Cubic zirconia, often called zirconia or CZ, gives you the brilliance of a diamond at a fraction of the price. Here is how the two compare and why zirconia is a favourite for everyday jewelry.
What is cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created crystal that is cut to look like a diamond. It is colourless, clear and very bright, which makes it ideal for tennis bracelets, stud earrings and rings that catch the light.
Sparkle
Diamonds show strong white brilliance and flashes of light. Zirconia has slightly more coloured fire, the rainbow flashes you see in sunlight. In everyday wear, most people cannot tell the difference at a glance.
Hardness and durability
Diamond is the hardest natural material, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale. Cubic zirconia scores around 8 to 8.5, which is still very hard and suitable for daily wear. To keep stones bright, store zirconia pieces separately so harder stones cannot scratch them.
Price
This is the biggest difference. Zirconia lets you wear a full tennis bracelet or a sparkling ring for everyday outfits without the cost or worry of a fine diamond, which makes it perfect for trend-led pieces and gifts.
How to keep zirconia sparkling
- Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush to remove lotion and oils.
- Dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
Which should you choose?
Choose a diamond for a once-in-a-lifetime heirloom piece. Choose zirconia when you want diamond-like shine to wear, layer and stack every day. See the jewelry care guide for more tips.
