Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia
Diamonds have long been the most sought-after gemstone in jewelry, from the era of royalty to the modern day. Their brilliance, rarity, and durability make them the perfect stone for use in pieces that are meant to last. That’s why they’re the ideal gem for marking major life moments – moments you want to remember for a lifetime.
Understandably, the desire to own an iconic diamond has led to the creation of diamond simulants; that is, gems created specifically to mimic the appearance of a diamond, at a lower cost. One of the most common simulants is cubic zirconia, or CZ for short.
Cubic zirconia exists in nature, but it’s extremely rare. Once scientists discovered how to create synthetic CZ in the 1970s, it quickly became foundational in fashion jewelry. Now, virtually all cubic zirconia is created in a lab.
While CZ is designed to look like a diamond, the composition, durability, and light performance between the two are, at the end of the day, different.
In this article, we’ll share the differences and similarities between the two gems so that the next time you’re in the market for a new piece, you can make an informed decision.
Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia — Key Differences
Composition, Hardness, and Durability
The differences between diamonds and cubic zirconia begin with what they’re made out of, at the atomic level.
Natural diamonds are formed when pure carbon is put under a significant amount of heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. This process can take billions of years, which is part of what makes diamonds valuable and sentimental.
As a result of these extreme conditions, carbon atoms become locked into a three-dimensional lattice configuration. It’s this specific configuration that gives diamonds their hardness and durability; you may recall that graphite is also made entirely out of carbon, but looks worlds apart from a diamond because it has a different molecular configuration.
On the Mohs scale, which measures a gemstone’s resistance to scratching, diamonds come in at a perfect 10 out of 10. That means they are super durable and great for everyday wear. They’re resistant to scuffs, scratches, and surface damage more than any other material, allowing them to look great even after years of regular use. This is one of the reasons diamonds make fantastic gemstones for quality pieces meant to last for years.
Cubic zirconia, by contrast, isn’t as durable as a diamond.
Whereas diamonds are made out of carbon, CZ is a lab-created material made from zirconium dioxide.
While it is still relatively scratch-resistant, coming in at 8.5 on the Mohs scale, it still pales in comparison to a diamond’s durability.
With regular wear, CZ does wear over time and becomes dull. Bumps, knicks, and small collisions can introduce fine scratches that cloud the surface and interfere with how light passes through the stone.
As a result, a cubic zirconia that once appeared bright and lively can gradually lose sparkle.
Visual Appeal
The different visual properties of diamonds and cubic zirconia may be hard to spot at first, but even most untrained eyes can spot the difference.
They both sparkle, but at the end of the day, look different.
A diamond, when cut and polished properly, has a natural-looking balance of white brilliance with subtle flashes of colored fire. These qualities give diamonds their unmistakable look in everyday lighting.
The sparkle of cubic zirconia, on the otherhand, is bright but at the same time exaggerated with regards to the amount of fire. Furthermore, CZ often has an icy white, perfect appearance with regard to its clarity.
It’s the icy white appearance and increased fire of CZ that often makes it look “artificial”, especially when compared side to side to a diamond.
Value
Since CZ can be created relatively quickly, cheaply, and en masse, it’s far less valuable and desirable than precious gemstones like diamonds. With this in mind, cubic zirconia does not hold strong resale value, and because of this, pieces adorned with it are generally treated as fashion jewelry rather than long-term investments or assets.
Diamonds are rare, durable, and hold desirability over time - they are forever. While in most cases jewelry is gifted or received for enjoyment, diamonds have historically held long-term value. It’s for this reason, and the fact that they’re so durable, that they make great pieces to be passed down through generations as precious heirlooms.
How about Lab-Grown Diamonds?
It’s understandable that cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds can be easily confused by consumers. After all, they both offer a beautiful lab-grown stone at an affordable price.
It’s important to note, however, that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They are made of the same pure carbon, built into the same complex pattern as every natural diamond. They boast the same 10 on the Mohs scale and have the exact same sparkle and shine that natural diamonds have.
If price is your motivation behind considering a CZ piece, depending on your budget, it may be worthwhile to take a closer look at lab-grown diamonds instead.
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Cubic zirconia is not meant to last a lifetime, and neither is its value. If you’re looking for fun fashion or costume jewelry, CZ is a fantastic option.
If you’re looking for a piece with enduring value and beauty, though, diamonds remain the clear choice. Whether they’re natural or lab-grown, their durability, beauty, and long-term value really can’t be matched by simulants.
If you’re in the market for a diamond - natural or man made - the team at our Philly and Media locations are ready to serve you. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a custom piece, or a loose stone, our team is happy to walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you find something you’ll feel confident wearing for years to come.
