| Although at one time cubic zirconia was | | | | |
| looked down upon as a "fake" diamond, today | | | | Like diamonds, loose cubic zirconia stones |
| the simulated stones are appreciated for | | | | are rated according to quality. Cubic |
| their own characteristics and beauty. Still, | | | | zirconia AAAAA are the best quality simulated |
| many people do not have a thorough | | | | stones, while CZ AAA are next, followed by |
| understanding of these synthetic gems. Here | | | | the A-grade cubic zirconia. |
| are answers to some common questions. | | | | |
| | | | Are Cubic Zirconia Stones Available in the |
| What is Cubic Zirconia? | | | | Same Cuts as Diamonds? |
| | | | |
| Loose cubic zirconia (also called CZ stones) | | | | Cubic zirconia stones are cut so that they |
| are lab created gems. Cubic zirconia is found | | | | have the same facets and proportions as |
| in nature, but it is extremely rare and the | | | | diamonds. The most classic cut of both |
| chemical properties of natural cubic zirconia | | | | diamonds and CZ stones is the round |
| are slightly different than those of | | | | brilliant, with 58 facets and the ability to |
| synthetic gems. The simulated stones are made | | | | reflect light. Stones with a marquis cut are |
| from a powder that is heated to a very high | | | | typically twice as long as they are wide and |
| temperature, and then cooled in a controlled | | | | have a point on each end. A pear shaped cut |
| environment so that flawless crystals form. | | | | resembles a teardrop combines the faceted |
| | | | brilliant cut of a round stone with the |
| How are Cubic Zirconia Stones Different from | | | | elongated look of a marquis stone. Similarly, |
| Diamonds? | | | | the oval cut has the sparkle of a round |
| | | | brilliant, but is oval rather than round. The |
| There are several differences, the most | | | | octagon cut, also known as the emerald cut, |
| notable of which is that diamonds are found | | | | has stepping stone facets that reflect light |
| in nature whereas cubic zirconia used for | | | | more subtly. A square cut is sometimes called |
| jewelry is man-made. Diamonds rate 10 on the | | | | a princess cut, and has pointed corners. |
| Mohs scale of hardness (the highest rating), | | | | |
| whereas cubic zirconia is generally rated at | | | | How is Loose Cubic Zirconia Used? |
| 8.5 on the hardness scale. CZ stones are | | | | |
| denser and thus heavier than diamonds. When | | | | Jewelry makers buy loose cubic zirconia at |
| it comes to quality, however, these synthetic | | | | wholesale prices, and use a variety of |
| gems leap ahead of the pack. Whereas most | | | | materials to transform the synthetic gems |
| diamonds have what are called inclusions | | | | into beautiful accessories. CZ stones are |
| (flaws), the best cubic zirconia stones are | | | | used in engagement rings, wedding rings, |
| flawless. Similarly, colorless diamonds are | | | | earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, |
| very rare, whereas the lab created gems are | | | | solitaire rings, and even ankle bracelets. |
| perfectly colorless (although color can be | | | | Colored cubic zirconia is also used in a |
| added during the manufacturing process). | | | | variety of fashion jewelry, including |
| | | | earrings and as side stones in rings. |
| Are all Cubic Zirconia Stones the Same | | | | Settings are often made from 14-karat gold, |
| Quality? | | | | 18-karat gold, sterling silver, or platinum. |