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.