Cubic zirconia is made from a mineral, zirconium oxide, discovered in 1937. It became popular in the 1980s when Swarovski began manufacturing and promoting it to the public for jewelry use. Today, cubic zirconia is available in colorful stones and imitation diamonds.
A popular substitute for diamond, cubic zirconia is made of a synthetic material that is not as hard as the real thing. On the Mohs scale of hardness, cubic zirconia has a value of 8.5 while diamond is 10.
Cubic zirconia shines in all colors of the rainbow.
In addition, cubic zirconia is not as resistant to heat as diamonds and can easily crack and burn under high temperature.
Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond
Let’s take a look at the most salient characteristics on which cubic zirconia differs from diamond:
1. No Inclusions
One of the most important differences between cubic zirconia and diamond is that cubic zirconia is virtually flawless.
Since it is created artificially, cubic zirconia doesn’t have any inclusions.
So, if you take a close look at such a stone and don’t see any black spots, lines or other imperfections inside, it is likely not a real diamond.
2. Prone to Scratching
Another characteristic of cubic zirconia is that it is less durable than diamond. Since cubic zirconia scratches more easily, with time, it starts to look worn.
You should also keep in mind that this stone is more brittle than diamond and is therefore more prone to chipping, so handle it with care.
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Of course, since cubic zirconia is cheap, you can always buy a new stone when the one you have gets damaged or scratched.
3. Colorless but Fiery
Cubic zirconia is purely colorless and does not have any tints present in the stone. Its color corresponds to that of a diamond with the highest color grade.
Therefore, if you buy cubic zirconia, you don’t need to worry about seeing any hints of yellow in it.
Although it is colorless, cubic zirconia exhibits very intense play of light.
A good way to tell cubic zirconia from a diamond is to look at the flashes produced by the stone when light enters it. Cubic zirconia shines in all colors of the rainbow and has brilliance that is a lot more colorful than that of a real diamond.
Related: Browse a selection of real loose diamonds.
4. Heavier than Diamond
Cubic zirconia weighs more than diamond.
For instance, if you have two stones of approximately the same size, and one is cubic zirconia and the other is a diamond, the cubic zirconia will be noticeably heavier (about twice as heavy).
5. Smooth Edges
If you take a close look at a diamond’s facets, you will notice that their edges are very sharp.
In contrast, the facets of a cubic zirconia stone have smoother and rounder edges.
To spot this difference, though, you will need to look at the stones using a loupe, preferably one that has 10x magnification.
6. Cheap Settings
Since cubic zirconia is cheap, it is also often set in cheap mountings.
For example, you will most likely find cubic zirconia in gold plated and gold filled jewelry instead of solid gold pieces.
If you do find cubic zirconia set in solid gold, it is unlikely that the alloy’s purity will be higher than 10 karats.
7. Heat Insulator
Cubic zirconia is a better thermal insulator than diamond.
Since diamond has higher thermal conductivity, if you breathe on the stone, the fog from your breath will disappear right away.
If you do the same test with cubic zirconia, the stone will remain foggy for a longer time, indicating that you are not dealing with a real diamond.
The Ultimate Test
If you are still unsure whether your stone is cubic zirconia and want to be 100% certain, take it to a jewelry store.
Jewelers usually have diamond testers, which are small electronic devices that can detect diamond, and if you ask to have your stone tested, you can find out the truth immediately, for a small fee.
Cleaning Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia can get dirty faster than real diamonds since it is not as hard, and it may need to be cleaned more often.
It is a good idea to wear your cubic zirconia stones with caution and take them off when doing activities such as gardening, laundry, cleaning and bathing.
Chemicals and soaps will leave a residue on these stones, causing them to become dull quickly.
Avoid using lotion, hairspray, makeup, powders and cleaning agents while wearing your cubic zirconia jewelry.
A good way to clean your cubic zirconia is to use a small soft brush and hot soapy water to remove dirt.
Rinse it in warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth. This will restore the cubic zirconia stone to its natural shine and clarity.
Cleaning should be done every few weeks to maintain the maximum appeal of the stone.
Cleaning the Settings of Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Cubic zirconia can be set in 14k and 18k gold, sterling silver, silver plate, and platinum. Jewelry in these settings can be worn frequently without much damage to the setting.
Jewelry set in cheaper materials may tarnish and scratch much faster, and may not clean well.
Settings made of quality metals such as 14k and 18k gold, sterling silver, silver plate and platinum can be cleaned with any good jewelry cleaner. For example, this polishing cream & tarnish remover and this jewelry cleaning kit are quite popular.
Some metals, including gold and silver, may also be plated with a special finish such as rhodium to help prevent scratching and tarnishing.
These plated finishes will scratch, so jewelry should be worn more carefully.
Plated finishes should not be cleaned with jewelry cleaners or polished. Use only soap and water and wipe dry.
How to Choose Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Consider the Setting
The first thing to look for in picking cubic zirconia jewelry is the metal that it is set in. Less expensive pieces may be set in plated metals.
While this jewelry is wonderful for those following a budget who want inexpensive jewelry, the metals may chip or rust over time.
The nickel content in plated pieces may also react with the skin, leaving behind marks where it was worn.
Many cubic zirconia pieces are set in real metals, including sterling silver or even real gold.
Stainless steel is also a great choice that will not tarnish or cause an allergic reaction to those sensitive to certain types of metal.
The price of these pieces may be higher, but it is worth it if the jewelry is going to be worn multiple times and used for many years.
Look at the Design
Cubic zirconia jewelry also comes in many different styles for giving different looks to certain outfits.
Classic pieces like solitaire stud earrings or a dainty cubic zirconia ring are perfect for everyday wear and coordinate with even the most casual clothing.
More extravagant pieces, such as chandelier earrings, statement necklaces, or chunky rings give off lots of sparkle and really stand out, making them perfect for more formal occasions such as balls, proms, or even weddings.
What About Colors?
Cubic zirconia jewelry comes in a variety of colors.
Although clear is a popular choice that replicates the look of more expensive diamonds, brightly colored stones may be used to enhance the style of the jewelry.
Shades of blues, greens, reds, or pinks may be scattered throughout jewelry with multiple stones or may be set in a solitaire setting to show off the brilliant colors.
Colored cubic zirconia is a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit, especially clothing that is neutral colored.
A woman can also coordinate a main color in her ensemble with colored cubic zirconia for a fun and trendy look.
Jewelry featuring cubic zirconia is easy to wear with anything. Because it is much more inexpensive than natural gemstones, it is possible for a woman to fill her jewelry box with plenty of pieces to add spice to any outfit.
Having multiple pieces of high quality cubic zirconia can help amp up any woman’s style with color and sparkle at an affordable price.
