In the process of pursuing the perfect gemstone, people have always regarded diamonds as the highest standard, and even regarded them as a symbol of eternal love! However, diamonds are very expensive. For those who pursue cost-effectiveness, they gradually turn their attention to cheaper alternatives, and Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is the most popular choice! This gemstone has the same shining light as diamonds and a more economical price, and gradually occupies an important position in the market.
Next, please follow me to learn about this dazzling gemstone!
Quick Links
- Basic Properties of Cubic Zirconia
- Quality Classification of Cubic Zirconia
- Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond: A Complete Comparison
- Culture and Market Positioning
- Cubic Zirconia Care and Maintenance
If you don’t have enough time to read a lot of text, we provide you with concise questions and answers to quickly answer your common questions about CZ in one go.
- Please click FAQs.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that is classified as a diamond imitation. Although it is similar to diamond in appearance, its composition, manufacturing process and physical properties are very different. Diamonds in the laboratory are made of carbon, while cubic zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). Both cubic zirconia and diamonds are in cubic crystal form, so the two are very similar.
The process of making cubic zirconia in the laboratory is not simple. It requires heating the zirconium oxide and adding calcium and magnesium. During this process, the content of each element needs to be precisely controlled. When the zirconia crystals begin to grow, they can be cut into various shapes as required, such as round, oval, pear, etc.
For those who want to have the beauty of diamonds but don’t want to pay a high price, Cubic Zirconia is a tempting choice! However, cubic zirconia is not flawless. Compared with diamonds, its durability and lasting power are far inferior to diamonds, so you need to understand its advantages and disadvantages in detail to make a clear decision when choosing to buy CZ.
This article will introduce you to cubic zirconia from the perspective of appearance, durability, price, and differences from diamonds, so that you can have a comprehensive understanding of it!
Basic Properties of Cubic Zirconia
Chemical composition and structure
Main ingredients: As we have introduced to you before, cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone, the main ingredient of which is (ZrO₂). Natural diamonds are crystallized from pure carbon under extreme high temperature and pressure, while cubic zirconia is synthesized in an artificial environment through zirconium oxide synthesis.
Crystal structure: Zirconia itself is an inorganic compound with extremely stable chemical properties. When it crystallizes under certain conditions, it forms a cubic crystal structure. This crystal structure is similar to diamond, which gives it a special refraction effect under light - fire, making it show a different rainbow reflection under the light!
Appearance and optical properties
Fire: Rainbow Reflection
Fire refers to the rainbow-colored reflection of a gemstone under light, which is produced by the refraction and reflection of light inside the gemstone. When light enters cubic zirconia, it is decomposed into different color spectra, presenting a dazzling brilliance of colorful colors!
Since the refractive index of cubic zirconia is a little higher, the effect of light reflection will be more obvious than diamond. The refractive index of cubic zirconia is 2.15~2.18, which is much higher than other gemstones. This is also an important reason why cubic zirconia can become an affordable substitute for diamonds.
By judging the fire of the two gemstones, experienced gemologists can easily tell the difference between diamonds and cubic zirconia! The fire of diamonds is purer and clearer. Some people describe its fire as a “calm” white brilliance, and the color spectrum of cubic zirconia will be richer and more diverse, and the visual effect will be more dazzling!
Brilliance: Differences from Diamonds
In addition to fire, cubic zirconia and diamonds also differ in luster and sparkle. Some people believe that the sparkle of diamonds is the most perfect optical effect. When light passes through the interior of the diamond and undergoes complex cutting and refraction, it will show a bright, clean, and sparkling brilliance, which is also one of the greatest charms of diamonds themselves.
Unlike diamonds, the luster of cubic zirconia is more complex and colorful. Under the same light, it will be more dazzling and colorful. Although the luster and sparkle of cubic zirconia are very charming, it is still far less pure and stable than diamonds. People still think that the restrained beauty of diamonds is more stunning, so many people think that cubic zirconia is “too dazzling.”
Color: Colorless purity and colorful variety
Many jewelry lovers confuse cubic zirconia with diamonds because they are too similar. In the colorless state, it is difficult for ordinary people to distinguish them with their eyes alone. Both colorless cubic zirconia and diamonds have super high transparency. Although colorless cubic zirconia is slightly inferior to diamonds in all aspects, it has a variety of colors!
Cubic zirconia can change its color by adding different trace elements - adding chromium can make cubic zirconia appear deep red similar to ruby; adding cobalt makes it appear sapphire-like. As cubic zirconia circulates in the market, more and more colors are also appearing! According to market surveys, the most popular cubic zirconia stones are pink, blue and purple, which are color options that diamonds do not have.
