So let’s take a closer look at the ongoing cubic zirconia vs. diamonds debate. From explaining just what cubic zirconia and diamonds are, to the pros and cons of each stone as well as how much they are worth, we will equip you with everything you need to know.
WHAT IS A CUBIC ZIRCONIA?
Commonly abbreviated to CZ, cubic zirconia is one of the most popular diamond alternatives on the market as it bears a strong resemblance to diamonds. Naturally occurring cubic zirconia is extremely rare; therefore cubic zirconia utilized in jewellery is manmade.
Cubic zirconia’s name comes from its cubic crystal symmetry and chemical composition of zirconium oxide. Cubic zirconia was first made in 1929 and was used for laser technology. It was only during the late 1970s that cubic zirconia began to be used in jewellery. Cubic zirconia is a versatile synthetic gemstone available in an array of colours and can be cut into any diamond shape.
WHAT IS A DIAMOND?
We have all heard that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and are the must-have stone for engagement rings, but just what are diamonds? Diamonds are carbon that has been exposed to extreme pressure, this can occur naturally or artificially through a variety of techniques.
Natural diamonds form when carbon is exposed to extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth. Fancy coloured diamonds get their colour from additional minerals present during the formation process, such as nitrogen for yellow and boron for blue. In this environment, carbon atoms form a rigid bond with each other, resulting in diamond’s outstanding durability. Deep-source volcanic eruptions then bring the diamond to the earth’s surface through cracks in the earth called Kimberlite pipes.
Lab made diamonds are also made of carbon atoms and forms with great heat and pressure in a controlled environment. Naturally formed diamonds can also receive artificial treatments to enhance their clarity and colour. When buying a diamond, jewellers should disclose if the diamond received any treatments as this affects the value of the stone. These are typically performed to improve the diamond’s:
• Clarity: through laser drilling or fracture filling
• Colour: through irradiation, annealing, HPHT or coatings
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CUBIC ZIRCONIA VS DIAMOND
Now that we know what cubic zirconia and diamonds are, let’s discuss their pros and cons.
Cubic Zirconia Pros:
• Much cheaper than diamonds, CZs cost a fraction of a natural diamond
• Strongly resembles diamonds
• Available in any colour or diamond cut
• Flawless clarity
Cubic Zirconia Cons:
• Softer than diamonds at an 8-8.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and therefore more prone to damage
• Will become cloudy over time because of how easily it is scratched
• Needs to be replaced every five to ten years (on average) due to wear and tear
• Not rare and therefore has little to no value
Diamond Pros:
• Incredibly durable at a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds are the hardest substance on earth
• When well cut, diamonds provide great brilliance and sparkle
• Can receive artificial treatments to improve colour and clarity
• More valuable and retains its value better than cubic zirconia
• Diamonds are forever and should not need replacing
Diamond Cons:
• Much more expensive than cubic zirconia
• Requires an understanding of the 4C’s of diamond grading to pick your ideal stone
An important aspect of the cubic zirconia vs. diamond debate is the question of sustainability. While there are arguments to be made for cz’s being more eco friendly than diamonds, it is still debatable. The environmental damages caused by mining are well known, however lab grown gems require a huge amount of energy to manufacture. Now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of cubic zirconia vs. diamonds, you can confidently pick your favourite stone.
WHAT ARE CUBIC ZIRCONIA AND DIAMONDS WORTH?
One of the most important factors in the cubic zirconia vs. diamonds debate is how much these stones are worth. A quick search online will show you that there is a massive price difference between the two stones. A one carat cubic zirconia of any colour will only cost you around R100, while a nice white one carat natural diamond will be tens of thousands of Rands. As for fancy coloured diamonds, a one carat fancy red diamond, for example, can cost millions of US dollars.
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