Gift Guide
What Is Cubic Zirconia? A Quick Guide
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What cubic zirconia is, how it compares to diamond, and how to care for it, plus ships as shown North & Pearl CZ pieces to shop.
Material edit
A lab-made stone built to catch the light.
Cubic zirconia is one of the most common stones in everyday fine jewelry, prized for its brightness and its price.
Cubic zirconia, often shortened to CZ, is a lab-created crystal made from zirconium dioxide. It is cut and faceted to resemble a diamond, and it is one of the most widely used diamond simulants in jewelry because it is bright, durable enough for daily wear, and far less expensive than a mined or lab-grown diamond.
This guide explains what cubic zirconia is, how it compares to diamond, and how to keep it looking bright. To shop related pieces, browse rings, earrings, and necklaces.
Quick Answer: What Is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created, diamond-like stone made from zirconium dioxide. It is not a diamond and not a natural mineral; it is manufactured specifically to be cut and faceted like one, at a much lower cost.
Cubic zirconia is created in a lab, not found in the ground like a natural gemstone.
CZ resembles diamond visually but is chemically and physically a different material.
Durability and low cost make CZ a common choice for everyday, wearable jewelry.
Color note
CZ isn't limited to clear stones.
Because it is manufactured, cubic zirconia can be produced in many colors, giving designers more flexibility than natural colored gemstones typically allow.
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Key Takeaways
- Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone made from zirconium dioxide, not a natural mineral.
- It is designed to resemble a diamond visually but is a different material chemically and physically.
- CZ is durable enough for everyday wear and significantly less expensive than diamond.
- Because it's manufactured, CZ is available in many colors and cuts.
- Check the product page for the specific stone and setting details of any piece before ordering.
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Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond
| Cubic Zirconia | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Lab-created | Mined or lab-grown |
| Material | Zirconium dioxide | Crystallized carbon |
| Cost | Low | Significantly higher |
| Everyday look | Bright, similar visual sparkle | Bright, with distinct optical properties |
Cubic zirconia and diamond can look similar to the eye at typical jewelry-shopping distance, which is exactly why CZ became such a popular diamond alternative. A jeweler with the right tools can distinguish them, but for everyday fine jewelry, CZ offers a comparable look at a fraction of the price.
How to Care for Cubic Zirconia
Clean It Gently
Wipe cubic zirconia jewelry with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, and let the piece air dry before storing it.
Store It Separately
Store CZ pieces separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches, since stones and settings can rub against harder metals in a jewelry box.
Remove It Before Rough Activity
Take CZ jewelry off before swimming, exercising, or cleaning, since prolonged exposure to water, chlorine, and cleaning products can dull the setting over time.
Wondering how CZ compares with costly natural gems? See the rarest and most expensive birthstones for how rarity and demand drive gem prices.
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CZ pieces to shop
CZ Pave Hoop Earrings A classic pave hoop that shows off CZ's everyday sparkle. $36.00 View piece Blue CZ Cluster Necklace A colored-CZ example showing the material's design flexibility. $44.00 View piece 
Double Row CZ Tennis Bracelet A continuous line of CZ stones for everyday sparkle. $48.00 View piece Product pages are the source of truth for the specific stone, setting, and care details of each piece.
FAQ
Is cubic zirconia a real stone?
It is a real, lab-created crystal, but it is not a diamond and not a natural mineral pulled from the earth.
Can you tell cubic zirconia from a diamond by looking at it?
At typical viewing distance, the two can look similar. A jeweler using specialized tools can identify differences in weight, heat conductivity, and optical properties.
Does cubic zirconia lose its sparkle over time?
With gentle care, cleaning, and proper storage, CZ jewelry can maintain its brightness well. Avoiding harsh chemicals and rough wear helps it stay looking its best.
Is cubic zirconia a good choice for everyday jewelry?
Yes. Its durability and affordability make it a popular choice for pieces meant to be worn often rather than saved for rare occasions.
Related Guides
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Shop RingsFinal Buying Note
Cubic zirconia gives you a bright, diamond-like look at an everyday price. Check each product page for the specific stone and setting details before you buy.
