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When it comes to diamond look-alikes, cubic zirconia (CZ) is one of the most popular and affordable options. But how does it really stack up against mined and lab diamonds? Here is a detailed comparison of the two gemstones.
Appearance
At first glance, cubic zirconia can look very similar to a diamond. Well-cut cubic zirconia stones sparkle brilliantly, just like diamonds. However, there are some visible differences:
- Color: The best quality cubic zirconia tends to have a slightly grayish or yellowish tint, compared to colorless or near-colorless diamonds.
- Brilliance: Diamonds have exceptional light-reflecting properties, so they tend to look brighter and livelier. The brilliance of a CZ may fade over time.
- Imperfections: Diamonds often have small internal flaws and inclusions. These are rarely seen in cubic zirconia.
Here is a comparison table:
Appearance | Cubic Zirconia | Diamond |
---|---|---|
Color | Near-colorless to light yellow/gray hints | Colorless or near-colorless |
Brilliance | Very bright, but may fade over time | Exceptional brilliance and fire |
Imperfections | Very few | Natural internal flaws and inclusions |

Durability
When it comes to durability and hardness, diamonds are by far the winner. Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, while CZ are much softer.
Durability | Cubic Zirconia | Diamond |
---|---|---|
Hardness | 8.5 on Mohs scale | 10 on Mohs scale |
Toughness | Brittle | Extremely tough |
Durability | Prone to scratching and clouding | Excellent: keeps sparkle for a lifetime |
This is why diamond jewelry can withstand everyday wear for a lifetime, while cubic zirconia may show signs of damage over time.
Value
One of the main appeals of CZ is its affordability compared to natural diamonds. Not only are the stones much cheaper to buy, but CZ jewelry is also set in more affordable metals and settings.
Value | Cubic Zirconia | Mined Diamond | Lab Diamond |
---|---|---|---|
Stone cost | Inexpensive, $10-$30 per carat | Expensive, $2,000+ per carat for quality stones | Costly, but less than a mined diamond |
Setting/metal cost | Varies, mostly silver/plated metals | Gold, platinum, etc. | Similar to mined diamond |
Overall jewelry cost | Very affordable, often <$50 | Costly, thousands+ | Costly, but less than a mined diamond |
Resale value | Minimal | High, and tends to increase | Moderately high |
So if you’re on a very tight budget, cubic zirconia presents an attractive sparkly option. But diamonds hold significantly more resale value should you ever wish to sell or trade up your ring.
Environmental and Ethical Factors
Recently, ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing has become important to consumers. Most diamonds now come with certification showing they are conflict-free and mined responsibly. The same cannot always be said for other gemstones like cubic zirconia.
Ethics | Cubic Zirconia | Mined Diamond | Lab Diamond |
---|---|---|---|
Mining issues | Minimal regulations | The Kimberley Process aims to prevent “conflict diamonds” | Ethical Alternative |
Environmental impact | Low, but may use lead oxide | High without proper certifications | Lower, than mined diamonds, but still present |
Social impact | Usually manufactured ethically | Conflict-free sourcing now prioritized | Ethical alternative |
So while cubic zirconia production has low impact itself, diamonds tend to come with more reassurance of responsible and ethical processes.