What is Cubic Zirconia?

At Chic Jewelry, we are proud to be a third-generation, family-run jewelry manufacturer based in Los Angeles, USA. For over 35 years, we have specialized in crafting high-quality jewelry using AAA-certified Cubic Zirconia stones. Our dedication to fine craftsmanship and attention to detail has earned us the trust of our clients, making us a leading destination for exquisite rings, wedding bands, and custom jewelry pieces. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or a unique custom design, Chic Jewelry is here to help you celebrate life's most cherished moments.

Cubic zirconia is a popular gemstone known for its dazzling appearance and is a standard diamond simulant. Often abbreviated as CZ, cubic zirconia mimics the look of a diamond but isn't a natural diamond. Naturally occurring cubic zirconia is extremely rare, making most of the CZ in the market artificial. This gemstone is entirely colorless and boasts a hardness of 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable. Its versatility allows it to be cut into various shapes, adding appeal. Cubic zirconia is a favorite choice for fashion jewelry and costume jewelry because it offers the sparkle of a diamond at a more affordable price.

What is Cubic Zirconia Made Of?  

Cubic zirconia, made from zirconium oxide, is famous for affordable and dazzling jewelry. The process begins by melting zirconium oxide in a metal chamber and adding minerals like calcium and magnesium. When exposed to intense heat of nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, this mixture forms crystals upon cooling. These crystals are expertly cut into popular emerald, oval, and pear shapes. Cubic zirconia jewelry offers the sparkle and beauty of diamonds without the high cost, making it a favorite choice among jewelry enthusiasts.

Manufacturers can produce colorful cubic zirconia gems in shades like pink, blue, green, or any imaginable color. To achieve these vibrant cubic zirconia colors, manufacturers add specific impurities. For instance, adding iron or copper creates yellow cubic zirconia, while adding erbium, europium, or holmium results in pink cubic zirconia. This process allows for a wide range of stunning cubic zirconia colors, making them a versatile and popular choice in jewelry.   

Is Cubic Zirconia a Mineral?  

Is cubic zirconia a mineral? This question has a complicated answer. Many people still refer to cubic zirconia as a mineral. However, to be classified as a mineral, it must occur naturally. While naturally occurring cubic zirconia exists, it is scarce. The majority of cubic zirconia is lab-created. Understanding the difference between natural and lab-made cubic zirconia is essential for jewelry enthusiasts and buyers.

Is Cubic Zirconia Good?  

Cubic zirconia is a favored diamond substitute, celebrated for its remarkable resemblance to real diamonds. Many people find it challenging to tell apart from high-quality diamonds, making it a popular choice for affordable jewelry. However, unlike diamonds, cubic zirconia can become cloudy or dull over time due to scratches. This characteristic makes it less suitable for engagement rings. Typically, a cubic zirconia ring lasts 5-10 years and is regularly used.

Some people attempt to make their cubic zirconia jewelry sparkle more by baking it, hoping to enhance its diamond-like appearance. However, this practice can lead to cracking or burning, as cubic zirconia is less heat-resistant than diamonds. When choosing between cubic zirconia and diamonds, it's crucial to consider durability and long-term wear.

How Much is Cubic Zirconia? 

Cubic zirconia is an affordable alternative to diamonds, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking dazzling jewelry. While the price of cubic zirconia depends on its quality, a 1-carat cubic zirconia can cost as little as $10-$20, making it a cost-effective choice. It's important to note that cubic zirconia is denser than diamonds so that a 1-carat CZ will look slightly smaller than a 1-carat diamond. When shopping for cubic zirconia rings or jewelry, consider the trade-off between price and appearance.

Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish or Rust? 

Cubic zirconia itself does not tarnish or rust. However, the setting may tarnish or corrode if set in low-quality materials. Cubic zirconia jewelry often uses metals prone to tarnishing or rusting, such as copper, silver, bronze, and brass.

Does Cubic Zirconia Turn Green?  

The stone itself won't turn green, but if it's set in inexpensive metals like copper, the metal can cause your skin to turn green. Avoid this by choosing quality jewelry materials.

Can Cubic Zirconia Get Wet?  

Yes, cubic zirconia can get wet, but repeated water exposure may damage it. To protect your jewelry, always remove it before showering, swimming, or immersing it in water. Caring for your jewelry properly ensures its longevity and keeps it sparkling like new. Remember, protecting your jewelry from water is key to maintaining its beauty.

Is Cubic Zirconia Hypoallergenic?  

Cubic zirconia jewelry is hypoallergenic, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin. However, it's important to consider the metal setting, as some metals can trigger allergic reactions. Common allergens include cheap materials like copper or nickel. When choosing hypoallergenic jewelry, focus on the metal setting rather than the cubic zirconia. For a comfortable experience, opt for high-quality metals that won't irritate.

