Cubic zirconia is crystalline, flawless, and clear enough to rate a “D” on the diamond scale for color. Though usually colorless, it can also be made in nearly any color, including soft yellow, characteristic of some diamonds.
It’s an artificial alternate for diamonds. It is much closer to the physical characteristics of a real diamond than other imitations.
Cubic zirconia (also known simply as ‘cz’) is the finest available alternative to a diamond. This is because it has many of the properties of a diamond. It has the same shape and colour and, like a diamond, cannot be scratched by dirt or sand. Most people, even trained gemmologists, cannot tell the difference between a well-cut cubic zirconia stone and a diamond using only the naked eye.
Cubic zirconia sparkles brighter than crystal and is harder than most gems, making it very durable. It also weighs about 65% more than diamond. However, if there is an obvious difference between the two to the untrained eye, it is that cubic zirconia has a higher dispersion rate than diamond.
In the case of gemstones, dispersion refers to the ability of a mineral to split light into separate wavelengths, creating prism-like colors or “fire.” Because cubic zirconia has a higher dispersion rate than diamond, when light shines on cubic zirconia, it brilliantly sparkles with many different colors refracted in its crystalline structure.
Though very attractive, it “outshines” a diamond in this sense, potentially giving itself away. Efforts continue to be made by some manufacturers of cubic zirconia to render the gem even more diamond-like. It is already so close in appearance that, in some instances, a jeweler’s loop is necessary to tell it from a high-quality diamond.
While a cubic zirconia wedding band might not have the same “ring” as diamond, it is a great alternative for affordable, yet beautiful jewelry. Perhaps the best person to buy a cubic zirconia gift for is yourself.
Splurge on the “diamond” necklace/ring you’ve always wanted, or that beautiful bracelet. You can wear it out on the town without worrying about its dollar value, but still looking like a million bucks.
In addition, it is of note that cubic zirconia is a man made crystal. If, therefore, a piece of cubic zirconia is not perfect, it is discarded. Only the highest grade and most beautifully polished cubic zirconia stones are used throughout our golden and silver jewellery collection. We believe that cubic zirconia is not merely a diamond substitute but a beautiful semi-precious gem in its own right.
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