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