Cubic Zirconia (or CZ) does not have high enough thermal conductivity to pass. So, when you test a CZ with a diamond tester, it will not show as diamond. In fact, distinguishing CZ from diamond is one of the most important uses of thermal conductivity pen testers.
A diamond tester will only test positive for diamond and moissanite. Synthetic moissanite has been used as a gemstone only since the 1990s, so if your piece is from an earlier era, it's definitely a diamond if it passes this test!
Diamond testers are ever-accurate tools. They help identify authentic diamonds at an exact moment. Unfortunately, thermal conductivity testers can be faulty when moissanite is at hand. This is because moissanite and diamond conduct heat at a similar rate.
It can also be used for testing sapphire, ruby, crystal, agate and other stones.
Zircon comes closer to resembling diamonds than any other natural gem. Zircon is made of zirconium silicate, whereas cubic zirconia is made of zirconium oxide. Both of the gemstones are hard to differentiate from each other and are confused as being the same. Zircon is a natural gemstone, unlike the lab, created stone.
Cubic zirconia is a popular diamond alternative. It's affordable, conflict-free, and looks just like a real diamond. The drawbacks are the lack of durability-with daily use, it will lose its shine and sparkle within a few years.
You will see that the diamond has white or silvery sparkles only. However, cubic zirconia will give out colourful sparkles such as red, yellow or blue. Another important differentiating feature between these two stones is that a diamond possesses sharp facets, whereas a zirconium does not have sharp facets.
Are Diamond Testers Accurate. Diamond testers are perhaps the most accurate and reliable instruments to test the authenticity of a diamond. However, testers that measure thermal conductivity cannot tell an authentic diamond from moissanite because these gems are similar in heat transfer.
If you look at both stones under natural light, a diamond gives off a white light (brilliance), while cubic zirconia disperses light into rainbow colors.
Inspect the Diamond
Place the gemstones in a glass of water and watch. If it floats, then it is probably a fake stone. Real diamonds will sink to the bottom of the glass, while cubic zirconia will float to the surface.
Cubic Zirconia
They're so commonly used as a diamond look-a-like that many people will cite that all non-naturally occurring diamonds are fake diamonds are called cubic zirconias. Cubic zirconia is a lab-made synthetic substance composed of zirconium dioxide.
Moissanite is a more enduring gemstone than cubic zirconia, creating it a foremost choice for engagement rings. Because of its high refractive index, the light will be remembered more brightly from its surface due to its arrangement.
UV Light Test
Most diamonds emit a blue-colored glow under UV light, but not all of them. So if your diamond does, you can feel pretty confident that it is a real diamond. However, if your diamond doesn't, that won't necessarily mean it's not a diamond, and you should still get it professionally assessed.
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From a value standpoint, cubic zirconia is worth next to nothing. If you were to try and resell a cubic zirconia engagement ring, you could perhaps retain some value for the setting. The cubic zirconia gemstone—just like other diamond simulants—carries no market value.
Stone Appearance: The D-Z Color Scale
Cubic zirconia is more likely to be completely colorless which is a tell-tale sign it isn't a diamond. Another notable difference is that a diamond will have natural inclusions throughout the stone which is a sure sign it is real.
Over time, cubic zirconia pieces lose their shine. One of the most common reasons they dull and lose their luster is exposure to lotions, makeup, or hairspray. A scratch during cleaning can also make CZ jewelry pieces seem a little cloudier.
Additionally, cubic zirconia lacks the brilliance and fire that a diamond has, meaning light passes through it differently than it would through a diamond. Cubic zirconia also has a higher dispersion rate, which is why it often gives off that rainbow effect that can make it look cheaper.
Cubic zirconia appears white and sparkly just like diamonds. Most casual observers can't tell it's not real just by looking at your ring. But if you place your CZ next to a diamond, you'll notice that it sparkles in a different way. Cubic zirconia emits more rainbow sparkles, instead of a diamond's white sparkles.
All About Cubic Zirconia
They are not synthetic diamonds. They are heavier but not as hard. They are comparable to diamonds because they are clear stones that reflect light well. Cubic zirconia produces more rainbow flashes of light compared to diamonds.
Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is simply manufactured to curate the look of natural diamonds but is not made of the same elements. Since cubic zirconia is more readily available and easier to produce than lab-grown diamonds, it is the most sustainable and affordable gemstone option when making jewelry.
How Long Does Cubic Zirconia Last? Cubic zirconia is considerably less durable than a real diamond. They can be worn daily for between 2 to 3 years and up to 5 years if someone wears them occasionally. As cubic zirconia stones age, they tend to become scratched and cloudy.
Yes, it is safe to shower with cubic zirconia jewelry. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that is used as a popular alternative to diamonds due to its brilliance and affordability. The synthetic gemstone is is strong and durable, making it resistant to scratches and damage over time.