Cubic Zirconia

Cubic Zirconia

As Good As Diamonds!!!

Cubic Zirconias, often referred to as CZ, are the most successful simulated diamond. They are more reflective than glass, rhinestone, or crystal and sparkle much more brilliantly.

They are fully faceted synthetic stones which replicate the characteristics of a Diamond more closely than any other gem material; e.g. their refraction, hardness, and specific gravity. CZ are very hard to distinguish from diamond. Even trained jewellers cannot tell the difference between a CZ and a Diamond with the naked eye. The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors. There are very few substances on earth harder than CZ. With a hardness rating of 8.5, CZ comes close to matching diamond's perfect 10.

CZ are often categorised as synthetic Gemstones. CZ outweigh equivalent sized Diamonds by 65% - 75%. As such, a CZ's size is referred to in carats only as in comparison to diamonds. CZ is more accurately measured in millimeters, referring to the diameter. Because of its low cost, durability, and close visual likeness to diamond, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most gemologically and economically important diamond simulant since 1976.

CZ In a Nutshell

• most successful simulated diamond. Almost impossible to tell difference with naked eye.
• almost as hard as diamonds
• optically flawless
• more shine than crystals, rhinestones, glass
• measured in carats only in comparison with diamonds
• usually measure in millimeters (diameter)

Advantages of CZ over Diamonds

Well really! Diamonds are a girl's best friend. But perhaps a girl is allowed to have more than one best friend ... and CZ is definitely a top candidate for that position!

• CZ can come in many dazzling colours
• Cubic Zirconia is also flawless, whereas diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions.
• And CZs are priced much lower than diamonds!!
• The finest CZ's are perfect in clarity. The finest CZ is cut to exacting tolerances, according to the proportions demanded in fine diamond cutting. Finely cut CZ's will have a polished girdle and more fire.
• CZ has slightly less brilliance or sparkle than a diamond and more fire or flashes of color.

Caring for your CZ

Avoid touching CZ stones; the natural oils on fingers can leave a film that dulls the brilliance.

However CZ gemstones can be cleaned with any conventional jewelry cleaner or detergent (preferably without any ammonia). Due to its hardness and durability, you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil also. Ultra sonic jewelry cleaners may also be used on CZ and will not damage the stone. However, when using soaps or detergents to clean CZ, one should wipe the jewelry dry thoroughly to avoid residue from the soap leaving a film that will dull the brilliance of the stone. Cubic Zirconia should be cleaned frequently to remove oils from skin that also dull the brilliance of the gem.