Cubic Zirconia vs Lab Diamond: Key Differences
If you’re a fan of the sparkle and beauty of diamond jewelry but want to stick to your budget, you’re in luck! There are two affordable options to think about for your wedding: cubic zirconia and lab grown diamonds. But what’s the real difference between these sparkling gems? Specifically, what is the difference between cubic zirconia and diamonds? Don’t worry!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cubic zirconia and lab created diamonds, helping you make the best choice for your big day.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia, or CZ for short, is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It was first discovered in its natural form back in 1937, but it wasn't until the 1970s that scientists figured out how to create high-quality CZ in labs. Since then, it’s become super popular as a diamond substitute, thanks to how closely it resembles diamonds and its much lower price tag.
While CZ looks stunning and can mimic a diamond's sparkle, it’s important to remember that it’s a diamond simulant-basically a "fake" diamond. So, while you get that gorgeous shine and affordability, it doesn’t have the same properties or value as a real diamond.
You’ll find CZ in all sorts of jewelry, like engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and trendy accessories. Its brilliance and budget-friendly nature make it a great choice for anyone wanting to add some glam to their collection without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for something to wear every day or for a special occasion, cubic zirconia is a stunning option that lets you shine bright without overspending!
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are diamonds grown in a lab using advanced technology that replicates the natural process of how diamonds are formed. Lab grown diamonds are also known as cultured diamonds.
Lab diamonds allow consumers to buy high-quality, beautiful jewelry at a much lower price and address the environmental impact of diamond mining.
These are grown using two methods: High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). The HPHT method involves placing a diamond seed in carbon and subjecting it to extreme pressure and heat, just like mined diamond formation.
In contrast, the CVD method places a diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas which is ionized to deposit carbon atoms onto the seed, layer by layer. Both methods produce diamonds with the same atomic structure as natural diamonds, a crystal lattice of carbon atoms bonded tetrahedrally which gives them their hardness and optical properties.
Lab grown diamonds take 6 to 10 weeks to grow, depending on temperature, pressure, gas composition, and seed quality. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable from their mined counterparts without specialized equipment.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Composition:
Lab Grown Diamonds
These are pure carbon just like natural diamonds! Made using high-pressure high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. You can’t tell them apart chemically from mined diamonds.
Cubic Zirconia
Now cubic zirconia is different. It’s made from zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) and doesn’t contain any carbon, giving it a different structure. This affects how it looks and feels compared to diamonds.
Hardness:
- Lab Grown Diamonds: 10 on the Mohs scale. The hardest material in the world! They can’t be scratched by anything except another diamond.
- Cubic Zirconia: 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale. Still hard and durable but more prone to scratches and wear over time compared to diamonds.
Brilliance and Fire:
Lab Grown Diamonds
When we talk about brilliance, we mean the white light that reflects off the diamond’s surface, and fire refers to how that light disperses into different colors. Completely flawless diamonds are extremely rare, making them highly valuable. Lab grown diamonds shine bright with high brilliance and fire, thanks to their amazing light dispersion and refractive properties—just like natural diamonds.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia shines too, but it often has a more “rainbow-like” sparkle. That’s because it disperses light at a higher rate than diamonds, which can make its sparkle come off as a bit less natural.
Refractive Index
Lab Grown Diamonds
The refractive index tells us how much light bends when it enters a material. Lab grown diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42, which boosts their brilliance and sparkle.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia has a lower refractive index of 2.15-2.18, so its sparkle is a bit different—less intense and more colorful compared to diamonds.
Appearance and Aesthetics
Lab grown diamonds and cubic zirconia both look amazing, but they have their differences. Lab grown diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds; in fact, they are real diamonds, exhibiting the same clarity, color, and breathtaking sparkle due to their high refractive index. You can even find them in various colors, from colorless to fancy shades like blue and pink, and they often have fewer inclusions and blemishes because they're made in a controlled setting.
On the flip side, cubic zirconia, which is made from zirconium dioxide, has a more “glassy” look. It shines brightly and can have a fun “rainbow-like” effect because it disperses light differently. It’s usually flawless and comes in lots of colors, making it a beautiful and budget-friendly option. Just keep in mind that its sparkle can feel a bit less natural compared to diamonds.
