What is American cubic zirconia?

American Cubic Zirconia or Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is an inexpensive diamond alternative with many of the same qualities as a diamond. This crystalline material (or CZ) is synthetic, which means it is created in a laboratory. Due to increased demand, commercial production of CZ began in the 1970s.

Since zirconia imitates a diamond but is not the same material, we speak of fake, fake, imitation and simulant. However, cubic zirconia is beautiful in itself and only becomes a buying problem when it is poorly presented as a diamond or other gemstone.

Learn more about this controversial crystal and how exactly it compares to a diamond.

How does a cubic zirconia compare to a diamond?

Despite looking like the naked eye, diamonds and cubic zirconia stones couldn’t be more different. Here are some of the ways they differ:

• A piece of cubic zirconia is heavier than a diamond of the same size, but not as hard. The CZ is estimated at 8.5 on the scale of Mohs, against the diamond (the hardest substance) 10 and corundum (ruby and sapphire) 9.
• When shopping for CZ jewellery, the store will likely list a carat weight, but might call it an “equivalent diamond,” to help you understand how the (heavier) CZ would compare to a diamond of the same size. visual.
• Cubic zirconia can be made into the same popular cuts and shapes that are used for diamonds and coloured gemstones.
• A white CZ is truly colourless, with none of the inclusions found in an untreated diamond – think a little too perfect.
• Cubic zirconia produces more bursts of colour (fire) than a diamond.
• Part of today’s CZ is coated with a product that makes the stones more durable and originates from fire – the stones look more like real diamonds, although a jeweller will know they are not.
• Coloured versions of CZ are also available, and have become popular in line with the trend towards fancy coloured diamonds.

Are there different grades of cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia can be graded using the same qualities that diamonds and other gemstones are graded using the four C’s (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight). However, their ranking is handled a little differently:

• Manufacturers’ quality of CZ varies – some types are less desirable than others, and clarity is a characteristic that may differ.
• A five-level system of A (lowest grade) to AAAAA (highest grade) is used to denote cubic zirconia grades, but most retail jewellery stores (online or offline) do not refer to not to categories; they are often seen when buying wholesale cubic zirconia.
• Ask questions and read descriptions carefully before purchasing cubic zirconia jewellery from any source.

Is a cubic zirconia suitable for an engagement ring?

A CZ is not as durable as a diamond, sapphire, or ruby, which means it’s more likely to get scratched over time. But if you can’t budget for a diamond or other highly durable piece of jewellery, a cubic zirconia engagement ring might be a good alternative – at least in the short term. Even if the stone gets scratched, it is inexpensive enough to replace without too much of a headache.

Cubic zirconia works well when mounted on necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and other jewellery that is not worn on a daily basis.

How should I clean cubic zirconia jewellery?

The cubic zirconia itself can be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner, but consider the setting materials before you drop the jewellery into the tank and turn on the switch. Use a less intense method to clean CZ jewellery made from sterling silver or plated metals – dish detergent and a very soft brush may be all you need to remove the film from the CZ and flip it over. fire.

Store cubic zirconia jewellery alone or separately from gemstones that are considered harder or softer on the Mohs scale – this type of storage is important for all jewellery to avoid scratches.

Is cubic zirconia the same as zirconia?

Zirconia and cubic zirconia are not the same.

• Zirconia (6 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale) is a gemstone, zirconium silicate, and is not related to cubic zirconia. Heat-treated brown zircon was often heat-rendered colourless and used as a diamond substitute before CZ was available.
• Zircon found in most jewellery has probably been heat treated to enhance or change its colour, and some stones may revert to their original colours after being exposed to light.
• Heat treatments make zircon less durable.
• You may see the term cubic zirconium, but this substance does not exist.