second only to diamond (10). Under normal daily wear, it will not scratch. Chipping is extremely rare and would require a sharp, focused impact directly on a prong-set stone edge. For all practical purposes, moissanite is a "wear it and forget it" stone.

What is the difference between moissanite and lab diamond for chains?

Both are lab-created. Moissanite has higher fire and brilliance (dispersion 0.104 vs diamond's 0.044, refractive index 2.65 vs 2.42). Lab diamond is harder (10 vs 9.25 Mohs) but costs five to twenty times more per carat at chain grade. For iced-out chain applications where maximum sparkle per dollar matters, moissanite is the superior choice. For a detailed comparison, read our moissanite vs lab-grown vs natural diamonds guide.

Does GOLDZENN offer moissanite chains in gold?

Cuban link moissanite chains are currently available in 925 sterling silver. For gold moissanite jewelry, we offer the 14K Gold Moissanite Tennis Chain (2mm–5.5mm, from $1,981.45) and the 14K Gold Moissanite Tennis Bracelet (2mm–5mm, from $1,437.67) in yellow, white, and rose gold.

Moissanite Cuban links make a stunning centerpiece in a layered stack — pair them with a plain rope or Franco chain for maximum contrast. See our iced-out chain stacking guide for more combinations.