There are many different types of stones, crystals, and diamonds on the market, including synthetic stones, semi-precious stones, mined real diamonds, man-made real diamonds, and cubic zirconia. However, when comparing cubic zirconia vs diamonds in natural light, diamonds exhibit a much brighter light (also called a diamond’s fire or brilliance), while cubic zirconia flashes a much more artificial rainbow effect. Furthermore, diamonds have a much higher refractive index and lower dispersion rate than cubic zirconia.
The fact that diamonds cost more per carat is indisputable. Therefore, a cubic zirconia ring is a respectable and remarkably inexpensive substitute for diamond earrings, even though diamonds are undoubtedly the more attractive and valuable option.
Continue reading to find out more about cubic zirconia vs diamonds.
What is a Diamond?
A diamond is a mineral with a diamond cubic structure that is formed entirely of carbon atoms. It is the most well-liked gemstone and the hardest known naturally occurring material. The unique attributes of a diamond stem from the arrangement of carbon atoms in its structure.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Zirconium dioxide is used to generate the lab-created gemstone known as cubic zirconia. It’s frequently used as a less expensive substitute for diamonds. Even though cubic zirconia occasionally occurs in nature (as the mineral baddeleyite), it is incredibly uncommon. As a result, every cubic zirconia available is artificial.
Is a Cubic Zirconia Real?
There are a few different kinds of stones that can be used to mimic diamonds, but cubic zirconia is the most widely used and most realistic.
Though they are rare, CZs do exist in nature. They can occasionally be discovered in zircon, a naturally occurring stone with excellent reflection. Additionally, they can be found in trace levels in the mineral baddeleyite, which comes in black, yellow, brown, and colorless variants.
The tiny crystals that make up cubic zirconia are unstable in nature and swiftly break down into several crystalline forms.
Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond: A Side-by-Side Comparison.
- Composition and Formation:
Zirconium dioxide, the mineral used to make CZs, has a hardness of 8.25 to 8.50. Compared to CZs stabilized with calcium oxide, CZs stabilized with yttria which are softer.
Diamonds, on the other hand, are made of 99.95% carbon. The carbon deposits are located around 100 miles below the surface of the earth. They undergo intense heat and pressure treatment before crystallizing into the sought-after colorless gemstone. Diamonds are the hardest known naturally occurring gemstone, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10.
- Appearance:
It is impossible to miss a diamond’s “sparkle”. But brilliance is the word gemologists and jewelers use to describe sparkling. A diamond’s capacity to refract, or bend, light is what gives it its brilliance. When light goes into a diamond, it bounces off its facets, which are its internal surfaces. The diamond’s brilliance is caused by light interacting with its many surfaces.
There is nothing cubic zirconia can do to match the white light show within a diamond. White light seems to be bouncing from one facet to the next inside a moving diamond. Cubic zirconia will have very little to no brilliance because it does not refract light in the same way.
- Hardness and Durability:
Cubic zirconia has a Mohs hardness rating of 8, which places it slightly tougher than most other gemstones. However, compared to a diamond, which scores a 10 on the same scale, it is not as strong or long-lasting.
In terms of durability, cubic zirconia may last up to ten years if worn infrequently. Cubic zirconia is unlikely to endure longer than three years if worn daily. Over time, cubic zirconia will age and accumulate scratches.
Real diamonds, on the other hand, should last a lifetime and beyond with the right maintenance and cleaning. Even if worn every day, a diamond is hard to scratch or destroy.
- Rarity and Cost:
Naturally, cubic zirconia will cost a lot less than a diamond because it is artificial and regarded as a diamond substitute. “Natural diamonds typically range anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 per carat based on quality and exact specifications,” says Wegman. “A cubic zirconia is typically less than $30 per ‘carat’.”
The Gemological Institute of America states that cubic zirconia is currently the most popular imitation diamond, with an annual production of about 60 million carats, which makes sense given the stark price difference.
Which Should You Choose: Cubic Zirconia or Diamond?
1. Considerations for Choosing Cubic Zirconia
You will have greater influence over the design, price, and form of their engagement ring if you choose to use cubic zirconia rings. To give them more financial flexibility, you can even choose to defer purchasing the CZ center stone until later.
2. Considerations for Choosing Diamonds
The 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—determine the overall quality of the diamond and its value. The diamond’s form, certification, price range, and personal style are other crucial factors to take into account. One of the most priceless and valuable jewels in the world is a diamond. They are the ideal option for anniversary presents, engagement diamond rings, and other important occasions due to their inherent beauty and brilliance.
Conclusion
In summary, cubic zirconia Cz vs diamonds have their unique characteristics and appeal, they serve different purposes depending on your needs and preferences. Diamonds are prized for their unmatched brilliance, hardness, and natural beauty, making them a timeless and valuable choice for special occasions.
On the other hand, cubic zirconia offers a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative, suitable for those looking for an affordable yet attractive option.
Ultimately, the choice between diamonds and cubic zirconia depends on your budget, personal taste, and the significance of the occasion.
Whereas cubic zirconia vs diamond whichever you’re planning to opt for BOLD offers a wide range of jewelry for you in both the stones. Get your perfect fit today!
