Cubic zirconia vs. lab grown diamonds

The gemstone options for jewelry are endless, and it’s not easy to keep track of them all. When you’re making a meaningful purchase or investing in heirloom jewelry, their differences matter, especially when you’re looking for alternatives to a natural diamond. Two options that often get confused are lab grown diamonds and cubic zirconia — and they could not be more different.

What is cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is an inexpensive, synthetic material created by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers like calcium and magnesium. Even though it can be cut and polished to mimic diamond shapes, CZ doesn’t contain carbon, a primary chemical property of a real diamond. CZ and diamonds are completely different materials — they don’t share any chemical or physical characteristics.

What are lab grown diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds share identical chemical, physical and optical characteristics with natural diamonds. They’re graded by the same 4C’s: carat, cut, color and clarity. The only difference between them is origin. Natural diamonds are mined from the earth and lab grown diamonds are created above ground in dedicated facilities. Lab grown versions are an accessible option for people looking for ways to maximize their budget.

The differences between cubic zirconia and lab grown diamonds

From a distance, CZ and lab grown diamond jewelry might look similar. But look closely and you’ll see big differences in quality, beauty and value.

Durability

8 to 8.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which means it will get scratched and become foggy over time and need frequent cleaning.

10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so it’s exceptionally durable and will never lose its beauty and sparkle.

Brilliance

CZ’s sparkle is less defined than a diamond’s, with rainbow flashes that appear artificial.

Spectacular shine, fire and sparkle — just like a natural diamond.

Color

Most CZ is made to imitate a perfect D (colorless) diamond, but it can be manufactured in other colors as well.

Lab grown diamonds are created in varying degrees of color ranging from D-Z (colorless to light yellow), according to the 4C's of diamonds.

Price

CZ is inexpensive to make and the price tag reflects that. CZ jewelry carries little to no resale value.

A major benefit of lab grown diamonds is their accessibility. Their price is lower than a natural diamond of similar quality and carat weight.

Sourcing

Man-made from zirconium oxide powder and stabilizers.

Created from ethically sourced diamond seed crystals in weeks or months.

FIND YOUR DREAM RING

Talk to an expert

Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or another piece of memorable, meaningful jewelry, a Helzberg expert can be your guide. We don’t carry cubic zirconia, but we can walk through your options for a diamond or alternative gemstone.

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Frequently asked questions

What is cubic zirconia made of?

CZ a synthetic material made from zirconium oxide.

Does cubic zirconia tarnish?

Metals tarnish, or discolor, when they react to elements in their environment. CZ doesn't tarnish, because it's not made of metal. But with daily wear, it will get scratched and turn cloudy.

Is cubic zirconia real?

It depends on what we mean by "real." CZ is made of real zirconium oxide — which is a synthetic material. And unlike a lab grown diamond — which is a real diamond — cubic zirconia is an imitation.

How can you tell diamonds from cubic zirconia?

Two easy ways to check for yourself: 1. Breathe on both to fog them up, and the diamond will clear up faster. 2. Draw a dot on a piece of paper and put each gemstone flat side down over it. You'll be able to see the dot through the CZ, but not the diamond.

How much is cubic zirconia worth?

CZ gemstones have little to no resale value.