How to Buy Cubic Zirconia: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Cubic Zirconia

Overview

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a popular and affordable alternative to diamonds. It has an attractive and versatile appearance which makes it suitable for many types of jewelry. Purchasing CZ jewelry can be confusing, as there are a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes available. This guide provides an overview of the different types of CZ, tips for choosing the right piece, and advice on where to find quality CZ jewelry. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which CZ is right for you.

Key features

  1. Carat Weight - The carat weight of the cubic zirconia is an important factor to consider when purchasing as it determines the size of the stone. The heavier the carat weight, the larger the stone.
  2. Color - Cubic zirconia comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to yellow and even pink. Depending on the look you are going for, you will want to make sure you pick the color that best suits your needs.
  3. Cut - The cut of the stone determines the brilliance of the stone and how it will reflect light. If you want maximum sparkle, you should opt for a well-cut stone.
  4. Clarity - Cubic zirconia may contain slight inclusions that can affect the clarity of the stone. If you want the highest clarity, then you should look for a stone with the least amount of inclusions.

See the most popular Cubic Zirconia on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Affordability: Cubic Zirconia is much more affordable than other precious gemstones, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget.
  • Durability: Cubic Zirconia is highly durable and highly resistant to scratching, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.
  • Appearance: Cubic Zirconia is available in a wide variety of colors and cuts, allowing one to find the perfect piece of jewelry.
  • Variety: Cubic Zirconia comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect piece of jewelry for any occasion.
  • Availability: Cubic Zirconia is widely available, making it easy to find the perfect piece of jewelry.

Cons

  • Durability - Cubic Zirconia is an extremely hard and durable stone, however, it can chip or crack if exposed to harsh impacts or sudden temperature changes.
  • Cost - Cubic Zirconia is much cheaper than a diamond, however, it is not as valuable and will not hold its value over time.
  • Appearance - While Cubic Zirconia can appear to have a similar brilliance to a diamond, under fine inspection it is not as sparkly or as clear. It may also have a slight yellow or grey tint.
  • Discoloration - Cubic Zirconia can be discolored over time by exposure to harsh chemicals or temperatures.

Best alternatives

  1. Moissanite – A rare, naturally-occurring mineral that is often used as a diamond alternative.
  2. Lab-created diamonds – Diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting, with the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds.
  3. White sapphire – A member of the corundum family, featuring a white or slightly yellow hue.
  4. Garnet – A hard gemstone with a wide range of colors, ranging from yellow to red.
  5. Cubic zirconia – Synthetic gemstone with a diamond-like appearance.

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Common questions

  1. What is Cubic Zirconia? Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic, flawless gemstone that is diamond-like in appearance.
  2. Where does Cubic Zirconia come from? Cubic Zirconia is created artificially in a laboratory.
  3. Is Cubic Zirconia durable? Cubic Zirconia is generally very durable and scratch resistant.
  4. How does Cubic Zirconia compare to diamonds? Cubic Zirconia is much less expensive than diamonds and has a very similar appearance.
  5. Are there any differences between Cubic Zirconia and synthetic diamonds? Cubic Zirconia and synthetic diamonds are both created artificially in a lab, but synthetic diamonds are typically made of diamond materials and so are much harder and more scratch resistant.
  6. What types of jewelry can Cubic Zirconia be used for? Cubic Zirconia can be used to make rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other types of jewelry.
  7. How can you tell if a stone is Cubic Zirconia or a diamond? It can be difficult to tell the difference between these two stones. A professional jeweler can use a few tools to help identify these stones.
  8. What is the best way to care for Cubic Zirconia jewelry? To keep Cubic Zirconia jewelry looking its best, it is important to store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight, and to clean it with a mild jewelry cleaner and a soft cloth.

Trivia

Cubic Zirconia is an affordable alternative to diamonds, but it doesn't come without its own unique set of quirks. For example, if it is exposed to extreme heat, it can turn yellow and even orange. However, while the color change is permanent, it's not necessarily a bad thing, as some people consider yellow and orange cubic zirconias to be more valuable than their colorless counterparts!1

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.