The Cubic Zirconia: Important things to know

Imagine stepping into a world where the sparkle of a gemstone catches your eye with every flicker of light, offering the beauty of a diamond but at a fraction of the price. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is that gemstone—a dazzling alternative that provides exceptional beauty without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering enhancing your jewelry collection with a piece that combines brilliance and affordability, understanding cubic zirconia is crucial. Whether you’re eyeing a stunning engagement ring, a sparkling necklace, or elegant earrings, this guide will illuminate everything you need to know about this gemstone, from its origins to its care. let's discover some importants aspects about this magical stone.  

What is Cubic Zirconia and how is it made?

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone made in the laboratory in a way to achieve partly similar apprance as a diamond that makes it an affordable alternative of a diamond.

Composition:

This stone is composed of zirconium dioxide, which is heated and crystallized to create the gemstone. The result is a material with a high refractive index, giving it exceptional brilliance.

Brilliance and Fire:

CZ’s high refractive index means it sparkles more than many other gemstones, including diamonds. It also exhibits significant “fire,” or the dispersion of light into colors.

The rise of Cubic Zirconia as diamond alternattive

Since its discovery in the 1970s,  zirconia has become increasingly popular in jewelry. This rise in popularity is no accident. In a market traditionally dominated by precious and high-demand stones like diamonds, cubic zirconia has established itself as a favored alternative.

Although it may not have the same intrinsic value as a diamond, CZ stone matches diamonds in appearance, especially when set in jewelry. Several factors contribute to the growing popularity of this dimond alternative in the jewelry industry.

Elegant Look

It’s no longer a secret that zirconia is widely used as an alternative to diamonds. While diamonds are expensive and not everyone can afford them, the desire to wear them remains universal.

The solution comes with this lab-made stone, a stone that closely resembles a diamond in appearance. It doesn’t just look similar; it also matches the high-quality color of diamonds, specifically the coveted D color. Moreover, just as diamonds primarily reflect white light, cubic zirconia displays a striking fire-like brilliance.

Additionally, This synthetic stone has fewer inclusions, which enhances its purity and quality. These factors make it a stunning stone that is an ideal choice for any type of jewelry.

Costeffectiveness

Most lab-made diamond substitutes cost less than diamonds, depending on how similar they are to diamonds in terms of properties. But from the point of view of appearance, zirconia stone is a little more economical.

The price of 1 carat cubic zirconia is about $160 in the US, while the Rappaport price of 1 carat round diamond, VVS1 purity and D color stone is $11,500, which is quite high. In such a situation, any person who cannot afford a diamond will naturally go to its substitute.

Why Choose Cubic Zirconia?

It's natural to wonder why this stone is so much cheaper than a diamond and whether it has many flaws. Yes, there are some flaws, but what makes this stone special is what it offers at such an affordable price. Let's explore what else this stone has to offer beyond just looks and affordability.

 Variety of Styles:

• Available in various cuts such as round, princess, and oval, and comes in a range of colors from classic clear to vibrant hues, allowing for personalized jewelry designs. You can also find cubic zirconia in fancy colors like pink, blue, and green.

 Durability:

• Scoring 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, zirconia is durable enough for everyday wear, though it should be handled with care to prevent scratches. While not as hard as diamonds, it is more resistant to scratching than other gemstones like amethyst or peridot.

Other widely used alternative of cubic zirconia

Zirconia isn't the only diamond alternative; there are other options that can give you a diamond-like feeling, and many are even better than CZ, whether in properties, looks, or other things. Such as moissanite, which is considered a great alternative to diamond due to its excellent luster and strength. Read our (Cubic Zirconia vs. Mossanite: The Comparison) article to get in-depth knowledge about how these stones differ from each other and what mossanite can bring you that cubic zirconia doesn't.

wrap up

Cubic zirconia has emerged as a brilliant alternative to diamonds, offering stunning beauty at a more accessible price. Since its discovery in the 1970s, this gemstone has captivated jewelry enthusiasts with its high refractive index, resulting in exceptional sparkle and fire that closely mimics the allure of diamonds.

While it may not match the intrinsic value of natural diamonds, it provides a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost—around $160 per carat compared to $11,500 for a high-quality diamond of the same size. Available in various cuts and colors, this stone is durable with a Mohs scale rating of 8-8.5, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Although it is a popular choice, other alternative like moissanite offer superior luster and strength, making it worth considering for those seeking additional benefits. Overall, it stands out for its affordability and elegance, making it a valuable option for those who desire the sparkle of diamonds without the substantial expense.

FAQs

1. Is Cubic zirconia a real diamond?

NO, Although cubic zirconia gemstones are synthetic, they are genuine stones in their own right. Unlike natural diamonds, which are carbon-based gems formed naturally, CZs are man-made. 

2. Which Cubic Zirconia is the best?

It is evaluated using the same grading scale applied to commercial diamonds. The top grade is AAAAA, or 5A, which signifies exceptional clarity. 

3. Why is Cubic Zirconia so cheap?

Because it is created in a lab. 

4. Which is better, mossanite or CZ?

Moissanite is better in terms of brilliance, durability, and overall quality, making it a more premium choice for those seeking a closer match to natural diamonds.

5. Where to buy Cubic Zirconia and Mossanite jewelry?

You can buy jewelry with mossanite stone from our website. We have a diverse collection of all types of mossanite jewelry for every occasion. Fill your life with brightness, and your face will be adorned with a smile with golden birdjewels.

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