Cubic zirconia and diamonds might look similar at a glance. However, they vary significantly in value, beauty and others characteristics. While the two stones bring some similarities, cubic zirconia and diamonds vary substantially in physical & chemical characteristics, beauty and value. Before picking an engagement ring or other excellent fine jewelry, make sure to learn the essential distinctions. Our guide uses a complete contrast of cubic zirconia vs. diamonds– for whatever from value, beauty, brilliance, durability, density, to clarity and color.
What is cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is artificial gems made from the cubic crystalline kind of zirconium dioxide. Cubic zirconia is rare to see in nature. In all cubic zirconia jewelry, the cubic zirconia gemstones are lab-created.
Cubic zirconia is typically considered an economical diamond substitute. Cubic zirconia stands out in its visual qualities and physical structure since it’s lab-grown, whereas natural diamonds are stunning, naturally occurring gems.
How is cubic zirconia made?
Cubic zirconia is made by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers. After being removed from hours of heat, crystals form and stabilize. The crystals are then cut and polished into loose cubic zirconia gemstones. Each lab has its particular approaches for making cubic zirconia.
Cubic zirconia can simulate numerous diamond shapes, such as round-brilliant-cut and emerald-cut diamonds. Colored versions of cubic zirconia are also offered.
Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond: What are the Differences?
Now, we will describe the differences between Cubic Zirconia and Diamond from worth, beauty, brilliance, durability, clarity, color and density point of view.
The VALUE: Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond
Cubic zirconia is substantially less expensive than diamonds. A 1.00 carat round cubic zirconia offers $14.19( cubiczirconia.com price), while a comparable 1 carat diamond from the Blue Nile that’s well-cut goes for $6,878( bluenile.com price).
From the jewelry worth perspective, cubic zirconia jewelry deserves little value. You might maintain some value of the metals setting if you attempt and resell a cubic zirconia engagement ring. Cubic zirconia gems-much like other diamond simulants-bring the small value market price.
On the other hand, a diamond does maintain some of its market value, although we are in advance with readers that a diamond isn’t a financial investment. However, unlike cubic zirconia, diamonds can likewise be passed down as a household treasure and souvenir for generations. Or it can be sold/exchange at a relatively stable value in the market.
The Beauty & The Brilliance: Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond
The quality that significantly impacts a diamond’s charm is its Cut– which affects just how much light shows through the diamond’s table to your eyes. White light reflection is described as sparkle, and colored light reflection is called fire.
Cubic zirconia has a much lower refractive index, in between 2.15-2.18, compared with 2.42 for diamonds. For example, the same round size 6.50mm stones, the diamond will radiate more luster than cubic zirconia.
Cubic zirconia likewise has a greater dispersion rate (between 0.058-0.066 compared to 0.044 of diamonds). The increased dispersion triggers the CZ stone to have a “rainbow effect,” suggesting excessive colored light. The excess dispersion of light makes it simple to find cubic zirconia as a fake diamond.
Another distinction between cubic zirconia and diamond is that cubic zirconia’s refractive index is 2.15-2.18, compared with a diamond’s of 2.417-2.419. While cubic zirconia and diamonds vary in the refractive index, it’s not a crucial part to think about.
In general, cubic zirconia is no contrast to the unequaled beauty and brilliance of a diamond.
The Durability & The Density: Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond
As the hardest naturally-occurring mineral on the planet, diamonds rate an ideal 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Diamonds are durable and exceptionally long-lasting, making them perfect for engagement rings and daily wear jewelry. Diamonds preserve their shining and beauty with very little upkeep.
Cubic zirconia Mohs scale of hardness is 8.50. It can be used in fashion jewelry. However, it will not have the durability of a diamond.
Cubic zirconia is likewise somewhat denser than diamonds. A jewelry expert or gemologist can quickly differentiate a CZ stone from a diamond by weighing it on their scale. CZ stones have a density of 5.65-5.95, while diamond has a density of 3.52, meaning the same 1.00-carat weight stones; diamond is slightly larger than cubic zirconia.
Cubic zirconia can cut glass or scratch it, simply like a diamond can. Both genuine diamonds and synthetic CZ diamonds can scratch the surface area.
The Clarity & The Color: Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond
Cubic zirconia does not have the natural flaws diamonds have since cubic zirconia is made in a laboratory. A perfect diamond is highly rare and extremely pricey. At the same time, some might consider cubic zirconia excellent because they’re typically considered “perfect” in color and clarity.
If you’re looking for a diamond, we advise discovering one that’s eye clean– suggesting you can’t see acnes and additions with the naked eye, which means choosing for a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade. By picking an eye-clean diamond, you’ll have a stone that looks virtually best to the naked eye.
When it comes to diamond color, we suggest discovering a diamond that appears white concerning its setting. Based on your diamond shape and the type of setting, we usually advise looking for a diamond in the G to I color range.
WeJEWELER is a China-based professional wholesaler of loose cubic zirconia and HPHT CVD diamond. Should you have any questions about lab-created gemstones, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further details.