Diamond or Cubic Zirconia - Knowing the Difference Can Save You Money!

So what is the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia? Why is cubic zirconia (CZ) quickly becoming more popular as a desirable substitute for diamond? Gemologists can agree that CZ comes closer than any other gem material to matching the characteristics of a diamond.

Most people, even trained gemologists, cannot tell the difference between diamond and CZ, with the naked eye. Moreover, to the untrained eye, CZ looks identical to a good quality diamond. However, under closer inspection, CZ appears to have slightly less brilliance (or sparkle) than a diamond, and more fire, or flashes of color.

CZs were originally developed by the Russians, for their space program. They were developed as an alternative to diamonds that were used in the optics of their lasers. CZs have a refractive index, dispersion and hardness so close to a diamond it's uncanny.

So what are some key features that can guide you in telling the difference between diamond and CZ? Do keep in mind, though, in order to accurately distinguish the two gems, gemological equipment such as microscope, or loupe, must be used for testing and verification.

To start, let’s take a look at the hardness factor: Did you know CZ ranges between 8.5 to 9.0 on the Mohs’ hardness scale whereas diamond, one of the hardest materials known to man, is rated 10, lying at the top of the hardness scale?

Furthermore, glass (or sand) is rated approximately 5 to 6 on the hardness scale, therefore, dust and dirt will not scratch CZ. Indeed, CZ can scratch glass just like regular diamonds, making it more resistant to chipping.

One great difference between diamond and CZ is weight. CZs are heavyweights in comparison to diamonds; a CZ will weigh approximately 1.75 times more than a diamond of equivalent size. So basically, a piece of CZ the same size as a one-carat diamond weighs about 1.75 carats. Well…isn’t that interesting?

Contemporary production of CZ is virtually flawless, whereas diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions, or have some sort of defect, be it a feather, included crystal, or perhaps a remnant of an original crystal face (e.g. trigons).

In regards to color—more precisely, the lack of color—only the rarest of diamonds are truly colorless, as most have a tinge of yellow or brown to some extent. By comparison, CZ in most cases can be made entirely colorless, equivalent to a perfect "D" on diamond's color grading scale.

Also, under close inspection with a loupe, the facet shapes of some CZs appear different from diamonds. Both gems disperse light a little differently. Dispersion is just a scientific term for the breaking up of light into its spectral colors. With a dispersive power greater than diamond (0.060 vs. 0.044), the more prismatic fire of CZ can be seen by even an untrained eye.

Dispersion occurs based on the gem’s refractive index. In this case, refractive index simply indicates how much a beam of light will bend, based on the direction in which it is traveling when it passes between two materials of different optical densities (such as between diamond and air; or between CZ and air). Being that CZ has a refractive index of 2.176, compared to a diamond's 2.417, diamonds are therefore said to be brighter than CZ.

Another difference between the two gems is that CZs are thermal insulators—meaning, they reduce the rate of heat transfer—whilst diamonds are among the most efficient thermal conductors—meaning, they allow heat to easily pass through them. Without testing the gems’ heat conductivity, it can be difficult to tell them apart.

Remember, it is a 50/50 guess to identify a gem by visual inspection; it is not a scientific method of authentication. That is why even certified and degreed gemologists use gemological equipment for testing and verification.

You will also be glad to know that CZs are not only durable and inexpensive, but just like diamonds, they come in any color of the rainbow, making them even more desirable.

There have been many instances to see if jewelers can tell the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia, just by examining the gems with the naked eye. Over and over again, it was inconclusive; jewelers could not tell the difference just by looking at the gems. So you can now understand why the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia rests in the price, and in the mind…

Penny Best Jewelry provides you with fine cubic zirconia jewelry and timeless designs, at an affordable price. The online store at http://www.pennybest.com offers you top quality cz jewelry including beautiful rings, earrings, stunning necklaces, dazzling bracelets, bridal sets, free shipping, free jewelry box and a 30-day money back guarantee.

Penny Best

Why We Like Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings

Some of my friends think that I’m insane because I like cubic zirconia engagement rings. My husband started talking about rings when we I decided to get married. I told him that I didn’t need an expensive ring and our money would be better spent on something else. In my opinion, there is no need to spend your money on a piece of jewelry unless the cost of a diamond is just pocket change to you. It would be wise to wait and give it for five or ten year anniversaries if you can’t afford it.

I don’t mind that my ring was chosen from a selection of cubic zirconia engagement rings. Of course, I might get upset if someone tried to give me one and told me it was a real diamond. However, I decided that I didn’t need a real diamond right then, and maybe we could get one later down the road. Cubic zirconia engagement rings can look just as good as the diamond so it makes no sense to go into debt over it.

