Diamonds are definitely the better option if durability is a big priority. While some may regard cubic zirconia as flawless, they’re usually considered “too perfect” or fake-looking. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cubic-zirconia-vs-diamond Cubic zirconia was invented in Russia in the 1970s, as a diamond alternative for use in laser technology. When purchasing a colorless diamond, the clarity grade is a critical factor … CZ is also a hard stone, but is much more easily scratched and damaged. In all cubic zirconia jewelry, the gemstones are exclusively lab-created. If you want to know if your diamond is a real natural stone, you can do five tests at home. These stones (cubic zirconia is the most famous) are now denigrated as having “too much color”. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money. Therefore, for any buyer wanting a particular setting, style, or ring, cubic zirconia might be an inexpensive choice. Diamonds come in different clarity grades, from. Although it is barely distinguishable in smaller stones, this heightened dispersion in CZ is visible when the carat size of the CZ increases. It’s best to take off cubic zirconia jewelry when doing water-related activities like washing dishes, bathing, and swimming. Diamonds have always been valued for their ability to brilliantly play with light. Although it is pretty cheap, cubic zirconia is not the hardest diamond … Cubic zirconia is also slightly denser than diamonds. It has a much lower refractive index—between 2.15 – 2.18, compared with 2.42 for diamonds. When it comes to Diamond Color, we recommend finding a diamond that appears white in relation to its setting. The weight of a real diamond will be lower than fake stones like the Cubic Zirconia—but only special scales for weighing Carats will be able to detect these minute differences. It has no second-hand market value and is not an investment at all. As Jewelry Shopping Guide  editors, we write about things that we love and we think you'll like too. Our guide offers a full comparison of cubic zirconia vs diamonds—for everything from beauty and brilliance to cost and durability. If you are looking for a colored stone, note that you can find colored diamonds and CZ as well. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Diamonds make excellent abrasives because they can be scratched only by other diamonds. Cubic zirconia and diamond are two distinct stones, even though they may look similar from afar. For example, cubic zirconia becomes scratched and cloudy over time. Cubic zirconia is lab-created. It’s a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide that’s hard and colorless. However, they are diamond simulants meaning that apart from looking like a diamond, they have little in common. You can find colored diamonds and CZ as well. Diamonds maintain their sparkle and beauty with minimal maintenance. The cubic zirconia gemstone—just like other diamond simulants—carries no market value. Natural cubic zirconia w… Cubic zirconia does not rust, but the jewelry setting can. By selecting an eye clean diamond, like this VS2 Cushion Cut, you’ll have a stone that looks practically perfect to the naked eye. Of these, D colored diamonds are the most valuable in terms of color. We get commissions for purchases made from our affiliates through links in this article. Cubic zirconia can cut glass or scratch it, just like a diamond can. It can be passed down as an heirloom from generation to generation and can indeed last forever. Cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. The simple answer is no! Cubic zirconia is considered colorless because it’s manufactured that way. As diamond experts, we can help you find a stunning diamond at an excellent price. Cubic zirconia contains no true brilliance or fire. Cubic zirconias are very inexpensive but also have no resale value. It is believed that the crystals had been brought to earth on a meteor that crashed into the site several thousands of years ago. If you wish for durability, class and bragging rights (! This causes CZ to have a pronounced ‘rainbow effect’ when it is hit by light. By simply looking at the two gemstones under a light, you can tell the immense difference in light reflection. 1 Carat Round Cubic Zirconia engagement ring, a similar 1 Carat Diamond engagement ring, 1.5 Carat Princess Cut cubic zirconia ring, diamonds shouldn’t be considered an investment. As a result, moissanite is sometimes called stardust or space diamond. Bottom Line Recommendation: Cubic zirconia and diamonds may look similar at a distance, but differ drastically in beauty, quality and value. The Edges of the Cuts, where the Facets meet, will differ. They have a dispersion rate of 0.044. Over time, cubic zirconia usually gets scratched and becomes cloudy. This platinum engagement ring features a 1.50 ct CZ center stone and is surrounded by 1.40 carats of diamonds. Knowing the differences will help you make the best decision when designing and purchasing jewelry. Dispersion refers to the level of ‘fire’ that the stone exhibits, which comes from how it breaks down light into the spectral colors of the rainbow. Colored CZ, on the other hand, is very affordable. And this can overrule everything else. You can clean your cubic zirconia with soapy water and a soft cloth. Before deciding on an engagement ring or other fine jewelry, be sure to understand the key differences. A cubic zirconia won’t reflect a blue fluorescence. For an impressive selection of CZ jewelry, Amazon is your best bet. Cubic zirconia won’t hold up well over time, and it won’t offer nearly as much beauty as a diamond or colored gemstone. If cut properly, a hand-cut cubic zirconia will have the same luminocity of fine diamonds. 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