What is Cubic Zirconica

Cubic zirconia—better known as CZ—is a brilliant diamond alternative that’s lab-created and has been commercially produced since the 1970s. It’s flawless, affordable, and shines just like the real thing.

Now, let’s be clear: CZ is not a diamond. It’s what’s called a simulant, meaning it mimics the look of a diamond but has a different chemical structure. Calling it fake is unfair—unless, of course, someone is trying to pass it off as a real diamond (which we never do).

How Does CZ Compare to a Diamond?

💎 Weight – CZ is heavier than a diamond of the same size.
🔨 Hardness – Diamonds top the Mohs scale at 10, while CZ sits at 8.5 (still durable but not indestructible).
✨ Brilliance – CZ is flawlessly clear, with no inclusions and even more fire (that rainbow sparkle effect) than a diamond. Some higher-end CZs are treated to reduce fire, making them look even closer to natural diamonds.
🛠️ Cuts & Colors – CZ can be cut into all classic shapes and even comes in fancy colors, mimicking the high-end colored diamond trend.

When shopping for CZ jewelry, you might see diamond equivalent weight listed instead of carats—this helps compare the size of CZ to an actual diamond.

Are There Different Grades of Cubic Zirconia?

Yes! Like diamonds, CZ is graded based on the Four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

CZ quality ranges from A (lowest) to AAAAA (highest). The best CZ (which we use) is AAAAA grade, meaning:
✔️ Crystal-clear clarity
✔️ Expertly cut for maximum brilliance
✔️ Durable and long-lasting

Most retail jewelers don’t advertise CZ grades, but if you’re shopping online, pay attention to descriptions to ensure you’re getting top-tier stones.

Is Cubic Zirconia a Good Choice for an Engagement Ring?

CZ is not as durable as a diamond, sapphire, or ruby, which means it may scratch over time with everyday wear. That said, if you're on a budget, CZ makes a great short-term alternative.

For daily wear, CZ shines best in:
💍 Necklaces – Sparkles without the wear-and-tear of rings.
💎 Earrings – The perfect way to get a high-end look for less.
📿 Bracelets & Cocktail Rings – Statement pieces that don’t need to last forever.

How to Clean Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

Cleaning CZ is easy, but be mindful of the setting:

✔️ For solid gold or platinum settings – CZ can handle ultrasonic cleaning.
✔️ For sterling silver or plated metals – Stick to mild dish soap and a soft brush.
✔️ Storage matters – Keep CZ jewelry separate from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.

A quick clean keeps your CZ bright, clear, and dazzling—just like a real diamond.

Is Cubic Zirconia the Same as Zircon?

Nope! Zircon (a natural gemstone) and cubic zirconia (a synthetic stone) are completely different.

Zircon:

A natural gemstone made of zirconium silicate.
Softer than CZ (6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale).
Often heat-treated to enhance color but can fade over time.

Cubic Zirconia:

A lab-created diamond alternative made of zirconium dioxide.
Stronger, clearer, and more affordable than natural zircon.

If you see the term cubic zirconium, ignore it—that’s not a real thing. CZ is the correct name.

Bottom Line? Cubic zirconia gives you the look of luxury without the cost or stress. It’s a smart, stylish, and worry-free choice for jewelry that shines as bright as you do. ✨