Why Does Cubic Zirconia Tarnish?

If you are planning to buy cubic zirconia jewelry, it is essential that you understand how best to care for it. One effective method for preventing tarnishing is regularly cleaning it with a lint-free cloth.

Cubic zirconia is an increasingly popular gemstone alternative that looks similar to diamond, yet is significantly cheaper. To preserve the brilliance and shine of cubic zirconia jewelry it’s essential that it stays clean so as to maintain its beauty and luster.

It’s Not the Stone That Tarnishes

Cubic zirconia jewelry has long been beloved due to its diamond-like brilliance and pocket-friendly price tag, but some consumers may wonder whether or not their CZ will tarnish over time and, if so, what causes this.

Answer: it isn’t the gemstone itself that tarnishes. Rather, it is the metal setting itself that becomes tarnished over time; as this contact with air releases contaminants such as copper, nickel and zinc that leach out and discolor over time.

CZ jewelry should be avoided during contact sports or activities where hard objects might hit you. While its crystalline structure may be very durable, its Mohs scale rating of 10 doesn’t compare well against diamond, thus necessitating protection of precious pieces against impacts or any potential damage.

To prevent tarnishing of CZ jewelry, regularly clean it using soap and water. Being careful not to scratch either the gemstones or metal settings while cleaning, use a microfibre or lint-free cloth when drying off your jewellery after each cleaning session.

It’s the Metal

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is an increasingly popular diamond simulant due to its affordability and diamond-like brilliance. CZ, unlike real diamond, is man-made and can be made flawless; making it the ideal gemstone for shoppers on a tight budget. Furthermore, CZ stands out among other diamond imitators by being harder and more durable, as well as offering various colors available.

Cubic zirconia jewelry typically uses silver or other precious metals as its setting, so that its sparkle can illuminate special events and stand out against other stones. When combined with lesser metals like copper, however, CZ can become dull and green due to chemical interactions between copper and the stone itself. Therefore it’s wise to remove CZ jewelry before going swimming or showering as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause it to cloud up over time and lose its sparkle altogether.

Although cubic zirconia diamonds shine brilliantly, many buyers may worry that their purchase won’t hold up for as long as genuine diamonds. Such concerns are unwarranted – CZ can keep its sparkle for many years when maintained and preserved with our Sparkle Preservation Tips.

It’s the Setting

Cubic zirconia is a stunning gem with diamond-like brilliance at an economical price tag. Unlike sterling silver and bronze which naturally tarnish over time, cubic zirconia remains an inert metal that doesn’t corrode – however this doesn’t negate the need to regularly clean your piece as needed.

Regular cleaning will ensure your CZ stones sparkle bright for years. Use a mild soap and warm water solution to clean your jewelry, gently scrubbng both stone and setting. Rinse well after, patting dry with microfibre or lint-free cloth to remove any remaining water spots.

No matter the piece, jewelry should never be worn when sleeping, bathing, or exercising – not only could this damage its stone but it could be detrimental to both you and the stone! Additionally, taking off jewellery before applying hair products, spraying perfume, or applying creams and lotions is advised for optimal results.

Keep your jewellery professionally polished on an ongoing basis to protect it from scratches, blemishes and dullness which could otherwise lead to cloudy or opaque stones. This will help ensure the pieces stay looking their best!

It’s the Environment

One reason that cubic zirconia tends to tarnish more frequently than diamonds is due to its lower hardness rating – meaning it’s more susceptible to scratches and wear-and-tear than diamonds are. As such, it is wise to store CZ jewelry away from harsh chemicals or environmental elements which could potentially cause damage.

Furthermore, your acidity of skin and sweat, oil produced by your body can also tarnish CZ rings due to their higher copper concentration and can react with these substances and leave your jewelry looking worn down and discolored.

Cubic zirconia jewelry is an extremely popular choice, thanks to its similar look and properties to diamonds at a fraction of their cost. However, those looking for something more durable may want to consider alternatives like Moissanite or natural diamonds as more permanent materials.

Some individuals may find it challenging to distinguish diamonds and cubic zirconia, although trained gemologists or jewelers can usually spot the differences by their sparkle. Diamonds also boast superior refractive index, meaning that their light shines brighter. Finally, they tend to contain less visible flaws or inclusions compared to cubic zirconia pieces.