Flame Cross Pendant Necklace, Moissanite or Zircon

A cross is among the oldest pendant shapes, and the flame outline here gives it movement, with curved edges that look as if they are licking upward. The stones are prong set along the face, which leaves the pavilion open to light. The pendant is S925 sterling silver and hangs from a steel rope chain. A rope chain is twisted from strands, so it flexes freely, resists kinking and does not show wear as quickly as a thin link chain.

You choose between moissanite and zircon, and the difference is worth knowing. Moissanite is harder, at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, so it keeps its polish for years, and its refractive index of about 2.65 gives it more fire than diamond. Zircon, here cubic zirconia, is softer and less fiery. It dulls sooner with wear but costs far less. For a gift or an occasional piece, zircon is fair value. For daily wear, moissanite is the better stone.

There are only two options, so the decision is simple. Both versions use the same pendant and the same steel rope chain, and the stone is the only difference. The moissanite stones are D colour and prong set, which means each stone is held by small metal claws and sits high enough to catch light from the side. Men and women both wear the flame cross, and it layers well with other chains because the rope is slim and the pendant is the only heavy element.

• Stone: prong set moissanite (D colour) or zircon
• Pendant: flame cross, iced out
• Metal: S925 sterling silver pendant
• Chain: steel rope chain
• Fit: unisex
• Note: the GRA certificate applies to the moissanite option only