CZ diamonds are particularly known as Cubic Zirconia(CZ), the cubic crystalline formof zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). They are synthetic in nature which means they are created in laboratories and not created in nature. CZ diamond usually comes in the colorless form and a reputation as one of the alternatives to real or natural diamonds.
How are CZ diamonds made?
CZ diamonds are made in the laboratory by heating up the mixture of the melting Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) with different stabilizers like magnesium etc. After this, they are turning into the crystal form and then stabilized. The crystal forms are then cut and sent for polishing. Each manufacturing unit or laboratory has its own method for making Cubic Zirconia diamonds.
What color and shapes does the CZ diamond comes in?
These type of diamonds comes in various colors and shapes. The colors like i.e. brown, yellow, etc. The shapes like Round Cut, Cushion Cut, Heart Cut, Oval Cut diamonds, etc. It can be fitted to any type of jewelry.
Can anyone tell the difference between the Cubic Zirconia diamond and the real diamond?
People with naked eyes cannot see the difference between Cubic Zirconia and Real diamonds. As the Cubic Zirconia looks way too same as the natural or real diamonds. People with the help of diamond tools and kits and some knowledge of the natural diamonds can tell the difference between the real and CZ diamonds if compared side by side.
How much the Cubic Zirconia cost?
When CZ Compared to the real diamonds, the price is extremely affordable i.e. $10-30 for 1 carat CZ diamond. The different manufacturers have different pricing as per their qualities and as per their process. The high-quality cubic zirconia diamonds can only be distinguished with the help of the diamond tools and kit.
Cubic Zirconia Vs Real Diamonds?
As we know this is one of the alternatives of the real diamonds but there are some methods or ways to distinguish between the two.
When it comes to:
- MOHS Scale of Hardness: Diamond comes on 10 and Cubic zirconia on 8.
- Density: CZ diamonds are 1.7 times denser than a real or natural diamond.
- Cut: Real Diamonds have a different type of cut than the cubic zirconia.
- Color: CZ diamonds come in colorless and different colors like green, brown, etc. whereas the most natural diamond comes in colorless, brown, and yellow and only the rarest of all have the different colors.
Can Cubic Zirconia be used as an Engagement Rings?
When it comes to durability and scratches, the Cubic Zirconia diamonds are not the same as the real diamonds and other precious stones, but they are one of the good alternatives which can be used as an engagement ring or other jewelry. These diamonds can be replaced after some point of time which are affordable and inexpensive as compared to the real diamonds.
Does the Cubic Zirconia work with other jewelry too?
Yes, it can work with other jewelry as well. It can be set into the necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry that are not worn on regular basis.
How to clean Cubic Zirconia Jewelry?
The Cubic Zirconia jewelry should be clean with the less intense method as the hardness is less as compared to real diamonds. So, just with the help of washing detergent and a soft brush, which removes all the dirt from the jewelry. This helps in bringing back the shine and luster of the jewelry and CZ diamond.
Does Cubic Zirconia diamond the same as the Zircon stone?
Many people have the confusion that the zircon and CZ, are one and the same, but it is not the case.
- While talking about the Zircon, which is one of the naturally occurring stones whereas CZ is man-made or lab-grown diamonds.
- Zircon with a hardness rating of 6-6.5 whereas Cubic Zirconia with a rating of 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Zircon can be treated for changing their colors, but CZ diamonds are lab-grown.
To know more about the Zircon, you can read here.
Conclusion:
The Cubic Zirconia jewelry should be made only with the purpose of wearing it for a limited time i.e. necklaces, pendants, rings, etc. which can last longer than the one worn every day.
By wearing every day, the CZ diamond will get dull and scratches which have to get replaced by the new one within a year or two.
FAQs
Value. Cubic zirconia is significantly cheaper than diamonds. For example, a 1.50 carat princess cut cubic zirconia ring can retail for around $40, whereas a 1.40 carat princess cut diamond ring (with excellent clarity, cut and color) costs around $10,000. As carat weight increases, the price gap only becomes larger.
Can the average person tell the difference between cubic zirconia and diamond? ›
You will see that the diamond has white or silvery sparkles only. However, cubic zirconia will give out colourful sparkles such as red, yellow or blue. Another important differentiating feature between these two stones is that a diamond possesses sharp facets, whereas a zirconium does not have sharp facets.
