When it comes to choosing the perfect gemstone for your jewelry, you may find yourself wondering about the differences between cubic zirconia and lab-created diamonds. While they both offer the allure of sparkling brilliance, they are distinct in many ways. In this blog post, we will thoroughly examine and compare cubic zirconia and lab-created diamonds to help you make an informed decision.
Composition and Origin
Cubic Zirconia:
Cubic zirconia, often referred to as CZ, is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It’s created in a laboratory setting and is known for its affordability and clarity. CZ is not a diamond but mimics its appearance due to its colorless nature and ability to refract light.
Lab-Created Diamonds:
Lab-created diamonds, on the other hand, are also produced in a controlled environment but are real diamonds in terms of their chemical composition. They are grown using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural diamond-growing conditions deep within the Earth. This makes them virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds both in appearance and chemical structure.
Physical Properties
Cubic Zirconia:
Cubic zirconia has a lower hardness level compared to diamonds, making it more susceptible to scratches and damage. It also lacks the exceptional fire and brilliance that natural and lab-created diamonds possess.
Lab-Created Diamonds:
Lab-created diamonds share the same physical properties as natural diamonds. They score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them highly durable and resistant to scratches. They also exhibit the same fiery brilliance and sparkle that are characteristic of natural diamonds.
Cost and Value
Cubic Zirconia:
Cubic zirconia is significantly more affordable than both natural and lab-created diamonds. It provides an excellent option for those on a budget or looking for temporary jewelry pieces.
Lab-Created Diamonds:
Lab-created diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds but still come with a higher price tag than cubic zirconia. However, their value is more enduring due to their authenticity and close resemblance to natural diamonds.
Ethical Considerations
Cubic Zirconia:
Cubic zirconia is generally considered ethical as it is created in a controlled laboratory environment, reducing the environmental and ethical concerns associated with mining.
Lab-Created Diamonds:
Lab-created diamonds are often seen as a more ethical choice compared to natural diamonds, as their production eliminates the need for environmentally damaging mining practices and reduces the risk of purchasing conflict or blood diamonds.
