Cubic zirconia jewelry has long been used to add sparkle and shimmer to special moments, yet many may wonder if its brilliance can fade over time.
Cubic zirconia jewelry may be hypoallergenic but still vulnerable to tarnishing when set in poorly cared-for metal settings, since tarnished metal reflects less light, leaving its piece appearing duller.
Moisture
Cubic zirconia jewelry will remain beautiful year after year thanks to its non-tarnish properties; however, its settings could tarnish and dull over time and must also be properly cared for to preserve its sparkle and shine.
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is an attractive and cost-effective diamond simulant that has become the go-to option for couples looking for engagement rings, wedding bands and other bridal jewelry. Like natural and synthetic diamonds, CZ can be produced as colorless crystal but may also incorporate various metal oxides during production, giving it more options in terms of colors.
CZ jewelry can withstand exposure to most elements; however, extreme conditions and certain chemicals can cause its color to change over time. As a result, it’s essential that it’s regularly cleaned to preserve its brilliance. Likewise, avoid lotions or oils which might leave fingerprints that stain its finish over time.
Cubic zirconia has become one of the most affordable and sought-after diamond simulants, and therefore an attractive alternative for those seeking sparkling alternatives to natural and synthetic diamonds. No wonder then that many couples choose this sparkling alternative when shopping for engagement rings or wedding bands!
At first, it may not appear as though your cubic zirconia tarnishes; rather it’s usually its jewelry setting made of silver that discolors over time. To prevent your ring from discoloring further and to keep its value intact for as long as possible, regularly cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners like mild dish soap and water is key – in addition, make sure you remove it before applying lotions or oils to your hands and store it away safely in soft pouches or boxes when not wearing it.
Harsh Chemicals
Cubic zirconia jewelry can withstand abrasion, but not harsh chemicals such as bleach, strong soaps or household cleaners. Such exposure could expose it to damaging agents that etch or scratch its surface as well as react with any metal present and cause it to tarnish over time.
CZ jewelry must also be kept away from certain beauty products, such as perfumes, lotions, creams and makeup. These can leave behind residue that dulls its shine.
When not wearing your CZ ring, store it in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect its stones from scratching, cracking or other forms of damage and maintain their brilliant sparkle. Also remember to remove it prior to showering, swimming and gardening as these activities could damage its delicate prong settings and table facets and chip the gem settings or gouge delicate table facets causing irreparable harm.
Not only should you store and clean your jewelry properly, but you should also regularly use a solution specially made for cubic zirconia jewelry cleaning – available at most jewelry stores – which ensures its surface is undamaged by microscopically scarring it with toothbrushes or similar. Be careful when choosing your cleanser – using anything too abrasive may lead to micro-cracks on its surface that could compromise its integrity over time.
Cubic zirconia (CZ) rings are durable and beautiful gems that will continue to sparkle for years. By following our Sparkle Preservation Tips and taking them in for regular professional inspections and polishing sessions, you can extend their brilliance. For more tips on taking care of precious jewels like CZ rings and diamonds check out our guide on caring for them.
Heat
Diamond gemstones typically remain undisturbed by time or the wear and tear of everyday life, yet if your gem appears dull over time, consider whether or not it has become discolored due to wear and tear.
If you’re uncertain whether your precious metals and gems have become tarnished, use a non-toxic jewelry cleaner such as mild soap to gently restore them. Avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners as these could harm the surface of your gems; use instead a cloth or sponge instead for cleaning purposes. Keep away from harsh chemicals and heat sources – store jewelry in soft pouches such as ring holders when not being worn to avoid scratching against other items; when traveling store it safely within an insulated travel bag to prevent against accidental collision between pieces against hard materials in luggage!
Cubic zirconia is an artificial stone with the ability to be created in virtually any hue imaginable. To produce it, heat is applied at approximately 4982oF to powdered zirconium oxide which then contains chemicals like yttrium magnesium or calcium to create crystal formation and yields gems similar to diamond in appearance with Mohs scale scores as high as 8.5.
Cubic zirconia comes in various shades from pink, yellow, blue and green to black – providing an affordable alternative to many types of diamond stones. While its appearance may be fooling enough for most consumers, only professional jewelers are able to discern between cubic zirconia and actual diamond.
Chemical Compounds
Cubic zirconia is an alternative gemstone that looks similar to diamonds. It is often used as an affordable diamond alternative and manufactured using zirconium dioxide, however over time its chemical makeup may cause it to discolor over time and tarnish. If this happens to your jewelry piece there are ways you can still keep its appearance.
Cubic Zirconia is produced in a laboratory, and comes in many styles and cuts. While the most sought-after cubic zirconia gemstone is clear, it can also come in other hues thanks to a process called doping which introduces different elements into crystal to alter color hues; commonly used dopants include yttrium, titanium, chromium and zirconium as doping agents.
Synthetic CZ rings may be great choices for many people; however, their resale value doesn’t compare to natural or lab-created diamonds and should only be bought if necessary or as part of a significant investment plan.
CZ diamonds tend to be less perfect in terms of clarity and inclusions than their diamond counterparts, yet can still contain subtle flaws that may not be easily detectable with naked eye viewing; such as growth striations lines, blemishes, and light scattering phase inclusions.
Unfortunately, most of these issues can be corrected with proper care and maintenance. Storing your CZ in a cool, dry location while limiting its exposure to harsh chemicals will ensure its lasting brilliance – allowing you to enjoy wearing it without worry over its tarnishing or loss of brilliance.
Metals
Cubic zirconia is an artificial gemstone with properties similar to diamond. It’s widely used in jewelry designs because its appearance resembles that of natural gemstones but costs just one thousandth as much. Furthermore, its availability comes in an array of colors through addition of impurities during production; iron will produce yellow cubic zirconia while copper produces pink cubic zirconia.
People often make the mistaken assumption that cubic zirconia (CZ) is a counterfeit diamond, but these two stones differ significantly in both appearance and durability. A diamond is known for being manmade’s hardest substance while having exceptional beauty unrivalled by any other gem whereas cubic zirconia is a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide with a lower Mohs scale rating than diamond.
Diamonds may be widely considered the premier gems, yet cubic zirconia has made great strides forward when it comes to clarity, color, luster and strength. Most people can’t tell the difference between real diamonds and cubic zirconia stones!
Care for CZ jewelry requires taking steps to keep it protected, such as taking steps such as taking it off before swimming or showering; not exposing it to harsh chemicals or leaving it exposed in direct sunlight for prolonged periods; inspecting its settings regularly so as to maintain its sparkle; taking these measures will help your piece remain stunning for an extended period.