If you are looking for a lab-created gemstone for your engagement ring, you will discover numerous options. Lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, synthetic white sapphires, and cubic zirconia are among the most popular man-made gemstones. Cubic zirconia is another synthetic gemstone to consider, especially if you're on a budget and seeking a conflict-free option.

Cubic Zirconia - What Is It?

Cubic zirconia, a diamond simulant, is composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) instead of carbon like natural diamonds. Its cubic crystalline form, shared with diamonds, led to the name "cubic." Perfected by Russian scientists in the 1970s, the technique mass-produced popular, sparkly crystals, embraced as a diamond alternative in jewelry designs like necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings.

Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

Let's compare some key characteristics of cubic zirconia and diamonds.

Beauty

Similar to diamonds, cubic zirconia is naturally colorless, comparable to a D color rating, while many natural diamonds have a faint yellow or brown tint. Diamonds emit white light under natural light, whereas cubic zirconia displays more fire. Both effects are beautiful and depend on personal preference. However, if you're seeking the distinctive sparkle of diamonds, you won't find it in cubic zirconia.

Cubic zirconia can also be treated with different elements to produce a range of hues, including multi-colored options, providing an affordable and unique alternative to fancy colored diamonds or gemstones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire.

Durability

While cubic zirconia may be tempting for its initial affordability when choosing an engagement ring, its beauty diminishes over time—it typically lasts about two years. In contrast, natural diamonds and other gemstones are expensive but endure a lifetime.

Diamonds are renowned for their hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. They are very durable and resistant to scratching from daily wear. Cubic zirconia, with a hardness rating of 8.5, may not seem significantly different, but it scratches easily, even from household dust. It also absorbs oils from the skin and everyday products. After a few years, even the shiniest cubic zirconia can appear cloudy and scratched. While this may not be a significant issue if you plan to replace your ring every few years, it's crucial to consider when comparing cubic zirconia to diamonds.

Price

Cubic zirconia is highly affordable due to its synthetic and mass-produced nature. A cut and polished one-carat cubic zirconia stone costs around $20, and a similar two-carat stone is approximately $30. This is considerably cheaper than diamonds, which start at $1800 for one carat and increase significantly with size.

The price range of cubic zirconia engagement rings varies, mainly depending on the metal used for the setting. Rings in the $20-$40 range are typically made of brass, silver, or copper plated with gold or platinum. The plating on these rings tends to wear away quickly, so it's advisable to avoid them. Additionally, many websites sell cubic zirconia engagement rings priced at $100 or more. These rings often feature bands made from finer metals like 14K gold or platinum. However, cubic zirconia stones easily scratch and fade, losing their luster after about two years. Spending extra money on a higher-quality band may not be worthwhile if you plan to replace the entire ring eventually.

Sterling silver or stainless steel are good metal choices to pair with cubic zirconia, with prices ranging from $50-$90. With sterling silver or stainless steel, you won't have to worry about plating chipping off, and you won't be overpaying for the setting.

Another factor to consider is the cubic zirconia rating. Some retailers assign grades such as A, 1A, AAA, AAAAA, or 5A to their cubic zirconia stones. Retailers claim that AAAAA-grade stones are of the highest quality, while A-grade stones are the lowest. However, these grades lack consistency across retailers, and there are no policies ensuring quality. Since cubic zirconia is mass-produced and man-made, the quality is consistent between stones. The cubic zirconia grading system is essentially a marketing tactic with no scientific basis, so it's advisable not to overpay for supposedly high-quality cubic zirconia stones.

Is Cubic Zirconia For You?

Engagement ring preferences vary, and cubic zirconia can be an excellent option if you are on a very strict budget. Look for stainless steel or sterling silver cubic zirconia engagement rings. These options are both beautiful and inexpensive, with both the band and the stone lasting a few years.

A cubic zirconia engagement ring is also a good choice if you anticipate changes in your taste over time. Diamonds are timeless, and selecting a stone and setting that you'll want for years can be a daunting task. Cubic zirconia rings are very affordable, allowing you to choose one and wear it for a while to see if you like it.

Cubic zirconia is also a popular choice for travel rings. Consider opting for a cubic zirconia ring if you want to leave your diamond engagement ring at home during vacation, at the beach or pool, or while engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. You won't have to worry about the risk of damage, loss, or theft to your real ring, and the difference will be virtually undetectable.

The Bottom Line

Cubic zirconia is a popular alternative to diamonds. It is affordable, conflict-free, and visually similar to a real diamond. The drawback lies in its lack of durability; with daily use, it will lose its shine and sparkle within a few years. If you choose a cubic zirconia stone for your engagement ring, be sure to select a quality band made of sterling silver or stainless steel. Most importantly, find something that you love!