DESCRIPTION:

Cubic Zirconia, another gemstone, is a flawless material, mostly colorless but artificially made into a wide range of colors. It is often confused with Zircon and also known as Cubic Zirconium.

It is usually considered a substitute for diamond. It is hard in nature and is said to possess diamond-like qualities. It is promising to see this gem recognized as one of the most stunning gems in recent years. Although it resembles diamond in many ways, Cubic Zirconia is inexpensive, and its availability in different colors makes it even more admirable and desirable.

This stone was discovered in 1937 and consisted of crystals appearing in cubic form. Initially unnamed, it came to be known by its scientific name, Cubic Zirconia.

There is a very close resemblance between this beautiful gem and diamond. It is very difficult to identify the difference between these gemstones, but their physical and chemical properties are quite different. The hardness and density of Cubic Zirconia are lower compared to real diamond, and it is more prone to damage and cloudiness if exposed to oil or worn daily. Extra care must be taken if used as daily wear jewelry.

In terms of weight, Cubic Zirconia weighs slightly more than diamond. Sometimes, this gemstone can even deceive a trained gemologist due to its striking similarity to diamond. Each gem has its own refractive index properties, a critical feature distinguishing one from another. Cubic Zirconia exhibits less brilliance and sparkle compared to diamond, with a lower refractive index. Observing this difference is challenging, and buyers often rely on gemologists for accurate identification.

While a large carat Cubic Zirconia may shine more than a diamond, the brilliance and overall quality of diamond exceed that of Cubic Zirconia. As carat size increases, the differences between these two precious stones become more apparent.

Affordability is a key feature of Cubic Zirconia, making it popular in the jewelry world. Another important characteristic is its flawless appearance, unlike many other stones where impurities are common. Finding a flawless diamond is rare and expensive, usually requiring a jeweler's loupe rather than naked eyes to discern. The cost of Cubic Zirconia is significantly lower compared to diamond.

Despite being considered inferior to diamond, this exquisite gemstone is embraced by the gem world due to its affordability and the wide range of colors available. It is truly a remarkable gem, almost colorless like diamond, and thus holds a significant place in the jewelry industry.

CUBIC ZIRCONIA FORMATION:

Zirconium oxide, also known as baddeleyite or commonly referred to as 'cubic zirconia' or 'CZ', is a naturally occurring mineral. However, its natural form, is quite different from the dazzling synthetic gemstone that rivals genuine diamonds in jewelry-making.

In 1937, German mineralogists discovered this substance as a byproduct of an unrelated experiment in their laboratory. Initially overlooking its potential, they did not even assign it a name. Early research focused on potential uses for cubic zirconia in laser technology and other optical applications, with jewelry applications only considered much later. Cubic zirconia remained relatively obscure until Soviet scientists developed a method to grow cubic zirconia crystals in a laboratory setting.

Cubic zirconia has an extremely high melting point, making it impossible to contain in metal containers. The Soviets devised a method using a skull crucible—a rather intriguing name—that successfully facilitated the growth of CZ crystals. Their research, however, remained unpublished until 1973, possibly influenced by geopolitical tensions during the Cold War era.

Today, the cubic zirconia stones we are familiar with are predominantly lab-created. Most cubic zirconia stones used in jewelry are synthesized in laboratories using a derivative of the original "Russian formula", including the AAAAA (5A) diamond-quality cubic zirconia stones used in our finished CZ jewelry, such as cubic zirconia rings, pendants, and earrings.

Cubic zirconia can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes, sizes , and an array of colors. This versatility not only positions cubic zirconia as the world's most recognized and cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds in jewelry-making but also as an effective simulant for precious colored gemstones.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

NATURAL OCCURRENCE:

Seiland, Germany, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Bancroft, Sudbury, Canada, United States, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Australia, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, and France.

AVAILABLE COLORS:

Colorless

USES:

Cubic zirconia stones are highly versatile, suitable for everyday jewelry wear and specialized uses such as dental implants and medical equipment. They are commonly seen in various forms like rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, prized for their strength and durability.

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