Man-Made Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia— What Is the Difference?

There are many options for stones, crystals, and diamonds on the market. These include lab-grown diamonds, mined diamonds, semi-precious gems, synthetic stones, and cubic zirconia.

The market for lab-grown diamonds is growing quickly because more people prefer to refrain from supporting the blood diamond industry. However, another option competing with lab-grown diamonds is cubic zirconia (CZ). CZ is not a real diamond—it only looks like one. It was originally made in Russia, but now other countries produce it too.

Many consumers confuse cubic zirconia with lab-grown diamonds, but they are very different. Let’s explain man-made diamonds vs. cubic zirconia and what is the difference.

History of CZ

Cubic zirconia was initially created in Russia during the 1970s as a low-cost alternative to diamonds for use in laser technology. Its unique properties, such as its brilliant sparkle and clear resemblance to diamonds, soon caught the attention of the jewelry industry. 

CZ quickly became a favorite for making eye-catching jewelry that offers the look of a diamond without the high price. Today, CZ is commonly found in all types of jewelry, including necklaces, rings, engagement rings, and earrings, making it a go-to option for consumers who want beauty and affordability.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a man-made gemstone designed to closely resemble a diamond in terms of brilliance and clarity. It’s a synthetic, colorless material that’s hard, flawless, and often mistaken for a real diamond due to its similar appearance. 

The name “cubic” refers to the symmetrical crystal structure of the stone, while “zirconia” points to its chemical composition, zirconium oxide. CZ is much more affordable than diamonds, including lab-grown ones, and it can be produced in various colors to imitate the natural shades of diamonds. 

Since its introduction, CZ has become a popular choice in jewelry because of its diamond-like qualities, low cost, and impressive durability. It’s often used as a diamond substitute in everything from fashion jewelry to fine pieces.\

Is Cubic Zirconia (CZ) a Real Diamond?

Cubic zirconia is not a diamond, and it doesn’t have the same chemical properties as a diamond. While CZ can mimic the sparkle and appearance of a diamond, it’s actually a man-made material. 

On the Mohs hardness scale, CZ scores 8.5, whereas diamonds score a perfect 10, making diamonds much more durable. 

Although CZ can be cut into the same shapes as diamonds and looks very similar, it’s not a true diamond. However, its affordability and dazzling shine make it a popular choice for jewelry.

Man-Made Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia: Differences

Though cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds may appear similar, they have significant differences in chemical makeup, color, price, and how they are made.

1. Chemical Properties

Cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds differ significantly in their chemical properties, hardness, and durability. CZ is made from zirconium oxide, while lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created from carbon through high-pressure, high-temperature processes. 

Diamonds, whether mined or lab-grown, are much harder, scoring a ten on the Mohs scale, while CZ scores 8.5, making it more prone to scratching. Additionally, CZ is denser than diamonds and has a slightly lower refractive index, affecting its brilliance and sparkle than real diamonds.

2. Manufacturing Process

Cubic zirconia is made by melting zirconium and zirconium oxide at extremely high temperatures, a process that creates flawless, man-made crystals. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are formed through advanced techniques replicating natural diamond formation. 

Using High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), diamond seeds grow into rough diamonds over several weeks, atom by atom, using a combination of gases, pressure, and temperature to create real diamonds in a lab environment.

3. Color

Cubic zirconia is typically flawless and colorless, equivalent to a “D” on the diamond grading scale. Still, it can also be made in various colors, such as pink, green, and orange, by adding different oxides during the creation process. 

On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds often have slight yellow or brown tints, with only the rarest being completely colorless. This gives CZ a perfect, albeit artificial, appearance, while lab-grown diamonds reflect the natural variations in real diamonds.

4. Facets and Cut

The differences between cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds are also apparent in how they are cut and polished. CZ, being softer, tends to have more rounded edges and fewer sharp facets than lab-grown diamonds. 

Real diamonds, including lab-grown ones, have sharper, more defined facets, which enhance their sparkle and give them a more refined, brilliant look in jewelry.

5. Price

Cubic zirconia is much more affordable than lab-grown diamonds, as it is a synthetic material rather than a real diamond. CZ is priced based on its carat weight but remains a budget-friendly option. 

While lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds, they are still significantly more expensive than CZ because they are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. 

The cost of lab-grown diamonds depends on factors like cut, clarity, and carat, which are similar to natural diamonds.

6. Market Trends

The demand for lab-grown diamonds is on the rise. By 2023, the market for lab-grown diamonds is expected to reach USD 27.6 billion, up from USD 16.2 billion in 2016. Meanwhile, the market for cubic zirconia has been shrinking as consumers lean toward real, man-made diamonds for their ethical and environmental benefits. Ultimately, it's up to the consumer to decide what aligns with their values and preferences.

Why choose lab-grown diamonds over CZ?

Lab-grown diamonds are the better option if you're looking for quality and longevity. Though CZ is affordable and sparkly, it lacks the durability and prestige of a natural diamond. 

Advertisers may promote CZ as a diamond alternative, but it's important to remember that CZ is not a diamond and doesn't offer the same value or authenticity.

Conclusion

While both man-made diamonds and cubic zirconia can offer a beautiful sparkle, they are quite different in terms of composition, durability, and overall value. Man-made diamonds are real diamonds, offering the same hardness, brilliance, and lasting quality as natural ones. On the other hand, cubic zirconia is a more affordable, synthetic alternative that looks similar but lacks the strength and prestige of a diamond. 

At Chic Jewelry, we provide stunning CZ jewelry options so you can choose the perfect piece to match your style and budget. Our expert team can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find exactly what you're looking for.

For more information or to explore our collection, contact us today!