Diamond vs Cubic Zirconia  

As mentioned before, distinguishing cubic zirconia from diamonds can be quite challenging. Below are the key differences and tips on how to identify cubic zirconia:

1. Inclusions 

Inclusions in diamonds are natural imperfections that occur within the stone. Although diamonds can have no inclusions, such flawless diamonds are extremely rare and come with a high price tag. If you're examining a diamond under 10x magnification and can't see any inclusions, it might be cubic zirconia. Unlike diamonds, cubic zirconia does not contain inclusions. Remember to clean the stone before inspection, as a dirty diamond might appear to have inclusions when it doesn't. Understanding diamond inclusions is crucial for distinguishing between genuine diamonds and cubic zirconia.

2. Hardness

Diamonds, the hardest naturally occurring mineral, boast a perfect 10 rating on the Mohs scale. In contrast, cubic zirconia only rates between 8 and 8.5. This exceptional hardness makes diamonds ideal for everyday wear, ensuring lasting durability and brilliance. When choosing jewelry, diamonds' unparalleled strength and beauty make them a top choice for consumers seeking both elegance and resilience.

3. Color

Diamonds often have a natural yellow or brown tint, making colorless diamonds exceptionally rare. When identifying diamonds, examining a stone from the side or bottom can help; if it lacks any color hint, it may be cubic zirconia. Understanding diamond colors is crucial when buying diamonds or comparing them to cubic zirconia.

4. Value

Diamonds are significantly more expensive than cubic zirconia, yet they retain some of their value. A 1-carat diamond can range from $1,500 to $15,000, whereas a 1-carat cubic zirconia costs only $20 to $100 and lacks enduring value.

5. Dispersion

Dispersion in gemstones refers to the phenomenon where white light enters a diamond, separates, and exits as colorful light at various angles. This effect is more pronounced in cubic zirconia than in diamonds. With a dispersion rate between 0.058-0.066, cubic zirconia delivers a more vibrant rainbow sparkle than diamonds, which have a dispersion rate of 0.044. When choosing between diamond and cubic zirconia, consider the enhanced sparkle cubic zirconia offers.

6. Brilliance

The refractive index plays a crucial role in determining a gemstone's brilliance. This index measures how much light bends when entering a material. For example, diamonds, known for their dazzling brilliance, have a high refractive index of 2.417-2.419. In contrast, cubic zirconia, often used as a diamond alternative, has a lower refractive index of 2.150-2.180. As a result, diamonds generally sparkle more than cubic zirconia. However, it's important to note that cubic zirconia may appear duller, but this isn't a foolproof method for identifying it. A poorly cut diamond can also lack brilliance, making appearance unreliable for distinguishing between the two. Understanding the refractive index can help you choose the right gemstone for maximum brilliance and sparkle.

Is Cubic Zirconia Stronger Than Diamond? 

Cubic zirconia is more prone to scratching than a diamond and is more brittle. However, cubic zirconia and diamonds can shatter if subjected to a strong enough impact.

Cubic Zirconia vs Lab Diamond  

Lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia may be artificial, but they are different. Lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them genuine diamonds that can pass a diamond tester. These diamonds are created in a lab, offering an alternative origin to earth-grown diamonds. In contrast, cubic zirconia differs entirely in composition and appearance from diamonds. Although lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than mined diamonds, costing 30-50% less, they remain pricier than cubic zirconia. Lab-grown diamonds are an ideal choice for those seeking the beauty and authenticity of diamonds at a lower cost.

Will Cubic Zirconia Pass a Diamond Tester? 

Cubic zirconia does not pass a diamond tester because it lacks the same thermal and electrical conductivity as a real diamond. A diamond tester measures a stone's thermal or electric conductivity, and cubic zirconia simply doesn't match up to genuine diamonds in these aspects. To verify a gemstone's authenticity, it's important to know that cubic zirconia will not give the same results as a true diamond on a diamond tester.

How to Clean Cubic Zirconia  

Cleaning cubic zirconia jewelry is simple and effective with the right techniques. To clean your cubic zirconia stones, use a soft toothbrush and warm, mild soap to cleanse each piece gently. Let your jewelry air dry or carefully pat it dry with a soft cloth. Keeping your cubic zirconia jewelry sparkling is easy with these quick cleaning tips!

Cubic Zirconia vs Moissanite  

Moissanite is a popular diamond alternative that closely resembles diamonds in appearance. While naturally occurring moissanite is rare, most of it is lab-created. Moissanite is more affordable than natural diamonds but costs more than cubic zirconia. Moissanite is around $600 per carat, compared to cubic zirconia, which ranges from $10 to $20 per carat. If you're looking for a cost-effective and beautiful diamond alternative, consider moissanite for its stunning brilliance and durability.

Contact Us

If you're looking for stunning, high-quality jewelry that combines craftsmanship, beauty, and value, look no further than Chic Jewelry. Visit our Los Angeles showroom or browse our online collection for the perfect piece. For custom designs, contact our team, and let us help you create a piece of jewelry that tells your story.