Dazzling and versatile: Our guide to cubic zirconia

Cubic Zirconia, or CZ as it is often represented, is an affordable and sparkling lab-created stone. With industrial uses in addition to its use in jewelry, CZ is regarded by many as an affordable diamond alternative.

If you are thinking of adding a piece of cubic zirconia jewelry to your collection, you may want to know a little more before you buy. This guide will give you answers to the following questions:

1. What is cubic zirconia?
2. Where does cubic zirconia come from?
3. What is the history of cubic zirconia use in jewelry?
4. What jewelry suits cubic zirconia best?
5. How to care for cubic zirconia jewelry?
6. What should you consider when buying cubic zirconia jewelry?

1. What is cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, often written as CZ for short, is a hard and colorless mineral that can be found in nature. In jewelry use it is almost exclusively lab-created. The “cubic” part of the name refers to its structure and the zirconia to its composition - zirconium dioxide. Composed of zirconium and oxygen (ZrO2), CZ should not be confused with zircon (ZrSiO₄), another zirconium-bearing gemstone that is softer and also contains silica.

Expertly made CZ is an almost flawlessly clear, dazzling, and relatively hard-wearing gemstone. Cubic zirconia's regular structure can also accommodate several different elements, enabling a rainbow of colors to be made for those looking for vibrant jewelry. The addition of Vanadium or Chromium can make green crystals, Neodymium generates a purple gem, and Cerium for red. Almost anything is possible and even multi-colored rainbow gems are produced by expert labs.

2. Where does cubic zirconia come from?

CZ can be found naturally occurring as the mineral baddeleyite or as tiny inclusions inside zircon crystals. But these cubic zirconia are extremely rare, typically tiny, and not stable under normal conditions making them entirely unsuitable for use in jewelry. So for any cubic zirconia jewelry that you might see, the gemstones have most definitely been created in a lab.

3. What is the history of cubic zirconia use in jewelry?

Cubic zirconia was discovered as recently as the 1930s and reliable production was only established in 1976! So you won’t find CZ in any historic or antique jewelry. Having said that, cubic zirconia has an established track record in jewelry use and is among the first lab-created stones to be used in the trade.

And despite many in fine jewelry circles looking down their noses at CZ, with increasing interest in the provenance of stones and the environmental impact of our choices as consumers, lab-created stones are rapidly growing in popularity.

Given that CZ is created in a lab, these controlled conditions create crystals with near flawless clarity, spectacular sparkle, and excellent hardness (8-8.5 on Mohs scale). CZs boast the best color rating of "D" on the diamond scale for color, and a fire that beats even diamond, with very high dispersion. Simply put, cubic zirconia has rapidly grown to become a wearable, versatile, contemporary favorite; a popular and affordable alternative to diamond.

You will now find CZ gracing fine jewelry across the globe with many boutique jewelers changing their minds about these versatile lab-created gemstones.

4. What jewelry suits cubic zirconia best?

Cubic zirconia can work well in any type of jewelry including rings, bracelets, earrings, and pendants. Set in precious metals like gold or sterling silver, CZ jewelry can be crafted to a very high standard.

Gold cubic zirconia jewelry

Cubic zirconia looks dazzling contrasted against the warmth of rich gold.

Pavé cubic zirconia jewelry

For those that love their bling, a pavé setting with every available space occupied by sparkling tiny CZ stones is a high-impact look.

Pearl cubic zirconia jewelry

For an elegant and luxurious look pair cubic zirconia with pearls. The sparkling CZ stone and the creamy iridescence of pearl are a match made in heaven.

Colorful cubic zirconia jewelry

With a rainbow of colors to choose from, those that like to add a vibrant pop of color to their outfit are spoiled for choice with cubic zirconia. This pairing of sterling silver, Irish rose gold, and vibrant green CZ is particularly striking.

Cubic zirconia promise, engagement, and anniversary rings

And for those looking for an alternative to diamond, a cubic zirconia promise, engagement, or anniversary ring is a fabulous and affordable choice with plenty of sparkle.

5. How to care for cubic zirconia jewelry?

Cubic zirconia is very hard and quite resilient making it an easy enough gemstone to care for and clean. Gold and sterling silver pieces can be cleaned in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or by hand with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. If your CZ jewelry is plated or made with other metals please take care - the CZ will be fine but you may damage the setting!

Store cubic zirconia jewelry by itself separate from other gemstones to avoid scratches from harder stones like diamond, or scratching softer stones or pearls.

For further guidance on how to care for your cubic zirconia jewelry please read our dedicated jewelry care guide. We also include a short printed jewelry care guide with every piece we ship so you can be sure to keep your jewelry looking dazzling.

6. What should you consider when buying cubic zirconia jewelry?

Buy from a trusted source

Our number 1 cardinal rule for any jewelry purchase. Whether that is from us here at My Irish Jeweler or another source, make sure it is a reputable business.

A reputable jeweler will have excellent reviews and recommendations across several independent platforms (Facebook, Google, reviews.io, etc). Make sure to check them to understand the experiences of past customers as this will give a reflection of what you may expect if you give them your custom.

If you want to be sure of who you are dealing with, arrange an appointment to speak to them before you buy. A reputable jeweler will be happy to chat with you and show you a piece to set your mind at ease. We love to provide this personal touch - book an appointment with us.

Look for quality

Cubic zirconia set in precious metals like gold or sterling silver will be able to stand up to regular use and still look great. Look for hallmarked jewelry attesting to the quality of the materials when purchasing.

Despite being lab-created, CZ can also vary in quality. But again a reputable jeweler will only use high-quality, near-flawless cubic zirconia to ensure a precise finish. So following our cardinal rule of only working with a reputable jeweler should leave you free to focus on whether you like the style of the jewelry and the quality or choice of metals.