When shopping for diamond jewellery, one question often arises: what’s the difference between a natural diamond and cubic zirconia?
While both gems sparkle beautifully, they are vastly different in terms of composition, cost, and durability.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences and help you make an informed choice for your next purchase of jewellery.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years, under extreme heat and pressure.
These gemstones are admired for their brilliance, rarity, and unparalleled durability, making them the traditional choice for engagement rings and other fine diamond jewellery.
What Is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It is created in a lab and designed to mimic the appearance of a diamond.
While cubic zirconia shares some visual similarities with diamonds, there are significant differences in terms of quality and longevity.
Key Differences Between Natural Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia
1. Brilliance and Sparkle: Natural diamonds reflect light uniquely, creating a combination of brilliance (white light) and fire (coloured light) that is highly sought after. Cubic zirconia, while sparkling in its own right, has less fire and brilliance compared to diamonds, often appearing "too perfect" or glassy in certain lighting.
2. Durability: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance, with a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs scale.
This makes them extremely resistant to scratches, perfect for everyday wear. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, has a hardness rating of 8-8.5, meaning it is more prone to scratches and wear over time, which can dull its appearance.
3. Cost: One of the biggest advantages of cubic zirconia is its price. It is significantly cheaper than natural diamonds, making it an affordable alternative for those looking for a temporary solution or budget-friendly jewellery.
However, this lower cost comes at the expense of durability and value retention.
4. Weight: Cubic zirconia is denser than diamonds, meaning that for the same size, a CZ stone will weigh more than a diamond. This can be a tell-tale sign when comparing the two side by side.
5. Long-Term Value: Natural diamonds tend to retain or even increase their value over time due to their rarity and demand.