However, it should be noted that long-term wear or exposure to the sun may cause uneven color distribution of gemstones.
Quality Classification of Cubic Zirconia
Grading system: A to AAAAA
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone, so different manufacturing processes may result in different gemstone quality. Usually we divide the quality system of cubic zirconia into A-AAAAA. Different grading can very intuitively reflect the appearance, gloss and quality of the gemstone. The higher the grade, the higher the market price of the gemstone.
Grade A: This is the lowest quality grade of cubic zirconia. Gems of this grade may have obvious flaws. They are cheap and are generally considered defective products. They are used to decorate some common daily necessities, but are not suitable as the base material for high-end jewelry.
Grade AA: Compared with grade A, gemstones of this grade have better appearance, and their fire and luster will also be greatly improved. They are suitable for use as low-end jewelry decorations and are relatively moderately priced.
Grade AAA: This grade of cubic zirconia is the most common quality on the market. It is very close to diamond, and the cutting process will be more refined. AAA grade CZ has a higher clarity and is the most widely circulated mass-market jewelry on the market.
Grade AAAA: cubic zirconia that reaches this grade is the first choice for high-end jewelry decoration! This level of CZ looks close to diamonds, and the cutting process and glossiness have reached a very high standard, with almost no flaws. It is often used as a foil decoration for some other jewelry and imitation diamond rings and high-end earrings.
Grade AAAAA: This grade of cubic zirconia is already the highest grade of synthetic gemstones on the market. They have perfect cutting proportions, flawless clarity, and extreme fire and luster. Even compared with diamonds, it is difficult to detect any difference in appearance. They are usually used as a substitute for high-end jewelry, and some common luxury goods are also decorated with them. This grade of cubic zirconia is not only outstanding in appearance, but also much cheaper than diamonds of the same grade. It is the first choice for consumers who are looking for high cost performance!
How to choose suitable cubic zirconia according to different grades?
If you want to buy the right cubic zirconia, we recommend that you first clarify your purpose and budget! If you focus on cost-effectiveness and use it for high-end jewelry design and decoration, we recommend that you choose AAA grade and above cubic zirconia. These grades of gems guarantee beauty and relatively high quality! If you only seek the ultimate cost-effectiveness and just want to decorate simple items, then we recommend that you choose A or AA grade cubic zirconia. As decorations for items, they will definitely satisfy you!
The “Four Cs” of Quality Assessment
Like the standards for diamonds, cubic zirconia also has the “Four C” standards, namely Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Each of these four standards has an extremely important visual effect and market price for cubic zirconia. Next, we will take you to fully understand the meaning of these four standards.
Cut: The cutting process of cubic zirconia directly affects the appearance
Cutting is one of the important factors that determine the appearance of cubic zirconia. Like diamonds, the cutting process largely determines the optical properties of cubic zirconia. The fire and luster of gemstones are closely related to cutting. An excellent gem cutter can give gemstones new life, making them more dazzling and attractive. Cubic zirconia can be cut into different shapes according to your needs, such as round, square, oval, etc. Therefore, when you choose high-quality cubic zirconia, the cutting quality is one of your references.
Clarity: How to evaluate the clarity of cubic zirconia?
Clarity is a measure of the clarity of gemstones. Like natural gemstones, synthetic gemstones also have some bubbles and flaws. Sometimes these defects seriously affect the beauty and transparency of the gemstones themselves. How to keep the gemstones at a high clarity is a problem that people have been studying.
High-quality Cubic Zirconia has perfect clarity, and its surface should be smooth and without obvious flaws. But fortunately, it is generally difficult to see flaws in synthetic gemstones with the naked eye. Yes, high-quality cubic zirconia can already achieve no flaws that can be seen with the naked eye. Generally, the higher the clarity of the Cubic Zirconia, the higher its price.
Color: The difference between white and colored CZ
We have already introduced the color of cubic zirconia. Do you want to know more about colorless and colored cubic zirconia?
The quality evaluation standard of colorless cubic zirconia is based on its transparency and colorlessness. If this type of CZ gemstone contains trace elements that cause yellowing or other tones, its value will be greatly reduced. High-quality CZ gemstones should be completely colorless and shiny!
In contrast to colorless cubic zirconia, colored CZ is evaluated by the uniformity, saturation and brightness of its color. Generally speaking, the more uniform and brighter the color, the higher the value of the gemstone.
