How Do You Tell the Difference Between a Diamond and Cubic Zirconia?

If you are considering buying a nice diamond engagement ring or jewelry as a birthday present or gift for special occasions. Can you tell the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia?

If you are seeking a genuine diamond and want to tell the difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconia then you should be able to correctly identify the differences as at first glance the two look very similar.

By reading this, you should be able to find the different features in what differentiates the cubic zirconia from a real diamond in order to not get scammed or cheated from buying a genuine diamond.

What is a Cubic Zirconia?

A cubic zirconia, unlike the diamond, is not mined but rather, created in a lab.

It is made of zirconium oxide and is also called as diamond simulant as it is often used as a cheaper alternative to diamonds.

While diamonds can have different features and structure, cubic zirconias can be made to look perfect as it is made in a lab.

Cubic zirconias can be made in any shape or cut as a diamond and can also be added color, if done so by the lab.

How Can You Tell if it’s a Diamond or Cubic Zirconia?

1. Value

Authentic diamonds are worth significantly more than a cubic zirconia for example, a 1-carat diamond ring can cost from $2,000-$3,000 while a 1-carat cubic zirconia ring can cost less than $20.

If the carat weight goes higher so does the price, for example a 3-carat cubic zirconia ring can cost $200, while a 3-carat diamond engagement ring that is well made from its cut, clarity and color, can cost $20,000-$25,000.

2. Color

Colorless diamonds are the most sought after due to them being difficult to acquire and for their rare beauty.

There is a color scale for diamonds from the most colorless letter D, to Z being yellow.

Diamonds that have a higher grade are more expensive than those below with the diamonds that are graded a D being the most expensive.

As cubic zirconias are manufactured in a lab, they are able to make them as colorless as the diamonds and thus tightly control the look of the finished product to mimic the sought after colorless diamond.

Check out our guide for color diamonds.

3. Brilliance

Between cubic zirconias and diamonds, cubic zirconia does not contain the true brilliance or fire found in diamonds.

A diamond has a white light reflection called brilliance and a colored light reflection that is known as fire.

Light passes and reflects from the cubic zirconia differently and gives off less reflection. By comparing the two stones under a light you can immediately see the difference between the two.

Even though a diamond only has less than 1-carat weight it has more radiance, brilliance and fire than any cubic zirconia regardless of how large it is.

4. Clarity

When buying a diamond, one should look at the quality as it has a profound impact on the value of the diamond. A flawless diamond is the most valuable while a diamond that is included has the most inclusions.

Cubic zirconias are made to look like they have great clarity and have virtually no inclusions to look flawless.

This is one great way to differentiate between the two, as diamonds, no matter how flawless, can contain the tiniest flaws or inclusions.

A diamond that is perfect is too good to be true as it is likely to be a cubic zirconia so keep an eye out for clarity and flaws to identify the genuine diamond.

5. Durability

Diamonds are generally known to be the hardest mineral in the world with a perfect 10 score on the Mohs’ scale of hardness. Cubic zirconias on the other hand, scores about 8.5.

Real diamonds are very durable making it last for a long, long time, and requiring little maintenance.

Diamonds on jewelry are great for everyday wear as they are durable and resilient.

While cubic zirconias are durable, they are not as strong as the diamond, because it is lab-made they do not last as long as the diamond and can lose its shine and even get damaged by scratches.

6. Density

A cubic zirconia is more dense than a diamond, so if you hold identical stones of the same size, cubic zirconias are heavier.

A 1-carat cubic zirconia will be smaller than a 1-carat diamond due to its carat weight.

7. Dispersion

In terms of dispersion, in which light will appear off the diamond’s facets and split to different fragments, diamonds have a dispersion rate of 0.044.

Dispersion is one area in which cubic zirconias are better than diamonds as they have more dispersion rate.

Cubic zirconias have a dispersion rate of 0.058-0.066 so if you are looking for a stone that has a greater rainbow effect, pick cubic zirconias.

Does Cubic Zirconia Shine Like a Diamond?

YES. They are made to mimic the shine of a diamond and in fact can shine more, here’s why.

They reflect more light and can even shine all the colors of the rainbow more so than a diamond even if they are colorless.

It is due to them being manufactured to shine more than a real diamond when light hits and enters it.

How Do You Make a Cubic Zirconia Shine Like a Diamond?

Cubic zirconias are not real diamonds, although they are made to look like one, can also contain some traits of real diamonds.

In order for them to keep their shine like regular diamonds, they have a higher maintenance routine.

As they are not as durable as real diamonds, when exposed to simple everyday products like soap, perfume, makeup, or lotion, cubic zirconias will gradually lose their shine and sparkle.

Cleaning them to make them shine is easy, in fact you can bring them to a jeweler or you can do it at home. It is easy, you simply need a mild washing soap or liquid and water for it to shine.

Afterwards, use a jewelry cleaning cloth to gently buff out the dull areas of the cubic zirconia and make your stone sparkle and shine again.

If you’re curious to know more about stones and diamonds, we at Shira Diamonds can help.

Besides providing clients with authentic wholesale diamonds, we also give them a basic know-how from what makes a diamond genuine to diamond clarity.

Find our store at Dallas, Texas or give us a call!

More from Shira Diamonds

Everything You Need to Know About the G Diamond Color
Why You Should Buy Solitaire Diamonds