Cost Comparison
Cubic Zirconia
So, let’s talk about cubic zirconia (CZ). It’s super affordable, with a 1.00 carat usually priced between $5 and $30. That’s why it’s a go-to for fashion jewelry and casual pieces. But, there’s a catch. CZ isn’t as durable as diamonds—it can scratch and cloud over time. So, while it’s a great pick for those on a budget, it doesn’t hold its value in the long run.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Now, lab grown diamonds are a different story. They cost more than cubic zirconia but are still a lot cheaper than natural diamonds. A 1.00 carat lab grown diamond typically ranges from $500 to $1,000.
The cool part? The price reflects their quality and the tech that goes into making them. That’s why lab grown diamonds are often chosen for engagement rings and fine jewelry—they're a great investment and are made ethically.
Long-term Value and Investment Considerations
If you’re thinking about long-term value, lab grown diamonds are the better investment compared to CZ. They keep their brilliance and durability, making them perfect for heirloom pieces. Plus, they have some resale value, although not as much as natural diamonds.
On the other side, cubic zirconia doesn’t have resale potential and might lose its shine over time. So, while CZ is a budget-friendly option for the short term, lab grown diamonds are where you’ll find better long-term value and investment potential.
Durability and Maintenance
Cubic Zirconia
Durability
Cubic zirconia is pretty durable, but it doesn't quite match diamonds. It ranks around 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, so it can get scratched and worn down over time, especially if you wear it every day.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your CZ looking great, give it a regular clean with some mild soap and water, and steer clear of harsh chemicals. It’s a good idea to store it separately to avoid scratches.
Long-Term Performance
- Wear and Tear: With occasional wear, CZ can last up to 10 years, but if you wear it daily, you might only get 3-5 years out of it.
- Color Stability: Over time, CZ can get cloudy or discolored due to scratches and exposure to oils and chemicals.
- Restoration Techniques: If your CZ starts looking worn, you can polish it to bring back some of its shine, but deep scratches might be tough to fix.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Durability
Lab grown diamonds are just like natural diamonds when it comes to hardness and durability, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. They’re super resistant to scratches and damage.
Maintenance Tips
For cleaning, just use a soft brush and some mild detergent. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for these diamonds too. A regular professional cleaning can help keep them sparkling.
Long-Term Performance
- Aging Process: Lab grown diamonds don’t change over time; they hold onto their brilliance and structural integrity forever.
- Environmental Resilience: They’re also highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and UV light, just like their natural counterparts.
- Maintenance Requirements: You don’t need to do much to maintain them. Just a regular clean and the occasional professional inspection will keep them looking amazing!
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Lab Grown Diamonds
When it comes to ethical and environmental considerations, many consumers prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing. Lab grown diamonds are considered to be more sustainable than natural diamonds. While they do use some energy to produce, it’s less than what’s needed to mine natural diamonds.
Technologies like CVD and HPHT make these diamonds possible, which while they do use a fair amount of energy, have a smaller carbon footprint. And traceability is key; lab grown diamonds can be tracked more easily because they are grown in controlled environments. But full transparency in the supply chain is tough.
Luckily, blockchain and other tracking methods are being developed to give consumers information about where their diamonds come from. Overall lab grown diamonds are favored for their look and transparency and sustainability.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that avoids all the ethical issues of diamond mining. It has a low environmental impact so is a great option for eco-conscious shoppers. But CZ doesn’t have the same prestige or long-term value as diamonds, whether natural or lab grown. While both lab grown diamonds and CZ are more ethical than mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are preferred for their look, transparency, and sustainability.
