Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide (2024)

FAQs

Is cubic zirconia good for an engagement ring? ›

It's affordable, conflict-free, and looks just like a real diamond. The drawbacks are the lack of durability-with daily use, it will lose its shine and sparkle within a few years. If you choose a cubic zirconia stone for your engagement ring, make sure to get a quality band made of sterling silver or stainless steel.

How Long Does Cubic Zirconia Last? Cubic zirconia is considerably less durable than a real diamond. They can be worn daily for between 2 to 3 years and up to 5 years if someone wears them occasionally. As cubic zirconia stones age, they tend to become scratched and cloudy.

Diamond: Price and Value. Cubic zirconia is significantly cheaper than diamonds. For example, a 1 carat round Cubic Zirconia engagement ring sells for $13.99, while a similar 1 carat diamond engagement ring from James Allen that's well-cut goes for $3,630.

A temporary CZ engagement ring can take some of the stress out of popping the question. You only get one chance to get it right. A high quality CZ engagement ring will completely wow her and make the proposal memorable.

Cons: Durability. Despite its hardness, cubic zirconia's durability does not compare to diamonds. If worn every day, cubic zirconia will only last a few years.

Cubic Zirconia Isn't Very Durable

And you certainly don't want to dull the shine of your engagement and wedding photos! Cubic zirconia isn't very durable—ranking around 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It's easily scratched and will quickly lose its shine from daily wear and tear.

Additionally, cubic zirconia lacks the brilliance and fire that a diamond has, meaning light passes through it differently than it would through a diamond. Cubic zirconia also has a higher dispersion rate, which is why it often gives off that rainbow effect that can make it look cheaper.

This means that they lack the toughness and resistance that diamonds have, so it is strongly recommended that you remove any cubic zirconia studs or other jewellery before you step in the shower, bath, swimming pool or any other activities that will get your jewellery wet.

In terms of wear, moissanite has a higher durability and hardness than cubic zirconia, making it better suited for everyday use.

One of the biggest markets for Cubic Zirconia jewelry are rich people. Celebrities & high-rollers can "look the part" without much worry. Insurance firms also love Cubic Zirconia owners for not putting them on the hook for a big-ticket piece. But, of course, that suggests big insurance savings.

Can CZ pass diamond Tester? ›

No. Cubic Zirconia (or CZ) does not have high enough thermal conductivity to pass. So, when you test a CZ with a diamond tester, it will not show as diamond. In fact, distinguishing CZ from diamond is one of the most important uses of thermal conductivity pen testers.

Most jewelers have handy electronic testers that can quickly identify a CZ as a simulant. A trained gemologist can perform the tests necessary to make most important distinctions. And they can assist you if the stone warrants sending to the laboratory for more advanced testing or grading.

They are perfect for a surprise proposal and make an exceptionally good substitute for diamond. Furthermore, cubic zirconia engagement rings don't cost the earth and give you some breathing space after the proposal is accepted to shop for the forever ring together – so she gets a ring which perfectly suits her tastes.

As mentioned above, cubic zirconia is often praised for its diamond-like appearance. To the naked eye, they look quite similar. The ultimate way to tell them apart is to take them to a jeweler or gemologist who will be able to test them with official equipment.

Like lab diamonds, cubic zirconia is also a synthetically created stone, but its crystal structure and chemical composition is completely different. While lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon, cubic zirconia is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide.

Does Cubic Zirconia Turn Green? The stone itself won't turn green, but if it is set in a cheap metal like copper, the metal can turn your skin green.

This means that they lack the toughness and resistance that diamonds have, so it is strongly recommended that you remove any cubic zirconia studs or other jewellery before you step in the shower, bath, swimming pool or any other activities that will get your jewellery wet.

Under shortwave UV cubic zirconia typically fluoresces a yellow, greenish yellow or "beige". Under longwave UV the effect is greatly diminished, with a whitish glow sometimes being seen.

The answer to the question, "Does cubic zirconia tarnish?", is, unfortunately, "yes." But as long as you carry out the proper jewelry cleaning and use the right jewelry storage techniques, you should be able to stop CZ jewelry from tarnishing and/or showing other signs of wear and tear.