You’re not alone if you’re unsure what a cubic zirconia diamond is. There are many different types of cubic zirconia, and they each have their unique characteristics. Here’s an overview of the most common types. Read on to learn more about cubic zirconia and how they differ from diamonds. 925 indicates a ring’s metal content, and CZ likely stands for cubic zirconia. The chances of this ring being a diamond are incredibly slim.
Cubic zirconia is an excellent alternative to diamonds because it’s cheaper. A one-carat CZ ring will cost you less than $100. And, since cubic zirconia is less valuable than a diamond, it’s easy to change your mind when you get bored with it. Buying an expensive diamond ring can put you in a position where you might feel nervous when you’re out in public, so many people opt for less expensive CZ rings.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a low-cost diamond substitute with many of the same characteristics as a diamond. This crystalline material (also known as CZ) is synthetic, manufactured in a lab. Commercial production of CZ began in the 1970s because of rising demand.
Cubic zirconia is called faux, false, imitation, and stimulant because it resembles a diamond but is not the same material. Cubic zirconia is a lovely stone in and of itself; it only becomes a problematic buy when it is disguised as a diamond or other gemstone.
Here are Some Beautiful Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Amazon Collection Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Round-Cut Halo Drop Leverback Earrings (3 cttw)
Features
- Tiny CZ halo rings surround sparkling 7mm Cubic Zirconia drops. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) in 925 sterling silver is an affordable, conflict-free alternative to a diamond with a bright luster and a careful cut.
- The ideal jewelry present for a woman looking to add a classic, timeless elegance to her fashion repertoire.
- Closure with a secure lever back
- Handcrafted using the finest materials.
- 925 Sterling Silver with rhodium coating for additional luster and durability
- Imported
- These silver pieces are made to last a lifetime. This component has metal plating, flashing, or electrocoating; however, it can wear off with long-term or hard use.
- To keep your plated jewelry in good condition, keep it in a dark, cold, dry area like a pouch or an airtight box, and avoid touching plated things together. Also, keep your items away from cleaning products and perfume, harming them. If you ever need your jewelry replated, your local jeweler can advise you on where to send it.
Amazon Essentials Plated Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings (Round & Princess)
Features
- Sterling silver stud earrings with cubic zirconia stones set in four-prong basket settings.
- Backing with butterflies
- .925 sterling silver is used to make this piece.
- These silver pieces are made to last a lifetime. They have metal plating, flashing, or electrocoating; however, this might wear off over time or with severe use.
- To keep your plated jewelry in good condition, keep it in a dark, cold, dry area like a pouch or an airtight box, and avoid touching plated things together. Also, keep your items away from cleaning products and perfume, harming them. If you ever need your jewelry replated, your local jeweler can advise you on where to send it.
- Imported
Amazon Essentials Plated Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Round Cut Solitaire Pendant Necklace, 18″
Features
- 18-inch Forzatin Chain with Spring Ring Clasp pendant necklace with a gleaming round cubic zirconia stone in a classic four-prong basket setting in sterling silver
- .925 sterling silver
- Imported
- These silver pieces are made to last. This component has metal plating, flashing, or electrocoating; however, it can wear off over time or with severe use. Keep your plated jewelry in the dark, cool, dry place, such as a pouch or an airtight box, and avoid rubbing plated objects together. Also, avoid cleaning agents and perfume, which might harm your things. Ask your local jeweler if you’re unsure where to ship your jewelry.
Amazon Essentials Plated Sterling Silver Round-Cut Cubic Zirconia All-Around Band Ring
Features
- A circle of cubic zirconia rounds isis set in shared-prong settings on this all-around band ring.
- Made in the United States of America.
- Sterling silver 925
- Imported
Amazon Collection Sterling Silver Pear-Cut Cubic Zirconia Leverback Earrings
Features
- Classic teardrop Cubic Zirconia drop earrings in platinum plated sterling silver with a white (transparent) Cubic Zirconia.
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a low-cost, conflict-free diamond substitute with a bright luster and a precise cut.
- Closure with a secure lever-back
- The ideal jewelry present for a woman looking to add a timeless, classic style to her fashion repertoire.
- Handcrafted using the finest materials.
- Platinum plating has been used to enhance the luster and longevity of the 925 Sterling Silver.
- Imported
- These silver pieces are made to last a lifetime. This component has metal plating, flashing, or electrocoating; however, it can wear off with long-term or hard use. To keep your plated jewelry in good condition, keep it in a dark, cold, dry area like a pouch or an airtight box, and avoid touching plated things together. Also, keep your items away from cleaning products and perfume, which can harm them. If you ever need your jewelry replated, your local jeweler can advise you on where to send it.
- Amazon’s Brand
What are Different Grades of Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia can be graded using the same criteria for diamonds and other gemstones: the Four Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight). Their grading system is slightly different:
The quality of CZ’s manufacturers varies, with some varieties being less desirable than others, with clarity being one of them.
To define cubic zirconia quality, a five-tiered system of A (lowest grade) to AAAAA (highest grade) is utilized, but most retail jewelry retailers (online or off) do not refer to the grades; they’re typically seen when purchasing wholesale cubic zirconia.
Before purchasing cubic zirconia jewelry from any source, carefully ask questions and study descriptions.
Is Zircon and Cubic Zirconia the Same Thing?