Carat: Weight and Durability
Carat refers to the quality and weight of a gemstone, which is proportional to the size of the gemstone. Many people are pursuing larger and more beautiful gemstones, so larger cubic zirconia will be more expensive and have a more eye-catching visual effect.
Of course, carat weight is not the only evaluation criterion. The cut, clarity and color of the gemstone are all important factors in the value of the gemstone.
Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond: A Complete Comparison
Are you curious about the differences between cubic zirconia and diamonds and how to distinguish them? In the following chapters, we will explain the differences between cubic zirconia and diamonds from four dimensions: appearance, durability, price, and market positioning.
Appearance comparison
The Difference Between Fire, Luster and Sparkle
Cubic zirconia and diamonds are very similar in appearance, and it is difficult to distinguish them with the naked eye if you are not trained. We mentioned the characteristics of fire and brightness of diamonds and cubic zirconia earlier in the article (fire refers to the rainbow reflection of gemstones under light; brightness refers to the white light reflected by gemstones), which is also the key to distinguishing them!
Cubic zirconia: Its fire will be more brilliant and colorful, and it will flash extremely rich rainbow colors under the light; and its brightness will be softer than that of diamonds, giving people a warm and rich feeling.
Diamond: Its luster (brilliance) has a more outstanding expression, showing a more dazzling brilliance, but the fire will be relatively moderate. If it is perfectly cut with its high emissivity, the diamond will produce a more uniform light reflection.
How to distinguish CZ and diamond from appearance?
To distinguish cubic zirconia from diamonds by appearance, you need to pay attention to the difference in fire and luster. If a gem appears “too sparkling” and has obvious color spots under a certain light source, then it is most likely cubic zirconia.
Durability comparison
Hardness comparison (Mohs hardness)
The Mogs hardness of cubic zirconia is 8.5, while diamond is 10. The wear resistance and durability of cubic zirconia are obviously inferior to diamond. Diamonds are almost never scratched in daily wear, and their excellent hardness allows them to almost always maintain a perfect appearance. However, cubic zirconia is easily scratched and loses its luster if it is not maintained.
Performance in long-term use: Durability issues of cubic aluminum oxychloride
Many web pages have published their opinions on cubic zirconia on the Internet. “Cubic zirconia is very cheap and cost-effective, but it has obvious disadvantages, that is, it is easy to damage, and the gem will become more turbid and dull over time. We have many cubic zirconias, some of which are still sparkling after 20 years, and most of them have become dull and we don’t even know what happened…”
If you wear cubic zirconia for a long time, it is very likely to lose some of its luster as you go about your daily life, and in severe cases, it may even develop surface scratches and a clouding effect. If you want to keep its appearance perfect, you need to clean the cubic zirconia regularly and avoid collisions with sharp and hard objects. But if you wear diamonds, you don’t have to worry about these problems. Compared to cubic zirconia, diamonds are synonymous with eternity and are suitable for lifelong jewelry, such as wedding rings, while cubic zirconia is more suitable as an accessory to some jewelry.
Price Comparison
Price Difference: The Price Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and Diamond
Because cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone, its price is much lower than natural diamonds! According to the current market price, 1 carat of AAAAA quality cubic zirconia may cost only about US$30, but the price of a natural diamond of the same size may start at US$3,000 (approximately 100 times that of cubic zirconia). Depending on the cut, The price of diamonds will be even higher (the price of artificially grown diamonds will be slightly lower, maybe half the price of natural diamonds).
This large price difference makes cubic zirconia an ideal choice for many consumers with limited budgets. Not only does cubic zirconia have the appearance of diamonds, it also offers significant cost benefits!
Culture and Market Positioning
Diamonds as wedding rings and investment stones
Diamonds occupy an important position in the global jewelry market, but with the development of artificial diamonds, the status of diamonds has slightly declined. However, in wedding rings and investment jewelry, diamonds still symbolize eternity and are sought after by many young people. In the past, high-quality diamonds were still considered by most people to be an investment that could maintain its value, but due to the large number of artificial diamonds entering the market, diamonds are gradually becoming less popular as investment stones. However, high-quality natural diamonds are still rare gems and are sought after by countless people!
Market positioning and application scenarios of cubic zirconia
Unlike diamonds, cubic zirconia has no value as an investment stone. Its market position is just a substitute for jewelry, and its main user group is consumers who pursue fashion but have limited budgets.