You are going to see what I’m talking about if you go out and look at cubic zirconia engagement rings. You can at least see that there are some beautiful rings out there, even if you may not agree with me. There is no need to buy them for engagements because they are beautiful on any finger on your hand. I have two cubic zirconia engagement rings and I wear whichever one I want, or whichever one strikes my fancy at any given moment.

You are probably a very practical person if you are of the same mind as I am. I am not saying that there is something wrong with wanting a diamond. I do hope to get one some day, but that doesn’t mean that I have to give up a house for it. I knew that the money we would have spent on a diamond was money we could put away towards our first house, when I chose among the cubic zirconia engagement rings in the store. Cubic zirconia engagement rings allow you to have a great looking ring on your finger without putting your financial situation in peril.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings. Visit our site for more helpful information about Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings and other similar topics.

Morgan Hamilton

Popular Styles In Cubic Zirconia Rings

A ring is defined as a small circular band, typically of precious metal, that is designed to be worn around the finger. In most cases, however, a ring is so much more. It is not only something to be worn, but also admired and treasured as a part of one's jewelry collection. When you purchase a ring for yourself or someone that you love, it should be a style that reminds you of the wearer.

Modern ring styles include everything from large solitaires to fancy clusters and even multi-stone designs. Quite often, jewelry trends are dictated by the season and/or upcoming holidays. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, cubic zirconia rings featuring the design of a heart are at the top of the list for many jewelry lovers. Although the heart motif is always in style, it's even more so during the month of February as gift-giving is often done with heartfelt sentiment in mind. Whether it be a solitaire heart or a cluster ring, you cannot go wrong with this classic at any time of the year.

In recent years, the 3-stone jewelry design has soared in popularity. To this day, the trend continues with new twists that are sure to make your eyes shine. For many, the 3-stone design represents the past, present and future. For others, it may represent the number of children, grandchildren or even siblings that one has. For instance, a 3-stone ring could be given to a mom who has three children. Whatever the occasion or meaning, the design is always in style and could even be considered tomorrow's classic.

Speaking of classic, a piece of jewelry that earns this distinction is one that has been judged over a period of time as being of the highest quality. A birthstone is a gem that's associated with a particular birth month and is determined based on the date that a child is born. One of the most popular designs in cubic zirconia rings is that of the simulated birthstone. Created to imitate the same color as that of a genuine gemstone, cubic zirconia is a flawless and affordable alternative to their natural inspirations. Below is a list of each calendar month, along with the birthstone for that month:

1. January - Garnet

2. February - Amethyst

3. March - Aquamarine

4. April - Diamond

5. May - Emerald

6. June - Pearl

7. July - Ruby

8. August - Peridot

9. September - Sapphire

10. October - Opal

11. November - Topaz

12. December - Turquoise

If you're searching for any of the aforementioned birthstone choices, you will be glad to know that the majority of these gems are recreated in the form of cubic zirconia. When it comes to wearing cubic zirconia rings, nothing is more tailored to an individual person than that of their very own birthstone. For those born in the month of June, which carries a pearl as the birthstone, or December, which is that of the turquoise, you will find a variety of both simulated pearls and turquoise in today's jewelry market.

Still aren't sure if you're favorite ring style is making news in the world of jewelry? You can check out the latest trends by browsing through your favorite fashion catalog and noticing the jewelry worn by models, flipping through the pages of a leading women's magazine featuring fashion and accessories or simply by watching television and taking special notice of what's being worn by television news anchors. When you're ready to start shopping, the confidence that you have gained in knowing exactly what you want will be a very important first step to finding the perfect cubic zirconia rings.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that's designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune.For more information on sterling silver rings and cubic zirconia rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Mellanie Spark

The Truth About Cubic Zirconia

Cubic Zirconia, that sparkling stone that could pass off as a diamond, is rarely found naturally. Most of what you see is man-made.

The beauty of cubic zirconia is this.

Have you ever longed for that gorgeous necklace dripping with diamonds, knowing very well you can never afford anything like it?

Have you stared at those gorgeous jewels stars wear as they strut down the red carpet, with bodyguards trailing them, protecting the diamonds they wear?

How would you like to wear jewelry like that? Necklaces dripping with dazzling stones? Earrings that sparkle with large fiery rocks, and still have lunch money.

That's the promise cubic zirconia brings. And it is a very tempting one.

