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Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a cubic form of zirconium dioxide used as a diamond simulant and manufactured in laboratories since 1976, becoming an economic competitor to natural diamonds in terms of price competition.

CZ and diamond gems may share some aesthetic qualities; however, their physical structures vary drastically from each other. Here is what to keep in mind before purchasing either gem.

How to tell the difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconia

Though diamonds and cubic zirconia share some similarities, they’re different gems when it comes to physical structure, beauty and value. Before purchasing jewelry made with either material it is crucial for consumers to fully comprehend the differences between them – especially if considering investing in expensive pieces like engagement rings or wedding bands.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is an artificial gemstone made of cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide, originally developed during the 1970s for laser technology applications but increasingly becoming an excellent alternative to real diamonds due to their sparkle and brilliance. CZs can even be produced in multiple colors that mimic colored diamonds and other gemstones.

CZ stones resemble diamonds in terms of how they reflect light; however, real diamonds have much higher refractive index values which allow it to produce greater sparkle and brilliance compared to their CZ counterparts when placed side-by-side. As a result, it’s easy to spot the differences when they are side by side.

Real diamonds are more resilient than CZs, being able to withstand daily wear without becoming scratched or cloudy over time. Conversely, CZs may chip or break easily under stress-inducing environments like heavy traffic.

No matter if it be real diamonds or CZs, finding the ideal stone that complements both your budget and style can be daunting. Let Schiffman’s Jewelers help make this decision easy – visit one of their Greensboro or Winston-Salem locations now to find one you will cherish forever! We would be more than delighted to help find you that special piece!

The hardness of a diamond

Hardness of diamonds is one of the primary factors defining their value as gemstones, and one reason they are prized so highly as jewelry material. Due to this hardness, diamonds are highly prized as gems; and this strength also makes them popular choice for everyday rings that may be worn daily. As a result, diamonds do not easily scratch – in fact, Mohs’ scale lists them at 10 (while cubic zirconia doesn’t even qualify!). Cubic zirconia comes in second with an 8 rating (compared with 8).

Toughness is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a diamond gemstone, since its hardness measures resistance to being broken by impactful forces. Diamond’s unique crystalline structure contributes to its hardness as certain directions of fracture may be less vulnerable than others allowing diamond cutters to use this feature for faceting smaller stones from larger ones.

Both natural and lab-created diamonds possess high hardness. However, natural diamonds tend to be much more expensive due to being formed under extreme conditions miles below Earth’s surface over many billions of years whereas cubic zirconia is produced in controlled laboratory settings and thus costs significantly less than natural diamonds.

When purchasing gemstones, the best way to determine whether or not a stone is genuine is to scrutinize it carefully. Look out for any signs that might suggest it’s fake like blemishes or inclusions which might suggest otherwise, or test its hardness by scratching other minerals or glass plates – this boxed set includes nine number-coded minerals on Mohs scale plus an industrial-grade diamond plus glass plates for testing hardness of materials.

The refraction of light

Cubic zirconia (CZ) can easily be confused with cubic zirconium silicate and even diamond, as they share similar aesthetic features. Although CZs appear similar, CZ is manufactured artificially – unlike diamonds which are mined from the earth – made from zirconium oxide which makes them hard to differentiate from natural diamonds due to their hardness and high refractive index score.

Diamonds have long been known for their unmistakable sparkle, but their true brilliance lies in their ability to bend and refract light as it enters them. This effect occurs because diamonds contain many internal surfaces called facets which interact with light to produce this sparkling effect – the brilliance of a diamond distinguishes it from other gemstones.

CZ gems, on the other hand, are lab-grown gems that are significantly more affordable than diamonds, making them a more accessible form of elegance in engagement rings, wedding bands and other jewellery that requires it. Their low price points open up an elegant world to a greater portion of society.

CZ stands out as an economical alternative to diamonds for various reasons, including its superior hardness and corrosion resistance, isometric crystal structure, and ability to be doped with various elements for unique color effects.

However, CZ does have its drawbacks. First of all, it does not shine as brightly under shortwave UV illumination as diamond does; fluorescence levels under longwave are significantly diminished as well. Some manufacturers have sought ways to enhance the appearance of their finished gems using methods like coating them with thin layers of diamond-like carbon via vapor deposition; this process has been shown to enhance both luster and refractive index simultaneously.

The luster of a diamond

Diamonds are undisputedly the star performers in the gemstone world, captivating viewers with their alluring brilliance and captivating sparkle. Yet their allure comes at a cost owing to the long journey from carbon to diamond, coupled with economic forces influencing its market and consequently commanding a princely sum for its use on stage. However, cubic zirconia provides an affordable alternative that still allows you to experience its sparkle and fire.

When choosing jewelry stones, look for natural or lab-grown diamonds with high clarity grades. A high clarity grade indicates fewer inclusions, decreasing the risk that your diamond will become scratched or damaged over time.

Inclusions are naturally-occurring imperfections that exist within diamonds. When purchasing one, it’s essential to inspect it closely under magnification to detect inclusions; though a diamond with zero inclusions is technically possible but highly unlikely and could indicate it’s not genuine diamond.

As well as checking for inclusions, it’s also important to examine a stone’s luster. Cubic zirconia typically exhibits a crystalline sheen which reflects light well, while genuine diamonds boast silky lusters which shine under certain conditions and shimmer with many different colors.

Direction and intensity of light play an integral part in enhancing a diamond’s luster, too. Direct light on its face will highlight its brilliance and fire while lighting from above or below can cast shadows that dull its appearance.

The colour of a diamond

Natural diamonds possess an incomparable color unrivaled by any other gemstone, representing centuries of natural processes at work to produce them. As a result, their superior hue and price tags reflect their rarity while global forces play out across markets worldwide; cubic zirconia on the other hand is far less costly because it is manufactured and not subject to such limitations.

Clarity of a diamond is another significant differentiating factor. Although higher grades such as D may exhibit some yellow hue and cost significantly more than G grade diamonds, its important to keep in mind that color alone doesn’t tell the whole story about this precious stone.

Cubic zirconia can be produced in various hues, such as blue, pink, and green. Manufacturers utilize impurities like copper, iron, erbium, europium and holmium – while not typically found in nature – in order to achieve these colors in cubic zirconia manufacturing and produce jewelry pieces with colors that closely resemble that of diamonds.

Assuming you find an inexpensive diamond alternative that looks authentic, investing in quality gemstones might be your better bet. At Ritani, we offer an impressive collection of durable lab grown diamonds and earth grown alternatives designed to last.

Before purchasing a diamond, be sure to familiarize yourself with the GIA diamond color scale. This will help you ascertain its grade and whether it is natural or synthetic diamond. Furthermore, check if any enhancement treatments such as thermo-pressure or irradiation have been used on it.