Cubic Zirconia: Properties, Brilliance & Jewellery Guide

What Is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic crystalline material made from zirconium oxide. It is manufactured in controlled laboratory conditions rather than mined from the earth.

Cubic zirconia is commonly used in jewellery as a diamond simulant. It is not a diamond, not a lab-grown diamond and not the same material as natural zircon.

How Cubic Zirconia Is Created

Cubic zirconia is produced through a manufacturing process that involves heating zirconium oxide to extremely high temperatures in a controlled environment. This process allows manufacturers to create crystals with consistent quality, clarity and colour.

Because cubic zirconia is man-made, it can be produced in a wide range of sizes and colours to suit different jewellery designs.

Appearance and Optical Properties

Cubic zirconia is known for its high clarity and bright sparkle. It is typically produced in a colourless form that resembles the appearance of diamond, but it can also be manufactured in a variety of colours including pink, yellow, green and blue.

Colourless cubic zirconia is often used in engagement rings, earrings and other fine jewellery as an affordable alternative to diamond.

Brilliance and Fire

Cubic zirconia displays noticeable rainbow flashes, known as fire. It has slightly greater fire than diamond, which can create a more colourful sparkle under certain lighting conditions.

However, cubic zirconia generally has less brilliance than diamond. Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from the surface and interior of a gemstone. While cubic zirconia can appear bright and eye-catching, its overall light performance differs from that of diamond.

Durability and Hardness

Cubic zirconia has a Mohs hardness of approximately 8.5, making it reasonably resistant to scratching and suitable for many types of jewellery including rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets.

However, cubic zirconia is softer than diamond, which has a Mohs hardness of 10. Over time, cubic zirconia may develop scratches, abrasions or surface wear, particularly in jewellery worn every day such as engagement rings or wedding bands.

Proper care and gentle handling can help maintain the appearance of cubic zirconia jewellery.

Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

Cubic zirconia and diamond are fundamentally different materials with distinct properties:

• Cubic zirconia is man-made zirconium oxide, while diamond is crystalline carbon
• Natural and lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds, whereas cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant
• Diamond is harder than cubic zirconia (Mohs 10 vs approximately 8.5)
• Cubic zirconia and diamond have different optical and physical properties
• Cubic zirconia should never be described as a diamond

While cubic zirconia can resemble diamond in appearance, it is a separate material with its own characteristics. Cubic zirconia jewellery offers an affordable option for those who appreciate bright sparkle without the cost of diamond.

Cubic Zirconia vs Zircon

Despite their similar names, natural zircon and cubic zirconia are completely different materials.

Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral gemstone that has been used in jewellery for centuries. It is mined from the earth and can occur in a range of colours including blue, yellow, brown and colourless.

Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is manufactured zirconium oxide created in a laboratory. The two materials have different chemical compositions, physical properties and origins.

Cubic Zirconia vs Moissanite

Both cubic zirconia and moissanite are commonly used as alternatives to diamond, but they have different chemical compositions, hardness levels, optical properties and durability.

Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and has a Mohs hardness of approximately 9.25, making it harder and more durable than cubic zirconia. Moissanite also displays greater brilliance and fire than cubic zirconia.

Cubic zirconia is typically more affordable than moissanite and is available in a wider range of colours and sizes.

Choosing Cubic Zirconia Jewellery

When selecting cubic zirconia jewellery, consider the following factors:

• Cut: A well-cut cubic zirconia will display better sparkle and light performance
• Colour: Colourless cubic zirconia is most popular, but coloured varieties are also available
• Clarity: High-quality cubic zirconia should be free from visible inclusions or cloudiness
• Size: Cubic zirconia is available in a wide range of carat weights and sizes
• Polish: A smooth, well-polished surface enhances the stone's appearance
• Setting quality: The metal setting should be secure and well-crafted to protect the stone
• Overall appearance: Choose a piece that suits your personal style and preferences

Grading terminology for cubic zirconia, such as "AAAAA CZ," may vary between manufacturers and retailers. These labels are not universally recognised gemological grading standards. When purchasing cubic zirconia jewellery, focus on the overall quality, appearance and craftsmanship of the piece.

Caring for Cubic Zirconia Jewellery

Proper care can help maintain the appearance and sparkle of cubic zirconia jewellery:

• Clean cubic zirconia with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush or cloth
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface
• Avoid hard impacts that could chip or damage the stone
• Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the surrounding metal or setting
• Remove jewellery during rough activities, exercise or household chores
• Store cubic zirconia jewellery separately to prevent scratching

Oils, lotions and everyday residue can reduce the apparent sparkle of cubic zirconia. Gentle cleaning can help restore its bright appearance.

History of Cubic Zirconia in Jewellery

Synthetic cubic zirconia became widely available as a jewellery material during the late 1970s. Its affordability, bright appearance and diamond-like sparkle quickly made it a popular choice for fashion jewellery, engagement rings and other fine pieces.

Today, cubic zirconia is one of the most commonly used diamond simulants in the jewellery industry.