How much is a 1 carat cubic zirconia worth? ›
Price. Cubic zirconia is very inexpensive, since it's synthetic and mass-produced. A cut and polished one carat cubic zirconia stone will cost $20 and a similar two carat stone will cost about $30. This is far cheaper than diamonds, which start at $1800 for one carat and increase considerably as size goes up.
Which would look bigger a 1 carat diamond or a 1 carat cubic zirconia? ›
Because of the difference in densities, a 1 carat cubic zirconia gemstone will actually be slightly smaller than a 1 carat diamond. A 1 carat stone will look larger or smaller to the eyes too, depending on how the gemstone is cut.
Will CZ diamonds pass a diamond test? ›
No. Cubic Zirconia (or CZ) does not have high enough thermal conductivity to pass. So, when you test a CZ with a diamond tester, it will not show as diamond. In fact, distinguishing CZ from diamond is one of the most important uses of thermal conductivity pen testers.
How big is 1 carat of cubic zirconia? ›
In other words, a 1 carat Round Cut Cubic Zirconia diamond equivalent is 6.5 mm. When you're shopping for jewelry on CubicZirconia.com, know that we use carat-equivalent sizes.
How to tell diamond from CZ at home? ›
The fog test: If you breathe on the stone, as you would to fog a mirror, a CZ will stay foggy for several seconds while the fog on a diamond will dissipate almost immediately. This is due to diamond having much better thermal conductivity.
Does CZ sparkle like a diamond? ›
At first glance, it is difficult to tell the difference between a cubic zirconia stone and a diamond. However, cubic zirconia is generally less brilliant and reflective than a natural diamond. Under natural light, CZs give off rainbow light dispersions, while diamonds give off white light.
Does CZ sparkle more than diamond? ›
The refractive index (RI) of diamonds is around 2.42, while that of CZ is lower at anywhere from 2.15 to 2.18. Both crystals will sparkle, but CZ crystals with the same time of cut, shape and size will always have less sparkle and brilliance than a diamond.
How to tell if it's a diamond or cubic zirconia? ›
In cut stones, cubic zirconia tends to have dull, rounded edges, while diamonds' facets stay sharp. Diamonds rarely show polish marks, but if they do, they will be in different directions on different facets. On the other hand, cubic zirconia will show polishing marks in the same direction on adjoining facets.
Pros of Cubic Zirconia
As another example, a 1.5 Carat Princess Cut cubic zirconia ring can retail for $37, whereas a 1.4 Carat princess cut engagement ring (with excellent Clarity, Cut and Color) costs $9,815.”
Should I buy cubic zirconia or diamond? ›
Cubic zirconia lacks shine and brilliance and can even look like cut glass. It's totally colorless (whereas a high-quality diamond will still have a slight yellow tint) and adds no luxury to your engagement ring purchase.
What is an impressive carat size? ›
If you're looking for something big and noticeable, 2.00 cts will certainly make a statement. At this weight, a round diamond is a little over 8 mm in diameter (10 mm = 1 cm). However, finding a well-cut diamond of this size becomes difficult. Make sure you know what you're looking for.
Why does my 1 carat diamond look small? ›
Some diamond shapes will just plain give you more size for your money, no matter what. Ovals and Marquises—due to their elongated form and shallower cut—will always look larger than a similar carat weight round diamond. Asschers on the other hand—which are usually cut deeper and all squared off—will look the smallest.
What is the most popular carat diamond size? ›
Half a carat up to 2 carats (with all sizes and quarter sizes in between) are the most sought after diamond sizes on the market and are a great starting point to begin your search.
Are CZ diamonds worth anything? ›
A flawless 1-carat diamond cost about $7000 or more, while a flawless 1-carat cubic zirconia can be purchased for less than $20. Lab-grown diamonds often cost almost half of a mined one, but still, they are much more expensive than CZ.
Which is better CZ or diamond? ›
CZ does not have the chemical properties of a diamond. It is almost as hard as a diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness—an 8.5 compared to a 10 of diamonds. That is why the durability of man-made diamonds is much greater than that of CZ. CZ is easier to scratch, unlike man-made diamonds.
Is cubic zirconia a lab diamond? ›
What is Cubic Zirconia? Like lab diamonds, cubic zirconia is also a synthetically created stone, but its crystal structure and chemical composition is completely different. While lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon, cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide.