The terms zircon and cubic zirconia are not interchangeable:
Zircon (6-6.5 Mohs scale) is a zirconium silicate gemstone unrelated to cubic zirconia. Before CZ, heat-treated brown zircon was commonly used as a diamond substitute because it could be rendered colorless with heat.
Most zircon in jewelry has been heat-treated to improve or change its color, and after being exposed to light, some of the stones may revert to their original colors.
Heat treatments reduce the durability of zircon.
Although you may come across the word cubic zirconium, it is not a natural substance.
What is the Difference Between Diamond and Cubic Zirconia?
Despite their superficial resemblance, diamonds and cubic zirconia stones are vastly different. Here are a few examples of how they differ:
A cubic zirconia chunk is heavier than a diamond of equal size, but it is not as hard. On the Mohs scale, CZ is rated as 8.5, while diamond (the hardest substance) is rated at ten, and corundum (sapphire and ruby) is rated at 9.
When shopping for CZ jewelry, the merchant will most likely specify the karat weight but refer to it as a “diamond equivalent” to assist you in comprehending how the (heavier) CZ compares to a diamond of the same apparent size.
Amazon carries an extensive assortment of exquisite cubic zirconia jewelry.
Cubic zirconia can be cut and shaped like diamonds, and colorful gemstones are cut and shaped.
A colorless white CZ has none of the imperfections present in an untreated diamond—think of it as a touch too perfect.
Cubic zirconia has more color flashes (fire) than diamonds.
Some modern CZ is coated with a chemical that makes the stones more durable and reduces their fire, giving them a more diamond-like appearance, albeit a jeweler can tell they aren’t.
Colorful CZs are also available and have grown in popularity in tandem with the fancy color diamond craze.
Are Lab-Created Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia the Same Thing?
Cubic zirconia is not the same as lab-created diamonds. Synthetic diamonds with the same physical and optical qualities as natural diamonds are lab-created diamonds. Lab-created diamonds, for example, have the same carbon atom configurations as natural diamonds, and they have the same radiance and fire as genuine diamonds. Cubic zirconia does not have the same qualities as diamonds, and it does not have the same brilliance and fire.
A lab-grown diamond is considerably superior to cubic zirconia in durability. It is significantly less expensive than a natural diamond, yet you still get the diamond’s eternal beauty and stunning brilliance. Take a peek at Clean Origin’s magnificent 1-carat lab-produced diamond. This is the ideal blend of cubic zirconia and a natural diamond.
Is Cubic Zirconia a Genuine Stone?
Cubic zirconia is a manufactured gemstone that is real, and it’s a complex, colorless crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Experts and non-experts alike should not regard cubic zirconia as a diamond. The two stones are entirely different, ranging from chemical qualities to brightness and color.
Diamonds are found naturally, are made of the most rigid substance, and are extremely beautiful. Cubic zirconia is made in a laboratory, and the stones lack brightness and long-term appeal.
Should I buy Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring?
This question has no right or incorrect answer; it depends on what you value and prefer. Because it’s a subjective decision involving two people, it’s essential to discuss it with your partner before purchasing a CZ engagement ring.
According to a Forbes article, savvy millennials buy cubic zirconia rings instead of diamond rings, avoiding the diamond cartel and marketing. You, too, may be a savvy shopper and choose a cubic zirconia engagement ring as a practical option.
You’ll almost certainly need to replace the CZ in your ring from time to time. Some people discover they need to replace their CZ every three years because it doesn’t hold up well over time, especially if the stone’s quality is poor. While diamonds are not indestructible, they can last a lifetime, whereas CZ can last a lifetime or not.
Is it Fake and Tacky to Wear a Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring?
This question implies that there is a simple form of cubic zirconia diamonds. On the other hand, Cubic zirconia isn’t a diamond; it only looks like one. It’s a stone in and of itself. It’s a false diamond, not an authentic CZ if you wear a CZ ring and call it a diamond. Is that clear? The distinction is unmistakable.
If you’re concerned that CZ is tacky, it’s because of what we’ve been taught about non-diamond engagement rings. A finely fitted CZ engagement ring resembles a diamond in appearance. The diamond industry has instilled in the public’s mind that a diamond is real and ‘eternal,’ while all other diamond imitations are ‘fake’ and ‘tacky.’
Another reason we tend to believe that only diamonds will suffice and that everything else is phony is peer pressure. Here’s what one woman had to say about her engagement ring on the internet. Her choice of the word real reveals a lot:
A cubic zirconia ring can seem trashy if it’s a colossal stone masquerading as a diamond. For example, if you see someone wearing a substantial diamond-looking stone and you know they couldn’t buy a natural diamond of that size, you’d immediately think it’s a fake. It’s tacky since the person is claiming to be holding a diamond. In addition, if the setting is flashy and unfashionable, the stone will also appear tacky.
Conclusion
Cubic zirconia is an artificial stone composed of zirconium dioxide, a material with similar chemical and physical properties to diamond. They’re less expensive and have a higher brilliance than a natural diamond. This stone is made using diamond stimulants and is often referred to as a CZ. It’s important to note that a CZ diamond is not a natural diamond and is a synthetic stone made in a lab.
Cubic zirconia is also slightly more sparkly than a diamond. Compared to diamond, cubic zirconia sparkles like a disco ball. This effect isn’t necessarily desirable, but some people don’t like it. CZs are also very durable and are rated at 8.5 on the Mohs scale, which means they are nearly as hard as diamonds. The diamond has the advantage of being a more complex substance, but it is not as durable.
