Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamonds: How to Spot the Differences

Diamonds are truly our best friend. They are the perfect gemstone for jewelry as they compliment any outfit and add a touch of bling. But due to their high cost, diamonds can be unattainable for some people - that’s where its’ look-alike Cubic Zirconia comes in. Cubic Zirconia (CZ for short) is a beautiful alternative to diamonds that offers the same captivation at a lower cost. But does Cubic Zirconia really look the same as diamonds? Is it not possible to spot the differences? In this blog post, we will explore how to spot the differences between diamonds and Cubic Zirconia.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Diamonds are natural gemstones formed deep within the earth over millions of years. On the other hand, Cubic Zirconia is a man-made gemstone made of zirconium dioxide that closely resembles a diamond. While it was initially made for commercial purposes, it made its way to the jewelry industry because of its sparkle and clarity, and it is currently one of the best diamond alternatives.

Characteristics

Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia look so similar that it may be impossible to tell them apart at first glance, but there are of course differences. It is important to know these differences if you want to buy Cubic Zirconia jewelry and want to know if it’s the right choice for you, or if you find cheap diamonds and want to make sure they are real. Below are some indicators that can help you in distinguishing between diamond and Cubic Zirconia, and some tests that you can perform.

The Cost

The most obvious difference between diamonds and Cubic Zirconia is the cost. Cubic Zirconia is much more cheaper than diamonds, so if you see “diamond” jewelry being sold at a very reasonable price, it’s most likely Cubic Zirconia.

Fog Test

This is a very easy test to see if your jewelry is diamond or Cubic Zirconia. Simply breathe onto your jewelry and see how long it takes for the fog to disappear. If the fog disappears immediately, it’s a real diamond since diamonds can’t hold onto heat for long. If the fog stays for around 30 seconds, then it’s Cubic Zirconia, which can’t hold onto heat.

Sun Test

Take your jewelry outside and put it in sunlight to see how it reacts. Diamonds give off a white light, while Cubic Zirconia gives off a colorful light. So if your jewelry gives off a rainbow effect, it’s Cubic Zirconia.

Diamond Tester

You can also use a diamond tester that measures thermal conductivity. Simply touch the surface of the stone with the device’s probe and wait for the reading. It’s a cheap and reliable tool to determine whether your stone is diamond or Cubic Zirconia.

UV Light

You can also buy a small UV light to see if it glows blue. Simply set your jewelry under the UV light - if it glows blue, then it’s a real diamond. If it doesn’t glow at all, then it’s most likely Cubic Zirconia. Keep in mind that some diamonds may not glow under an UV light, so this is not a definitive test.

Take it to a Jeweler

If you want to be absolutely sure, you should take your jewelry to a jeweler who can easily tell you whether it’s a real diamond or Cubic Zirconia.

The Craftsmanship Behind Bayam’s Diamond and Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

The easiest and safest way to ensure you are getting what you are paying for is to buy it from a reputable source. Whether it’s diamonds or Cubic Zirconia, all our jewelry is made with 10K or 14K gold, and are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using the highest quality materials. So not only are they stylish, but they are also strong and durable. We also offer lifetime warranty for all our products against defects in material and workmanship.

Shine Bright with Bayam Jewelry

Overall, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between a diamond and Cubic Zirconia jewelry unless the above tests are done. This makes Cubic Zirconia a beautiful, budget-friendly alternative to diamonds. But the choice is ultimately yours as they both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to know whether Cubic Zirconia is the right choice for you, take a look at our blog on The Ultimate Guide to Cubic Zirconia: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to Diamonds.

Whatever your bling preferences, at Bayam Jewelry, we offer both diamond and Cubic Zirconia jewelry. We have a variety of Diamond Rings, Diamond Earrings, and Diamond Pendants, and a variety of CZ Rings, CZ Earrings and CZ Pendants that are guaranteed compliment any outfit and dazzle those around you. So head over to Bayam Jewelry and dazzle those around you.