Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is zirconium oxide (ZrO2), a mineral that is extremely rare in nature but is widely synthesized for use as a diamond simulant. The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors.

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. Its main competition as a synthetic gemstone is the more recently cultivated material simulated moissanite.

2. The Best Diamond Simulant

CZ's place as the most realistic diamond simulant ever produced has made it into one of the best selling "gemstones". Unfortunately, because it is inexpensive, many manufacturers have churned it out in cheap, and often nasty looking, jewellery, usually in 9 carat gold. Most consumers buying a CZ ring have bought it as a diamond substitute, and believe that it looks like a real diamond ring. A good quality diamond of reasonable size would never be mounted in 9 carat gold, or even 14 carat. Real diamond rings are invariably mounted in 18 carat gold, sometimes platinum. To create a ring or other article of jewellery which looks realistically like diamond jewellery, it is necessary to use a real diamond mount, and to have the stones properly set, rather than skimp on the quality of the setting work.

If CZ's are mounted in real, high quality, diamond mounts, then they are impossible to tell apart from diamonds using the naked eye, and without instruments.

3.CZ is Beautiful

we believe that CZ possesses its own beauty and attraction,and our workshop have designed and created sundry nude CZ which were intended to exist as a jewel in their own styles, and not meant to be mistaken for diamond. We still strongly believe that this is not only a logical and sensible, but also a creative view.also wish it's a kind of inspiration for a originative jewelry stylist!

4. Durability

CZ is quite hard, and retains it sparkle and polish well. It should not be allowed to rub against other gemstones, particularly diamond, because this will cause wear and scratching. This should be commonsense, and applies equally to all other gemstones. Wearing two diamond rings next to each other in such a way that the stones can come into contact with each other will cause wear and damage to both stones. Because diamond is many times harder than other gemstones, it will inflict greater wear and damage on other stones.

5. CZ versus Diamond

Cubic zirconia is so optically close to diamond that only a trained eye can easily differentiate the two. There are a few key features of CZ which distinguish it from diamond, some observable only under the microscope or loupe. For example:

Dispersion. With a dispersive power greater than diamond (0.060 vs. 0.044) the more prismatic fire of CZ can be seen by even an untrained eye.

Hardness. CZ has an 8.5 to 9.0 on the Mohs' hardness scale vs. a rating of 10 for diamonds.

Specific gravity. CZs are heavyweights in comparison to diamonds; a CZ will weigh about 1.7 times more than a diamond of equivalent size. Obviously, this difference is only useful when examining loose stones.

Flaws. Contemporary production of cubic zirconia is virtually flawless, whereas most diamonds have some sort of defect, be it a feather, included crystal, or perhaps a remnant of an original crystal face (e.g. trigons).

Refractive index. CZ has a refractive index of 2.176, compared to a diamond's 2.417.

Cut. Under close inspection with a loupe, the facet shapes of some CZs appear different from diamonds.

In theory, many gems (such as CZs and diamonds) look best when the star facet, crown main facets, and upper girdle facets do not quite meet. (Per Step 11 of editor's note 36 to Marcel Tolkowsky's Diamond Design.) Diamond has such a high refractive index that having these facets meet at a single point does not cause much loss of fire or reflection. Diamonds normally have these facets meet at a point, because that is more symmetrical and reflects well on the cutter's precision. On the other hand, CZ has a considerably lower refractive index than diamond. CZs are often cut with 6-sided crown main facets, so that the star facets do not touch the upper girdle facets. This optimizes the brilliance and fire of the CZs.

The optimum angle of the main crown facets is steeper for diamond than for CZ. (According to Tolkowsky's model of the crown, for a given pavilion angle and girdle thickness). CZs are often cut so that the crown main facets do not touch the girdle. This allows the CZs to have a shallower crown angle, while still having the same crown height as a diamond with a similar cut.

Tip: ***Caring for Cubic Zirconia***

Cubic Zirconia can be cleaned with any conventional jewelry cleaner or detergent. With such a high hardness and durability, you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil also. Ultra clean jewelry cleaners may also be used on CZ and will not damage the stone. However, when using 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.