Why Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Is A Great Alternative To Diamond Jewelry?

Did you know that one of the largest cubic zirconia stones ever built weighs nearly 6,000 carats? Called The Dare Devil, the stone is a pink salmon color.

Icon Marilyn Monroe may have helped make diamonds a popular piece of jewelry with her song 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend,' but there are other options that make good diamond substitutes as well.

Cubic zirconia is the top choice for diamond replacement jewelry, and in this guide, we'll tell you why. Read more to learn more about cubic zirconia vs. diamond comparison.

Cubic zirconia vs. diamond

One of the main differences between cubic zirconia and diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds are found and mined on earth. Cubic zirconia is a man-made product from a laboratory. 

Diamonds are made from compressed carbon crystals formed under high temperatures and pressure. Cubic zirconia comes from a synthetic material called zirconium dioxide. Cubic zirconia is also 55% heavier than natural diamonds. 

Because cubic zirconia stones are lab-created, they can be engineered to be nearly flawless. They may resemble natural diamonds in color and appearance. In some ways, cubic zirconia can even surpass the clarity and sparkle qualities of natural diamonds.

While they may often be overlooked as fake or imitation diamonds, the ability of cubic zirconia to mimic diamonds has a number of important characteristics.

Cubic zirconia is budget friendly

Although beautiful, diamonds can be very expensive. Even a 0.25-carat diamond can fetch between $200 and $1,000. Due to the 4 Cs of diamond grading, diamond prices can fluctuate significantly.

The 4 Cs consider four aspects that determine the overall value of a diamond. these are:

Cut – the shape and facets of the diamond

Color - presence/absence of brown or yellow pigment

Clarity - lack of visible surface defects/magnified internal defects

Carat – the size and total carat weight of the diamond

The number of diamonds used also affects the price, as more diamonds equals a higher cost.

The ideal diamonds are flawless or internally flawless, meaning they are free of markings and other inclusions. They also feature a crisp bright white, allow more light to pass through, and contain multiple faces for refracting light.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is easier on your wallet. You can easily pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a 1-carat diamond, and you can get a 1-carat cubic zirconia stone for as little as $10 to $20. This means you can get all the character and sparkle of a diamond that won't break the bank.

Compared to the brilliance of diamonds, cubic zirconia has more sparkle and fire. Cubic zirconia also produces more stunning colored sparkles. There is no way to distinguish cubic zirconia from a natural diamond unless a professional jeweler examines it up close.

Since it's a more cost-effective option than diamonds, you can complement your jewelry accessories wardrobe with more stunning pieces, like dazzling cubic zirconia earrings.

You can afford earrings to match everyday outfits and special occasions. Change your look and style anytime. From droplets to pendants and cubic zirconia stud earrings, cubic zirconia can help you elevate your style at a fraction of the cost of expensive diamonds. 

Cubic zircon is environmentally friendly and socially conscious

There have been concerns about how diamonds are mined in certain parts of the world. These environmental and moral implications can be a problem for some who do not want to fuel conflict. 

Blood diamonds are diamonds mined in war-torn regions and used to fund warlord operations. Conditions for miners are unsafe, and they may even use forced child labor. Digging the earth is also an invasive and expensive process.

There are also concerns about the sustainability of diamonds over time and the damage to the natural environment surrounding these mines caused by the mining process. People and animals in the area may be affected by the air and water quality from diamond mining.

Artificial cubic zirconia is produced in a laboratory to create an odorless, colorless, and virtually flawless diamond-like gemstone. For socially conscious individuals, the origin of cubic zirconia is widely welcomed as it does not involve aggressive mining strategies. You can also be sure that these created stones are not involved in any conflict. 

What you get is a sparkling stone that provides the allure of a diamond without any stigma. Cubic zirconia jewelry is an excellent diamond substitute.

Cubic zirconia is a safer alternative to diamonds

Owning a large sparkling diamond may be the envy of all who see your sparkling rocks. It can also make you a target.