Professional gem cutters commented on cubic zirconia like this: “I like CZ very much because it is hard, has good dispersion, high refractive index, is cheaper, has a variety of colors (some color changes are even very crazy), and is easier to cut and polish than other gems. But unfortunately, it is considered by many to be a cheap imitation of diamond. It is mass-produced in the market. If those fake and low-quality products were not so serious in circulation, I believe that the quality of CZ would be better and more beautiful than most synthetic materials.”
The cultural symbols of diamonds and CZ and the different reasons for consumers to choose them
Many consumers are often influenced by cultural traditions, personal emotions and budget when faced with diamonds and cubic zirconia. Many people think that CZ is a fake diamond, but this is not true. Cubic zirconia is also a real gem! Diamonds have a long tradition and culture, while cubic zirconia is like a rising star. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between them, consumers should think rationally, judge their needs and budget, and do not shop blindly. Diamonds are the first choice in many people’s minds, but many consumers do not exclude cubic zirconia. As a decoration for other jewelry, cubic zirconia is obviously more suitable than diamonds.
Main Applications of Cubic Zirconia
After learning so much about cubic zirconia, you will easily find that the main use of cubic zirconia is to replace diamonds as a substitute jewelry.
Application in jewelry design
Cubic zirconia has a wide range of uses in jewelry design. With different cuts and designs, it can be inlaid into rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Because cubic zirconia is cheap, it is perfect as a daily accessory. You don’t have to worry about huge financial losses caused by losing it when you go out. It is an ideal jewelry accessory for your travels.
One lady commented on CZ like this: “My first wedding ring is CZ. I can happily tell everyone that it looks great. No one can tell that it is different from a diamond, but even if someone can tell, I don’t care at all. For me, it is a matter of pride to buy a beautiful and sparkling ring without spending hundreds of dollars. If I hadn’t lost it, I would have kept it as a commemorative memory…”
As a diamond substitute
Cubic zirconia can be an ideal and economical choice for consumers with limited budgets. As a substitute for diamonds, it can satisfy those who want to own diamonds because of limited budget.
Cubic Zirconia Care and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance
How to care for cubic aluminum oxychloride jewelry to avoid scratches and tarnishing
Cubic zirconia is very hard, but it is still more vulnerable to damage than diamonds. Many people have questions about how to maintain cubic zirconia after purchasing it. In order to keep your jewelry shiny and avoid damage, the following maintenance suggestions are given to you:
Avoid contact with hard objects: You should avoid collision between gemstones and hard objects, such as avoiding storing cubic zirconia together with some hard metals or gravel.
Avoid contact with chemicals: Certain chemicals can still harm gemstones, such as the detergents, perfumes, and cosmetics that you often use in your life. Direct contact between these substances and cubic zirconia may affect the gloss of the gemstones. When performing personal care, we recommend that you take off the gemstones.
Storage environment: When you no longer wear jewelry, we recommend that you put it in a dedicated jewelry box to avoid collision or friction with other jewelry. In addition, you should keep the jewelry box dry and out of direct sunlight to avoid accelerating the decline of its surface gloss.
Best cleaning and protection tips
Regular cleaning is a very effective way to care for cubic zirconia. Here are some common cleaning methods we recommend to you:
1. Clean with warm water and soapy water: Use warm water and mild soap cleaning solution to soak the gemstone for a few minutes, and immediately use a soft brush to gently wipe the surface of the gemstone. (Note: Do not use detergents containing alcohol, ammonia or bleach during the cleaning process)
2. Wipe with a clean soft cloth: After cleaning, you can use a soft cloth to gently wipe it to remove the residual moisture on the surface of the gemstone.
3. Use a special gemstone cleaner: If your gemstone has stubborn stains that cannot be removed by ordinary methods, you can use a cleaner designed specifically for gemstones.
Service life
The lifespan of cubic aluminum oxychloride in daily use, how to extend its durability
The service life of cubic zirconia is affected by the environment and maintenance you usually wear it in. If you take good care of it, cubic zirconia can last for many years. As you wear it for a longer time, the luster of the gemstone will inevitably be gradually damaged over time. Regarding the durability of gemstones and how to extend the beauty and durability, we have the following experience:
Durability issue: If cubic zirconia is often subjected to severe collisions during wear, it will cause fine scratches and a cloudy feeling on the surface, thus affecting the appearance.
Prolong the beauty and durability: In addition to the regular cleaning mentioned above, if you find that the gemstones are slightly worn after long-term wear, you can request professional gem maintenance services. After polishing and repair, the gemstones will be restored to look like new.
Conclusion
Cubic zirconia is a beautiful and economical gem material that not only has the charm of appearance, but also has a variety of application scenarios. Cubic zirconia is a real gem and a shining heart in the gem industry!
