A diamond is the most valuable of gemstones, and diamond jewelry is an extremely precious acquisition. Cubic zirconia is an equally popular stone used in jewelry, only it does not occur in nature; it is a synthetic stone, created in a laboratory. So how can one recognize whether jewelry contains a diamond or cubic zirconia?
A professional can distinguish a diamond from cubic zirconia with the naked eye, whereas for an untrained eye, it may be problematic. Furthermore, it is definitely easier to differentiate the two stones when it is possible to compare them. Jewelers point out that cubic zirconia can be recognized by its sparkle, as it shines much brighter than a diamond.
A diamond is a natural stone, and its cut version is called a brilliant. The production of synthetic stones has long fascinated people, and various types of synthetic stones modeled after those found in nature have been learned to be produced in laboratories. Synthetic diamond was developed in Sweden and the USA in 1953 and 1954, and due to its hardness, it is used in industry to make grinding wheels. Remember that cubic zirconia is not an equivalent of a diamond, but a colorless stone that has no natural counterpart.
Cubic zirconia appeared on the jewelry market in 1973 and has since consistently remained number one due to its beauty and above all its price (cubic zirconia is cheaper than a diamond). Jewelers use cubic zirconia for earrings, rings, and necklaces. Additionally, cubic zirconia is considered a “diamond imitation”.
How to distinguish a diamond from cubic zirconia?
Cubic zirconias are very popular on the jewelry market and often used for various types of jewelry. If you are planning to buy an engagement ring and want to be sure that you are dealing with a diamond, not cubic zirconia, here are a few tips on how to recognize a diamond at home:
- Try looking at the ring from the bottom; if the stone looks cloudy due to dirt or is covered with grease, then you are definitely dealing with cubic zirconia. A diamond is famous for its immortal sparkle, which continues to dazzle even after years, and therefore it cannot be cloudy.
- Remember that diamonds do not heat up; you can check this by putting the diamond in hot water or leaving the stone in the sun. As a result of the heat, the diamond will remain cold, but if the stone is hot and retains warmth, then without a doubt it is cubic zirconia.
- Diamonds, besides their immortal sparkle, are also known for their hardness. Diamonds cannot be scratched, whereas cubic zirconia is softer, its hardness on the Mohs scale is estimated at 7.5 – 8.5.
- Cubic zirconia shines more than a diamond, but an untrained eye may not notice this. Moreover, as we already mentioned, it is easier to see the difference in the sparkle of the stones when they are placed next to each other.
- The edges of a diamond are always sharp due to its hardness, this stone does not yield to polishing. Cubic zirconia wears down over time, and its edges become rounded.
- You can also distinguish a diamond from cubic zirconia in the light. In diamonds, depending on clarity, shades of gray or even fiery reflections can be seen. However, if the stone sparkles in all the colors of the rainbow, it is cubic zirconia.
Engagement ring with a diamond or cubic zirconia?
When considering the choice of stone – diamond or cubic zirconia, it is worth taking into account that a diamond is more resistant to mechanical factors, to dirt, and will retain its brilliance for a long time. It is commonly assumed that an engagement ring with a diamond is more suitable, but it all depends on the preferences of the future fiancée.
Some women cannot imagine a ring without a diamond, while others prefer a ring with a cubic zirconia, which is much cheaper. Lifestyle, work, and above all budget also play an important role. Cubic zirconia jewelry was created with the idea that everyone could afford beautiful and tasteful jewelry, because not everyone can afford to buy diamonds.
In the jewelry market, the synthetic stone moissanite is gaining popularity. By following our tips, you can calmly answer the question, how to recognize a diamond in a ring. However, in the case of moissanite, this is not possible; one cannot distinguish one stone from another with the naked eye. The help of a specialist is necessary, who using the appropriate tools can determine which stone is which. Moissanite is a stone that perfectly imitates a diamond and also serves as its alternative – it is cheaper.
By following the guidelines, one can distinguish a diamond from cubic zirconia, and the help of a specialist is not necessary. Remember that a diamond is an extremely hard stone that does not wear out and delights with its brilliance for years. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, deteriorates over time, but jewelry with cubic zirconia is definitely cheaper. In jewelry, cubic zirconia continues to be popular, and everyday jewelry is recommended precisely with cubic zirconia; losing cubic zirconia earrings hurts less than losing diamond ones.For an engagement, a diamond ring is a better choice, but if the price is an obstacle, one can always opt for a smaller stone or moissanite.