CUBIC ZIRCONIA (COLOUR CHART)
Cubic Zirconia: The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Luxury
Introduction
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives to diamonds. Whether you are looking for engagement rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, cubic zirconia gems offer a dazzling brilliance at a fraction of the cost of diamonds. This article explores everything you need to know about cubic zirconia, from its history and benefits to how it compares to diamonds and how to care for it properly.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. Unlike diamonds, which form naturally over millions of years, cubic zirconia is synthesized in controlled environments to achieve near-perfect clarity and brilliance. This gemstone was first discovered in the 1930s but gained popularity in the jewelry industry during the 1970s as an affordable diamond alternative.
Why Choose Cubic Zirconia?
There are several reasons why cubic zirconia gems have become a preferred choice for jewelry lovers worldwide:
1. Affordability
One of the main advantages of cubic zirconia is its cost. CZ is significantly cheaper than diamonds, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want beautiful and elegant jewelry.
2. Brilliance and Fire
Cubic zirconia exhibits a high refractive index, which gives it remarkable brilliance and fire. In some cases, CZ can even appear more brilliant than diamonds due to its flawless nature.
3. Variety of Colors
While diamonds are primarily found in white, cubic zirconia gems are available in a wide range of colors, including pink, blue, yellow, green, and even multicolored stones. This variety allows for more customization in jewelry design.
4. Ethical and Sustainable Choice
Since cubic zirconia is lab-created, it does not involve the environmental or ethical concerns associated with diamond mining. Choosing CZ jewelry supports a more sustainable and conflict-free industry.
5. Durability and Hardness
Cubic zirconia ranks 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. While it is not as hard as diamonds (which score a 10), proper care can keep cubic zirconia looking beautiful for years.
How Does Cubic Zirconia Compare to Diamonds?
Although cubic zirconia and diamonds look similar, they have distinct differences that set them apart:
1. Composition
Diamonds: Composed of pure carbon and formed naturally under extreme pressure.
- Cubic Zirconia: Made from zirconium dioxide and synthetically produced in laboratories.
2. Hardness and Durability
Diamonds: Hardest known natural substance (Mohs scale 10), highly resistant to scratches.
Cubic Zirconia: Softer than diamonds (Mohs scale 8-8.5) and more prone to scratches over time.
3. Brilliance and Fire
Diamonds: Reflect white light better, giving them their signature brilliance.
Cubic Zirconia: Displays more fire (rainbow-colored flashes) but can sometimes appear overly sparkly.
4. Weight
Cubic zirconia gems are denser than diamonds, making them heavier for the same size.
5. Price
Cubic zirconia: A fraction of the cost of diamonds, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Diamonds: Considered a long-term investment and can retain or increase in value over time.