Thank you for reading, I hope it will help you understand cubic zirconia!
FAQs.
1. How Long Will Cubic Zirconia Last?/ How Long Does CZ Last?
When you get a brilliant gem, you may wonder, how long do cubic zirconias last? Don’t worry, as long as it is properly maintained, CZ can last for decades, but if it is not properly maintained, it may wear out in 2-3 years.
But it should be noted that zircon is far less hard and durable than diamond. Over time, zircon will gradually lose its luster, especially if worn frequently.
A zircon collector mentioned that his properly maintained zircon is still dazzling even after 20 years, while the unmaintained zircon has basically lost its original luster and become turbid.
2.Will Cubic Zirconia Fade/ Do Cubic Zirconia Fade?
Cubic zirconia itself will not fade because it is a synthetic gemstone.
However, if you wear it for a long time, your CZ gemstone will inevitably accumulate dirt, oil or scratches, and the brightness and sparkle of the CZ gemstone may decrease.
Of course, if you use a mild solution and a soft cloth to clean and wipe, the gemstone will restore its original luster.
However, if you set the CZ gemstone on some bad metals, it is very likely to lose its luster, but this is not related to the problem of the gemstone itself, but the cause is metal contamination.
3. Is Cubic Zirconia Good?
Yes, I can give you some examples of the advantages of cubic zirconia from my experience, and I hope it can help you.
Affordable: CZ gemstones have a diamond-like appearance, but their cost is only 1/100 of diamonds, making them very cost-effective gemstones.
Diverse choices: CZ gemstones have a variety of colors and can be cut into a variety of shapes, so your choices are very diverse.
Easy to manufacture: CZ gemstones are synthetic gemstones, which avoids the environmental problems caused by mining natural diamonds. If you are a nature lover, I believe you will be very happy.
Although cubic zirconia lacks the prestige and durability of diamonds, CZ is still a real gemstone, and it is your best choice as a budget-conscious and temporary gemstone.
4. Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?/ Will Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?
Cubic zirconia itself will not tarnish like metal because it is a synthetic gemstone.
However, over time, the luster of cubic zirconia gemstones will become dull until the luster gradually disappears. This is because the surface of cubic zirconia is contaminated by scratches, oil accumulation and dirt. If properly cared for, the luster of cubic zirconia will not disappear.
In addition, if you choose a metal setting (such as silver plating), the metal component may tarnish, which will directly affect the appearance of the entire jewelry. Choosing a higher quality setting can alleviate this problem.
5.Does Cubic Zirconia Turn Green? /Will Cubic Zirconia Turn Green?
Cubic zirconia itself does not turn green. The reason why it turns green is most likely due to the metal setting. For example, if your CZ gemstone is set in a low-quality metal (such as a copper-based alloy), if these metals oxidize, they are likely to leave green residues.
6.Is Cubic Zirconia Expensive?
Cubic zirconia is much cheaper than natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, and is a very cost-effective gemstone.
For those who pursue the appearance of diamonds without spending too much money, cubic zirconia is an economical choice. Usually, the price of cubic zirconia of the same weight is only 1/100 of that of natural diamonds.
Of course, the quality of cubic zirconia also depends on the quality (A-AAAAA), and the higher the grade, the higher the price of CZ gemstones.
7. Does Cubic Zirconia Rust?
Cubic zirconia will not rust because it is not a metal. However, if your CZ gemstone is set with inferior metals and alloys, those metals are likely to rust, affecting the overall beauty.
8.Does Cubic Zirconia Get Cloudy?
Yes, cubic zirconia can become cloudy over time, most likely from the accumulation of matte, oils, and residue from your daily wear.
Unlike diamonds, CZ gemstones are more porous and will lose clarity and brilliance more easily if not cleaned regularly.
9.What do CZs Look Like After 10 Years?
If you take good care of it, the CZ gemstone will still shine after 10 years. However, if you don’t take care of it in your daily life, the CZ gemstone is likely to wear out after 10 years. These minor scratches will reduce the brightness, and some stains will also make the CZ’s luster dull.
Well-preserved CZ can retain most of its luster, but it still needs professional polishing occasionally to extend its life.
10. Does Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Cubic zirconia itself will not lose its luster, but sterling silver inlays are likely to lose their luster over time due to exposure to air, moisture and chemicals. This will affect the overall beauty. In order to maintain the luster of silver jewelry, you need to store it in a dry, sealed container and clean it regularly with a silver polishing cloth.