Cubic Zirconia-What Is It? Cubic zirconia is classified as a diamond simulant - a stone that looks similar to natural diamonds, but is made of different material. Natural and lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon, while cubic zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).
Cubic zirconia is a manmade mineral made of zirconium dioxide. CZs can appear to be very like diamonds, but they have very different mineral structures. Cubic zirconias have been found in nature in small amounts, but the vast majority used in the jewelry are man-made in a lab.
Does Cubic Zirconia Shine Like a Diamond? No, cubic zirconia does not shine with the same brilliance as a diamond. Diamonds shine with pure white light, while CZ diamonds give off rainbow colors. They are also more prone to becoming dull and scratched over time, and are thus not the best option for daily wear.
What Is Moissanite? Moissanite is an interesting gemstone, because it is both synthetic, and a diamond simulant. It is not, however, a synthetic diamond. It is a diamond simulant because it is made to look like a diamond.
Moissanite is harder and more durable than cubic zirconia, so it is less likely to chip and crack when in a ring setting. Choose cubic zirconia if you are shopping for earrings or a pendant, as this type of jewelry is less likely to be damaged. People are less likely to get a close-up look at earrings or pendants.
Moissanite Arguably the best faux diamond in existence, moissanite comprises silicon carbide, which means it is almost of the same hardness as a natural diamond. It also has reasonable colorlessness, although the glow is far more colorful than what you would see in a real diamond.
Unlike faux diamonds and other gemstones, moissanite is also an effective conductor of heat. For this reason, when using a diamond tester that detects thermal conductivity, moissanite will pass as a diamond.
Moissanite. Currently, the most sought-after fake diamond stone name in the industry is the moissanite. Moissanite has developed a reputation for being the best alternative to natural diamonds since they can rival them in brilliance.
Moissanites or white sapphires are most comparable to a diamond. While there are visible differences, these gems will look the closest to a diamond while offering a more affordable price. These stones are also high on the Mohs scale of relative hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear.
If you visit any jewellery shop and find it difficult to differentiate between these stones, you should observe them in the brightest light. 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.
Can CZ pass a diamond tester? No. 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.
Here, the moissanite is the clear winner. Mineral hardness is judged by the Mohs scale. At the very top of the scale is diamond, which is a perfect 10. However, moissanite comes in quite close at 9.25.
Unlike cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystals can only be cut in a small number of specific ways and are much softer. They don't reflect the light well and only score a 1.5 rating on the refraction index so there's no comparison with cubic zirconia and Swarovski crystals have indeed fallen out of fashion.
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.
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.
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.
Moissanite. In the last few years, moissanite has become one of the most popular diamond alternatives, and it's not hard to see why. Not only does moissanite strongly resemble a diamond, but they come in at a fraction of the price of the latter, and they are almost as durable.
Swarovski Zirconia is a manufactured gemstone made from the highest quality materials. This gem is unique among diamond simulants as each is cut to exacting standards. Swarovski developed the Pure Brilliance Cut under the guidelines set forth for diamonds by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The differences between Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds cannot be seen with the naked eye. Natural Diamonds have tiny amounts of nitrogen, while Lab Grown Diamonds have no nitrogen. This is actually one of the signifiers gemologists use to identify if a diamond is lab grown or natural.
Diamonique is the brand name used by television shopping network QVC for their cubic zirconia simulated colorless diamond, simulated colored diamond, and simulated colored gemstone jewelry (cubic zirconia is a common type of gemstone substitute).
First, soak your CZ jewelry in warm water and detergent and let it sit for at least 2 minutes. Then use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cosmetic brush to scrub the jewelry piece until an even sparkle reappears. Remember to rinse and dry the jewelry piece thoroughly to avoid leaving a cloudy residue on your jewelry.
Cushion: Ranking number one as the most affordable diamond shape, cushion cut diamonds are a great choice for an elegant yet price conscious purchase.
Yes! Moissanite is among the most ethical, sustainable engagement ring choices out there. This is because Moissanite is a man made stone. So, no mining is needed to give you a perfectly brilliant Moissanite.
Moissanite is cheaper than diamonds because it is created in a lab. Rather than going through countless hands and endless red tape, it is created on-demand in the exact quantity, quality, and location that the company requests. This is a tremendous cost-savings for jewellery shops and brands.
They're Way Too Shiny. Moissanite has a crazy amount of sparkle. Its refractive index is higher than a natural diamond's, producing more shine and a special kind of fiery rainbow brilliance. While some people go crazy for these sparkles, others turn up their noses at them.