The truth is, diamonds cost far more than cubic zirconia or any other stone because of the inherent resale value of diamonds. You hear of people investing in diamonds and locking them in safes, but you don't hear of people locking up cubic zirconia gemstones in safes. Diamonds are also valued for their preciousness. You give your fiance a diamond engagement ring. If you slip a cubic zirconia ring and pass that off as a diamond, when she finds out, you had better find somewhere safe to hide... preferably on another planet.

That said cubic zirconia is a fashionistica's dream come true. Unlike tacky paste jewelry, this feels like the real thing. It is harder than most gemstones (8.5 on the Mohs scale) which makes it hardy enough for the daily wear and tear that jewelry undergoes. It has a more prismatic fire than diamond, though it has a lower refractive index than the real thing. Still, it looks close enough to the real thing to wow the crowd.

Cubic zirconia jewelry are fashion statements meant to be worn. They are perfect for special occasions when you wear a formal gown or a cocktail dresses. Cubic zirconia chandelier earrings are great with that little black dress, formal wear or your party dress while
cubic zirconia hoop earrings are great for literally anything from jeans to your gown.

Jenice Wee

Cubic Zircornia Engagement Rings

Zubic Zircornia Engagement Rings



What is Cubic Zicornia Engagement Rings?

Cubic zirconia (often abbreviated CZ) is a lab-created crystalline cubic form of zirconium oxide stabilized with small quantities of other minerals, typically yttrium or calcium. While cubic zirconia can occur naturally, it is very rare because it requires temperatures in excess of 5,000 degrees fahrenheit in order to form substantial crystals. In addition to the high temperatures, gradual cooling is vital to form flawless, uniform stones.

The first natural cubic zirconia was discovered in 1937 by German mineralogists. In the 1970s, Russian (then Soviet) scientists developed a technique to grow cubic zirconia crystals effectively in the lab, but it wasn’t until the world-renowned Swarovski crystal company began mass-producing cubic zirconia in the 1980s that it became popular.


Choosing Cubic Zircornia Engagements Rings

When choosing cubic zirconia rings, it is important to be familiar with different engagement ring designs, ring settings, metal choices, and other style options. Because of its versatility, cubic zirconia can be used in the same way as diamonds, meaning that any shape, size, and setting is possible to create the perfect ring.

For a truly high quality piece, however, it is important to invest in a valuable setting. Many people make the mistake of choosing less expensive, lower quality settings and bands because the stone is not as valuable as a diamond, but all this does is result in a lower quality ring, diminishing its beauty and appeal. When shopping for a cubic zirconia engagement ring, be as discriminating as you would if shopping for the most flawless diamond on earth. After all, regardless of the stone, it is still an engagement ring, a symbol of the bond between two people, and should be chosen with care and discrimination.


Caring for CUbic Zircornia Engagement Rings

As with any piece of jewelry, CZ rings should be meticulously cleaned and cared for to be kept looking their best. Avoid wearing the ring during heavy chores or sporting activities to prevent accidental damage. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush can clean the stone well, but always be sure to dry it completely to prevent water spots that dull the ring’s appearance. Ultrasonic cleaners are also safe for cubic zirconia engagement rings. Cubic zirconia stones are more brittle and softer than diamonds and should be stored individually to prevent scratches, nicks, or damage caused by rubbing against other jewelry.


Cubic Zircornia vs Diamond

Cubic zirconia is a popular synthetic diamond because if used properly, it cannot be distinguished from a real diamond by the naked eye. Thus, a CZ cubic zirconia engagement ring is often mistake for a true diamond. It does have slightly less sparkle and brilliance than a true diamond, as well as a bit more fire and color. Depending on a person’s individual tastes, that may make cubic zirconia more desirable than diamond.

Diamonds can be found in many different colors, and so can cubic zirconia, depending on what different mineral oxides have been added to the zirconium oxide during crystal stabilization and cooling.

* Cerium oxides: red, orange, and bright yellow
* Copper, Nickel, Titanium, and Iron oxides: dark yellow and brown
* Chromium, Vanadium, and Thulium oxides: sage and olive green
* Cobalt, Manganese, and Neodymium oxides: lilac and violet
* Erbium, Holmium, and Europium oxides: pink

There are several ways to distinguish cubic zirconia from natural diamonds. Cubic zirconia is significantly heavier than diamond (65-75%), so weighing two stones of the same carat size would help determine which is cubic zirconia and which is diamond. Cubic zirconia also has different heat conductivity, and when measured, will have a red indicator instead of the green that diamonds produce. Furthermore, because cubic zirconia is grown in a laboratory under tightly controlled conditions, it is typically flawless and lacks the Diamond Flaws and Inclusions that mar natural stones.