How to Buy Zircon: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Zircon

Overview

Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral that has become a popular choice for jewelry and other decorative items. This buying guide will provide you with essential information about zircon and the factors you should consider when shopping for a piece of this semiprecious gemstone. We’ll explain what zircon is and the different types of zircon available, as well as the quality standards for grading zircon and how to choose the right piece for you. We’ll also cover the benefits of using zircon and how to properly care for it. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when shopping for your perfect zircon piece.

Key features

  1. Shape - Different shapes for Zircon are available, such as round, cushion, and square, and can be cut into any shape desired.
  2. Color - Zircon can be a range of colors from blue, yellow, brown, green, and white.
  3. Clarity - The clarity of Zircon is measured on the diamond clarity scale and graded from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (included).
  4. Carat - Zircon can vary in size and carat weight from 0.25 carats up to 10 carats or more.
  5. Cut - The cut of Zircon is important as it determines the beauty of the stone and its ability to be faceted and reflect light.
  6. Treatments - Some Zircon may be treated to enhance color or clarity, so it is important to know if the stone has been treated and what type of treatment was performed.
  7. Price - Zircon can range in price from very affordable to expensive, depending on the quality and size of the stone.

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Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Zircon is a hard and durable mineral, which makes it highly resistant to chipping, scratching, and other forms of wear and tear.
  • Versatility: Zircon is available in a variety of colors and sizes, making it an ideal choice for many different types of jewelry.
  • Affordability: Compared to other gemstones, Zircon is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at a reasonable cost.
  • Luster: Zircon is known for its bright and glossy luster, making it an eye-catching and attractive gemstone.
  • Variety: Zircon is found in a variety of colors, from pale blues and greens to dark browns and reds.

Cons

  • Durability - Zircon is quite hard but can be broken with a sharp blow or pressure, so it may not be suitable for jewelry that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
  • Cost - Depending on the quality and size, Zircon can be comparatively expensive compared to other gemstones and diamonds.
  • Availability - Zircon is not readily available in many jewelry stores and may have to be sourced from specialist suppliers.
  • Treatment - Many Zircon stones are treated to enhance their color, and some treatments are not permanent and may fade over time.

Best alternatives

  1. Cubic Zirconia - A synthetic diamond alternative that is much less expensive than diamonds while still providing the same sparkle.
  2. Moissanite - A colorless, lab-grown diamond alternative that is very durable and has a higher refractive index than diamonds.
  3. White Sapphire - A white gemstone that is harder than rubies and sapphires and has a higher refractive index than diamonds.
  4. White Spinel - A gemstone that is more durable than diamonds and has a higher refractive index than diamonds.
  5. White Topaz - A white gemstone that is very inexpensive and has a higher refractive index than diamonds.

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Common questions

  1. What is Zircon? Zircon is a natural mineral composed mainly of zirconium silicate. It is a gemstone-quality mineral that is valued for its color, luster, and sparkle.
  2. What colors is Zircon available in? Zircon is available in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, green, blue, pink, brown, gray, and colorless.
  3. Where does Zircon come from? Zircon is mined mainly in Australia, Brazil, India, Burma, and the United States.
  4. What is the cost of Zircon? The cost of Zircon depends on its size and quality. Generally, smaller and lower-quality pieces are less expensive while larger, higher-quality pieces are more expensive.
  5. How can I tell if a Zircon is real or synthetic? To tell if a Zircon is real or synthetic, it is best to have it tested by a certified gemologist.

Trivia

Zircon, a mineral whose name is derived from the Persian word for “gold-colored”, has been used in jewelry and other decorative pieces since at least the Bronze Age. In fact, it’s believed that Cleopatra may have worn zircon in her crown. Zircon is also known for its wide range of colors, which can include red, orange, yellow, green, blue and brown. In addition, some zircon may even show a color-changing effect, changing from one hue to another in different lighting. This range of colors and effects makes zircon a popular choice for jewelry making. Source: https://www.gemsociety.org/article/zircon-gemstone-overview/

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.