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Cubic zirconia: What is it, and is it real?
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Cubic zirconia is the clear, sparkling stone you'll find in a great many pieces of jewelry. It looks like a diamond but costs a fraction of the price. But what exactly is cubic zirconia, is it "real", and how do you keep the stones sparkling? Here are the answers.
Contents
- What is cubic zirconia?
- Cubic zirconia vs. diamond
- Is cubic zirconia real?
- Why so many people choose cubic zirconia
- How to keep the stones sparkling
- The most popular cuts
- Frequently asked questions
What is cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia, often shortened to CZ, is a lab-created crystal made of zirconium dioxide. It is produced at very high temperatures, where the material is melted and slowly cooled into clear crystals.
The crystals are then cut with facets exactly like gemstones, so they refract light and sparkle. The word "cubic" refers to the crystal's cubic structure, which is what gives it its clarity and brilliance.
Cubic zirconia became widely used in jewelry from the 1970s and is today one of the most popular stones in jewelry all over the world.
Cubic zirconia vs. diamond
At first glance, it's hard to tell them apart. But there are some clear differences when you look more closely:
| Cubic zirconia | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Lab-created | Natural or lab-grown |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | Approx. 8–8.5 | 10, the hardest natural material |
| Sparkle | More rainbow-colored flashes | More white light |
| Price | Low | High |
| Flawless | Almost always completely clear | Often has small natural inclusions |
A fun fact: cubic zirconia actually disperses light into more colors than a diamond does. That's why it often shows a few more rainbow-colored flashes, while a diamond shines whiter.
Is cubic zirconia real?
It depends on what you mean by "real". Cubic zirconia is not a diamond and should never be sold as one. But it is a genuine, solid crystal material, not plastic or glass.
What matters is transparency. A serious retailer states clearly that the stones are cubic zirconia, so you know exactly what you're buying. The quality of a piece also depends on the metal the stones are set in. Cubic zirconia in 925 sterling silver or gold-plated silver is something quite different from cubic zirconia in cheap costume jewelry.
Why so many people choose cubic zirconia
Sparkle at a sensible price. You get glittering jewelry without paying for diamonds. That makes it possible to own more pieces and switch depending on the occasion.
Uniform and clear. Because the stones are lab-created, they are clear and consistent. That's perfect for designs with many small stones in a row.
Many shapes. Cubic zirconia can be cut into every imaginable shape: round, square, baguettes, hearts and stars.
See, for example, how small square stones create a modern, graphic sparkle in the Sparkling Squares collection, or how closely set stones create a pavé look in the Pavé Star Small Studs. You'll find elongated baguette-cut stones in the Baguette Stud Earrings, and heart-shaped sparkle in Shiny Hearts.
How to keep the stones sparkling
Cubic zirconia is hard and stands up well to daily life, but the stones can become dull from lotion, soap and oils from your skin. So remember:
- Take your jewelry off before showering, exercising and cleaning.
- Avoid lotion and perfume directly on the jewelry. Put your jewelry on last.
- Polish with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and oils.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh cleaning products. They can damage the stones, the setting and any gold plating.
- Store each piece separately, so the stones don't scratch other jewelry or each other.
Read more tips in our guide to jewelry care.
The most popular cuts
The way a stone is cut has a big impact on how it sparkles. Cubic zirconia can be cut into any shape, and here are some of the most common:
| Cut | Appearance | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Round brilliant | Round with many facets | Classic and maximum sparkle |
| Square (princess) | Square with sharp corners | Modern and graphic |
| Baguette | Long and rectangular | Elegant, with step facets |
| Pavé | Many small stones set close together | A surface of sparkle |
| Fancy shapes | Such as hearts and stars | Playful and personal |
Square stones give a clean, architectural look, as in the Sparkling Squares Ring. A pavé setting, where many small stones sit close together, makes a whole surface glitter, as in the Pavé Stars Long Earrings.
How are the stones held in place?
The stones are held in place by small metal prongs or rims, known as a setting. A good setting holds the stone securely while letting light in from several sides, so the stone sparkles as much as possible.
That's why it's a good idea to check your jewelry from time to time. If a stone feels loose, don't wear the piece until it has been looked at. And avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can loosen the stones.
Cubic zirconia and metals
Clear stones suit both gold and silver. In gold-plated jewelry they give a warm, festive sparkle, and in silver a cool, elegant one.
Frequently asked questions
Is cubic zirconia the same as zircon?
No. Zircon is a natural gemstone, while cubic zirconia is a lab-created crystal. The names are similar, but they are two different materials.
Does cubic zirconia lose its sparkle?
The stones themselves don't lose their sparkle, but they can become dull from lotion, soap and oils. A soft cloth makes them sparkle again.
Can you tell the difference between cubic zirconia and diamond?
With the naked eye it's difficult. However, cubic zirconia often shows more rainbow-colored flashes, and an expert can tell the difference with the right equipment.
Can cubic zirconia be scratched?
Cubic zirconia is hard and doesn't scratch easily in daily life. It can, however, get chipped if it's knocked against very hard surfaces.