Jewellery School
Bevilles Jewellery School 101 is your guide to diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals.
Cubic Zirconia 101
A simple guide to understanding cubic zirconia (CZ), how it compares with diamonds, moissanite and Swarovski crystals, and what it means for value and durability.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone and a popular diamond imitation, created to replicate the look of a diamond at a more accessible price.
While CZ and diamonds can look similar, they are made from completely different materials:
- CZ: Zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂)
- Diamond: Crystallised carbon
- Both have a cubic crystal structure, which contributes to their similar appearance.
- CZ is lab-created, offering a consistent, brilliant and affordable alternative to diamond.
In short: CZ looks like a diamond, but it is not a diamond—its composition, creation process and physical properties are different.
Understanding Fire, Brilliance & Sparkle
Appearance Comparison
Cubic zirconia (CZ) and diamonds can look remarkably similar, making them difficult to tell apart with the naked eye. The key difference is how they interact with light.
- Fire refers to the colourful, rainbow-like flashes seen when light passes through a gemstone.
- Brilliance refers to the white light reflected back from the stone.
- Sparkle is the overall visual effect created as the stone moves and reflects light.
Cubic Zirconia:
CZ tends to produce more noticeable, colourful flashes of rainbow-like fire. Its brilliance can appear softer and more diffused compared with a diamond.
Diamond:
Diamonds are known for their strong brilliance, reflecting bright white light. Their fire is generally more subtle, creating a balanced combination of white sparkle and colourful flashes.
How Can You Tell CZ & Diamond Apart?
Look at how the stone reflects light. CZ typically shows stronger, more colourful flashes, while a diamond tends to display brighter, whiter brilliance with more subtle fire.
However, appearance alone isn't a reliable way to identify a stone. Professional testing and specialised equipment can distinguish CZ from diamond with certainty.
CUBIC ZIRCONIA JEWELLERY
- Regular Price
- Only $169.00
- Sale Price
- $169.00
- Regular Price
-
$349.00 - Save
-
Save 52%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $59.00
- Sale Price
- $59.00
- Regular Price
-
$129.00 - Save
-
Save 54%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $99.00
- Sale Price
- $99.00
- Regular Price
-
$199.00 - Save
-
Save 50%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- $999.00
- Sale Price
- $999.00
- Regular Price
-
$999.00
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $84.00
- Sale Price
- $84.00
- Regular Price
-
$169.00 - Save
-
Save 50%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $89.00
- Sale Price
- $89.00
- Regular Price
-
$179.00 - Save
-
Save 50%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- $79.00
- Sale Price
- $79.00
- Regular Price
-
$79.00
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- $129.00
- Sale Price
- $129.00
- Regular Price
-
$129.00
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $49.00
- Sale Price
- $49.00
- Regular Price
-
$99.00 - Save
-
Save 51%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- $89.00
- Sale Price
- $89.00
- Regular Price
-
$89.00
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $99.00
- Sale Price
- $99.00
- Regular Price
-
$199.00 - Save
-
Save 50%
- Unit Price
- per
- Regular Price
- Only $99.00
- Sale Price
- $99.00
- Regular Price
-
$199.00 - Save
-
Save 50%
- Unit Price
- per
Is Cubic Zirconia Worth Anything?
Price Comparison
Cubic zirconia itself generally has little to no resale value compared with precious gemstones such as diamonds.
However, that doesn't mean CZ jewellery has no value.
The precious metal it is set in can contribute significantly to the overall value of the piece.
For example:
- 9kt or 18kt gold + CZ → the gold has intrinsic precious-metal value
- Sterling silver + CZ → the silver contributes to the jewellery's material value
- Plated jewellery + CZ → value is primarily based on the design, craftsmanship and materials rather than the CZ itself
So when buying CZ jewellery, think of it as an affordable way to enjoy sparkle and style, rather than an investment gemstone.
Cubic Zirconia, Diamond, Moissanite & Swarovski Comparison
What does this mean? Hardness affects scratch resistance, while refractive index and dispersion influence how light travels through the stone and how much sparkle and colour it produces.
| Property | Cubic Zirconia | Diamond | Moissanite | Swarovski |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8.5 | 10 | 9.25 | 7.5 |
| Refractive Index | 2.15–2.18 | 2.42 | 2.65–2.69 | 1.54–1.56 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 5.65–5.95 | 3.52 | 3.21 | ~2.4–2.6 |
| Dispersion | 0.058–0.066 | 0.044 | 0.104 | ~0.025 |
| Composition | Zirconium dioxide | Carbon | Silicon carbide | Crystal (glass) |
| Origin | Lab-created | Natural or lab-grown | Primarily lab-created | Lab-created |
| Appearance | Bright, diamond-like | Brilliance and fire | Strong, colourful sparkle | Stylish, decorative sparkle |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher | Generally between CZ and diamond | Lower |
JEWELLERY CARE & FIT
SHOP ALL GEMSTONES
JEWELLERY GIFT GUIDE
JEWELLERY CARE
HOW TO FIND YOUR RING SIZE
