Introduction
There are many debates regarding cubic zirconia vs lab diamonds, and the most common one is which stone is the better choice for your jewelry. Both are alternatives to the natural diamond, but they do differ in some ways that could change which of the two you would prefer. This article covers how the two differ, and the benefits and drawbacks of each, so you can decide.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gem with a chemical makeup of zirconium dioxide. It was patented in the 1970s and has since become one of the most impressive diamond substitutes because of its low price and its strong colored flashes. CZ shows more fire than diamond, while quite often showing more colorful flashes than the natural diamond. However, it's important to clarify that cubic zirconia isn't a diamond; it is a man-made material made to imitate the look of a diamond.
What are Lab Diamonds?
Lab diamonds, which are also called lab-grown diamonds or synthetic diamonds, are formed in a lab environment using cutting-edge technology. They are chemically and physically the same as mined diamonds, because they are pure carbon. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) are the leading processes of producing lab diamonds. Unlike cubic zirconia, lab diamonds are actual diamonds having the same durability and brilliance.
Key Differences Between Cubic Zirconia and Lab Diamonds
1. Chemical Composition
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Cubic Zirconia:
zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).
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Lab Diamonds:
pure carbon (C).
2. Hardness and Durability
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Cubic Zirconia:
Ranks 8-8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it scratches more easily than diamond. It can get scratched and may fog over time.
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Lab Diamonds:
10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the top of the scale and the same hardness as a mined diamond.
3. Brilliance and Sparkle
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Cubic Zirconia:
has a higher dispersion rate (0.058-0.066) than diamonds, which produces intense flashes of color but a different kind of sparkle.
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Lab Diamonds:
have lower dispersion (0.044), but provide a traditional diamond sparkle preferred by many.
4. Price
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Cubic Zirconia:
costs far less than a lab-grown diamond, which makes it attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
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Lab Diamonds:
cost more than cubic zirconia and less than mined diamonds of comparable size and quality.
5. Appearance
While both stones resemble each other at first, certain slight differences exist:
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Cubic Zirconia:
Flawless to the eye, with no inclusions.
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Lab Diamonds:
May have small inclusions that only a gemologist would spot.
Conclusion
Choosing between cubic zirconia and a lab diamond comes down to what you want from the stone and what you want to spend. Cubic zirconia may be the best bet for you in the event that you want a cheaper and brightly shining stone. On the other hand, if you want a stone that looks and wears like a mined diamond, then lab-created diamonds may be better options for you.
Both are alternatives to a mined gemstone, and both let you weigh look, durability, and price for yourself. As you consider the final options regarding engagement rings or other fine jewelry pieces, weigh each of these factors carefully to find the perfect stone for your style and budget.
For related reading, our guide to simulated diamonds versus moissanite covers the other common alternatives, and our piece on whether lab grown diamonds are real diamonds answers that question directly.
About the Author
Neil Bendo
Neil Bendo is a jewelry expert at Stienhardt & Stones, sharing insights on lab-grown diamonds, modern trends, and fine jewelry.
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FAQ's
Lab-grown diamonds are not cubic zirconia. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds composed of carbon and have identical physical properties to natural diamonds. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material intended to look like diamonds.
The basic difference between these two is that cubic zirconia comprises zirconium dioxide while lab-grown diamonds consist of carbon. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are far more durable than cubic zirconia and hold greater brilliance.
Yes, cubic zirconia can be categorized as a simulated diamond because it resembles the exterior of a diamond but does not share its chemical structure or its hardness.
They look similar at first glance, but the differences in sparkle and durability show up quickly. A trained gemologist can tell them apart with standard testing equipment.
Preference and budget will generally dictate which is better for you. Cubic zirconia may be your best option if you want something that closely resembles a diamond but costs less. But if you want an actual diamond with superior durability and brilliance, the best option will be lab-created diamonds.
Yes, lab-created diamonds are generally more expensive than cubic zirconia because they are real diamonds, though the price varies with the growing process used; even so, they cost much less than natural mined diamonds.
Cubic zirconia holds up reasonably well for everyday jewelry. However, it is not as strong as lab-grown or natural diamonds because of its lower hardness rating on the Mohs scale.