How Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) jewelry can be an economical gemstone alternative that will save money. To maintain its shine, CZ pieces should be cleaned regularly in order to keep their luster.

But it’s not only stones that tarnish; metal can too. So let’s explore what factors might cause your jewelry to tarnish and how you can prevent tarnishing in the first place.

It’s Not the Stone

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is one of the most affordable diamond simulants available today, made by combining zirconium powder and yttrium oxide in a 5000 degree Fahrenheit crucible before cooling to crystallize into gems that often rival diamonds’ beauty. Although readily available at most jewelry stores and department stores, not all CZ rings are created equal; low-grade pieces may start tarnish almost instantly once worn on your finger.

Tarnish-resistant CZ pieces depend heavily on the metal they’re set in and how well you care for it, especially if wearing it daily. To preserve its beauty and lengthen its life span, avoid coming into contact with any harsh chemicals when wearing your CZ piece; remove before applying lotions, creams, perfumes or any products which might come in direct contact with it such as lotions.

CZ jewelry should generally be fine in most everyday environments, although if you plan on immersing it in water it would be prudent to remove as much as possible from it before swimming, bathing, or any activity where it might come in contact with liquid. Cubic zirconia can become damaged over time from constant exposure to liquid; to reduce risks it’s wiser to take this precaution before doing anything like swimming or bathing where your ring could come into contact with water.

One way to identify genuine Cubic Zirconia from fake is by inspecting it for inclusions, or flaws visible under magnification. While natural diamonds often feature such inclusions, high-quality cubic zirconia may be free from them; if no inclusions can be seen at all it’s safe to assume the stone is authentic.

It’s the Metal

CZ gemstones offer mesmerizing brilliance, yet some individuals worry that they might tarnish. With proper care, however, this should not occur; read up on factors that cause CZ jewelry to tarnish and how you can keep it looking lovely.

Cubic zirconia is technically a mineral, yet most cubic zirconia production takes place in laboratory settings. This process typically involves heating zirconium oxide while adding minerals like calcium and magnesium in order to form crystals; once crystals have formed they can then be cut into different shapes that make stunning jewelry pieces like rings.

Your jewelry’s metal of choice can have an enormous effect on its looks and feel. Copper tends to tarnish more readily than more noble metals such as silver or gold; to maintain sparkling and beautiful cubic zirconia stones, select jewelry set in high-quality metals as part of its framework.

If you’re concerned about your jewelry tarnishing over time, regular cleaning is crucial to keep its shine. A solution of warm water and mild soap should do just the trick to return cubic zirconia rings or earrings back to looking brand new again. Incorporating taking off jewelry before showering or washing hands into your routine will further decrease exposure to dirt and grease particles.

Cubic zirconia jewelry may become dull or cloudy over time due to residue build-up on its stones, so regular brushing with soapy water should help keep it looking its best. Wearing your jewelry every day also helps protect it against potential damage.

Storage of jewelry should also be given careful consideration, with soft pouches or cases providing optimal conditions to avoid damage and scratches to other pieces in storage. Placing it in cool and dark locations will further extend its life span.

It’s the Setting

When shopping for cubic zirconia jewelry, be sure to choose an excellent piece. CZ stones are highly affordable yet look like real diamonds; all it needs to appear cheap is an inferior setting – many department stores and jewelry shops sell inferior-quality CZ rings that could tarnish easily as opposed to high-quality pieces made with sterling silver or stainless steel.

CZ can be colored using various elements, enabling you to craft unique pieces that mimic fancy gemstones such as ruby, emerald and sapphire. Furthermore, rainbow hues may be added for an eye-catching pop of color in your jewelry pieces.

Cubic zirconia, as a synthetic gemstone, is highly resilient. Rated an 8.5 on the Mohs scale, cubic zirconia is four times harder than corundum (sapphire), and roughly ten times harder than natural diamond (rated 10 on this scale).

CZ won’t scratch easily, but over time it may develop scratch marks and lose its sparkle. Wear your CZ ring often and it may cloud over, losing its sparkly appearance and becoming less sparkly over time.

It can happen due to build-up of oils and dirt on the stone’s surface, but this can be avoided by regularly cleaning with mild soap and warm water. Furthermore, to keep your cubic zirconia ring looking its best you should also avoid harsh cleaners while taking precautions against lotions and perfumes that could potentially discolor its finish.

CZ can lose its sparkle for two reasons. One is due to dispersion; diamonds possess incredible dispersion that gives them their scintillation and incredible shine. CZ does not boast the same ability.

Cubic zirconia is an increasingly popular alternative to natural gemstones due to its affordable and long-term durability. While not being considered an exact replacement for diamonds, cubic zirconia offers great value on a budget while being ethically friendly – or just preferring its look altogether.

It’s the Wearer

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is an attractive and cost-effective diamond alternative. Its mesmerizing radiance emanates from precision optics which refract light year after year – captivating wearers in particular may fear their CZ pieces losing their brilliance over time, yet with proper care your stunning CZ piece can remain stunning for many years to come.

Keep your cubic zirconia looking stunning by regularly cleaning and polishing it, just as with jewelry made from natural gemstones. Cubic zirconia needs special care in order to retain its stunning luster and preserve its alluring radiance. Additionally, be sure to store it properly and avoid chemicals as prolonged contact may cause discoloration or even permanent damage to its appearance.

Before swimming or taking a shower, it’s also wise to remove your CZ ring for safety reasons, as repeated exposure to water may damage it. Exposing jewelry to water may lead to oxidation causing its metal surface to turn green; although this doesn’t harm the stone directly but could indicate wear over time.

CZ is an extremely hard material, scoring an 8.5 on the Mohs scale to make it four times harder than corundum (sapphire) and 10 times harder than gold; however, its hardness does not compare with that of diamond (which scores 10). If your CZ becomes dull over time it could be an indication that its surface has worn away or it is of lower-grade material.

To prevent this, it’s best to purchase your cubic zirconia from a trusted jeweler who offers high-grade stones. Use an appropriate cleaning solution on it, following Sparkle Preservation Tips and steaming it. Steaming can help eliminate bacteria and dirt that tarnish its surface; simply boil a kettle of water with enough steam for steaming purposes then place your CZ ring over its steam using tweezers or fork and hold over. Note, though, this method may be inadvisable if your ring features an intricate design or delicate setting.