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Choosing the perfect gemstone can be challenging, especially when there are so many alternatives on the market. Lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia are two popular choices that offer beautiful sparkle at a more accessible price than mined diamonds.
Many people misunderstand the difference between diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, and lab-grown diamonds, which are real diamonds.
While these gems may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in composition, quality, durability, and value. Understanding these differences can help you make the right choice for your personal preferences and budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the key distinctions between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia, helping you decide which option is best for you.
Cubic Zirconia: The Affordable Diamond Simulant
Cubic zirconia stones, made from zirconium dioxide, have a cubic crystalline form, giving them their name. Unlike lab diamonds, which are real diamonds, simulants are not genuine diamonds. They rank at 8-8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and while this makes them hard enough for everyday wear, they’re not as durable as real diamonds or lab-created diamonds, which score a solid 10 on the same scale.
That makes them less suitable for engagement rings, which should last forever while subjected to everyday wear and tear. Unlike earrings or necklaces, engagement rings are often exposed to brushes and scrubs and should be durable.
The brilliant shine of cubic zirconia may initially resemble that of a diamond’s sparkle, but over time, these synthetic stones may become cloudy and lose their luster, unlike lab-grown or mined diamonds whose brilliance lasts forever.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Affordable but Identical To Mined Diamonds
Mined natural diamonds, formed deep within Earth’s mantle over billions of years under high-pressure conditions, are identical in crystal structure to lab-grown diamonds. These created stones consist of pure carbon, just like natural ones, making them ‘real’ too!
A major advantage is that these lab-grown beauties cost significantly less than mined diamonds without compromising on carat weight or highest quality characteristics such as cut, color, and clarity – ideal attributes when considering an important jewelry purchase like engagement rings! Additionally, being environmentally friendly with no mining involved adds another feather to its cap!
Lab-created diamonds are up to 80% cheaper than mined diamonds, yet they are just as authentic. This is why we suggest lab-grown diamonds for engagement rings.
Learn how to save and find the perfect lab-grown diamond engagement ring and how much a lab-grown diamond engagement ring costs.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia FAQs
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Better Than Cubic Zirconia?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are superior in quality and durability compared to cubic zirconia.
Are Cubic Zirconia and Lab-Grown Diamonds Alike?
Not at all! Lab diamonds are 100 % real diamonds and have the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds. In contrast, cubic zirconia is not a diamond but is made from zirconium dioxide.
How Do You Tell The Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and a Lab-Created Diamond?
The main differences lie in their hardness, refractive index, and specific gravity, which can be identified by a professional gemologist using specialized equipment. For the layperson, cubic zirconia may sparkle with a more glass-like appearance without the depth of a diamond’s brilliance.
Can Jewelers Tell the Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia?
Yes, most jewelers should be able to spot the difference between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia pretty easily and with the naked eye. However, they can also easily distinguish between lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia using common and cheap instruments.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?
Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds will pass traditional thermal conductivity testers because they have similar physical properties as mined diamonds.
Does Cubic Zirconia Pass a Diamond Tester?
No, cubic zirconia will not pass a diamond tester, and it’s pretty easy, even with the naked eye, to distinguish cubic zirconia from lab-grown or mined diamonds.
Read more at Gemsociety.