Certification and Quality Assurance
Lab Grown Diamonds
Certification and quality assurance are crucial in the gemstone market, as they significantly impact consumer trust and resale value. For lab grown diamonds, obtaining certification from reputable gemological labs like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) provides essential information on the diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
These certifications instill confidence in buyers regarding the diamond’s authenticity and quality, thereby building trust in their purchase. Certified lab grown diamonds often have a higher resale value than uncertified ones, as the certification serves as proof of the diamond’s quality and characteristics. This transparency is vital for both buyers and sellers, ensuring the diamond’s value is accurately represented.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
In contrast, cubic zirconia (CZ) typically does not come with the same level of certification. Known as a diamond simulant, CZ’s lower cost and synthetic nature make it less likely to be certified by major gemological institutes. Consequently, CZ usually lacks resale value and is primarily used in fashion jewelry rather than as an investment piece.
In summary, certification significantly enhances consumer trust by assuring quality and authenticity, which, in turn, helps increase the resale value of lab grown diamonds.
Market Perception and Resale Value
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is often seen as a budget-friendly alternative to diamonds. When it comes to resale, CZ doesn’t hold any value. Jewelers usually won’t buy back CZ pieces, so it’s often treated as a disposable option for temporary or costume wear.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds have taken off lately, especially with folks who care about the environment and ethical choices. They’re just like natural diamonds in every way—chemically and physically—but they’re made in a controlled setting. Because of this, more and more people are leaning towards lab grown diamonds for things like engagement rings and fancy jewelry.
However, it's worth noting that they usually don’t hold their value as well as natural diamonds when it's time to resell. The second-hand market for lab grown diamonds is still finding its feet, so you might find them going for a fraction of what they originally cost.
Trends in Consumer Preferences and Market Acceptance
Consumer preferences are shifting towards more sustainable and ethical choices these days, and that’s great news for lab grown diamonds! People see them as a solid alternative to natural diamonds since they look just as good but come at a lower price.
Here is the Brief Differentiation between Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia
| Feature | Lab-Grown Diamonds | Cubic Zirconium |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Lab-grown diamonds are composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, identical to natural diamonds. | Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material made up of zirconium and oxygen (ZrO2). Stabilized with yttrium oxide to maintain a cubic crystal shape. |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 8.5 on the Mohs scale |
| Dispersion | Excellent (high) | Good (moderate) |
| Refractive Index | 2.417 - 2.468 | 2.15 - 2.18 |
| Purity | Graded from Flawless (F1) to Included (I3) based on clarity and inclusions. | CZ is rated on a quality scale from A (1A) to AAAAA (5A), with AAAAA being the highest quality. CZ typically has no inclusions but lacks the durability of diamonds. |
| Certification | Can be certified by gemological institutes (e.g., GIA, IGI). | Typically not certified. |
When to Choose Lab Grown Diamond vs Cubic Zirconia
Choosing between cubic zirconia (CZ) and lab grown diamonds depends on budget, purpose and preference. Here are some key points to consider:
Budget
Cubic Zirconia is much cheaper, $5-$30 per carat, lab grown diamonds are more expensive $500-$1,000 per carat.
Appearance
Cubic Zirconia looks like a diamond but lacks the brilliance and fire, it looks more glassy. Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds, same brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
Durability
Cubic Zirconia is softer, 8-8.5 Mohs, more prone to scratches. Lab grown diamonds are extremely durable, 10 Mohs, same as natural diamonds.
Creation Process
Cubic Zirconia is made from zirconium dioxide in a controlled environment, lab grown diamonds are made using high pressure high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, same as natural diamond formation.
Market Perception
Cubic Zirconia is seen as a budget option, used in fashion jewelry. Lab grown diamonds are seen as real diamonds and are gaining popularity for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Ethical Considerations
Both are ethically produced, with minimal environmental impact for cubic zirconia stone and lab grown diamonds, and no ethical issues with mined diamonds.
When to Choose
Cubic Zirconia for budget-conscious buyers, casual jewelry or temporary pieces, lab grown diamonds for special occasions like engagements and weddings, where you want the authenticity and durability of a real diamond.
By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and values.
Conclusion
Choosing between lab grown and cubic zirconia stones boils down to what you like, your budget, and what matters to you. Each option has its perks and downsides, making them great for different uses and lifestyles. By knowing the main differences and thinking about what’s important to you, you can make a choice that fits your needs.
If you want some personalized advice on picking the perfect gemstone for your jewelry, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts! We’re here to help you find the ideal piece that matches your style and values.
