Cubic Zirconia and How its Made

Cubic zirconia is an inexpensive way to simulate beautiful diamond jewelry on a budget, or to wear that diamond engagement ring without risking its loss.

Looking for a gemstone that glitters like a diamond but doesn't come with the steep price tag? Cubic zirconia might be the perfect fit. The original "artificial diamond," cubic zirconia is a clear, flawless stone that is used in bracelets, necklaces, tiaras and even wedding and engagement rings to create bargain diamonds.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CR) is a form of zirconium oxide. It is not a natural mineral, but is synthesized in a lab from zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide.

Cubic zirconia is astonishingly clear and very hard. It is usually colorless, although other oxides can be added to produce almost any color. The most popular (other than colorless) is pale yellow, since this coloring is also found in real yellow diamonds.

To anyone other than a jeweler or gemologist, cubic zirconia is almost indistinguishable from a real diamond. It has slightly less sparkle and more "fire" or flashes of color from within the gem, and is a bit heavier than diamond. Despite these slight differences, cubic zirconia is the most significant competition for real diamonds in jewelry today (even considering the up and coming new diamond look-alike, moissanite).
The Making of Synthetic Zirconia

Zirconium oxide was first discovered in 1892, but the mineral was too rare to be useful. In 1937, cubic zirconium oxide (natural cubic zirconia itself) was discovered by two German mineralogists, who thought so little of the discovery that they didn't even name it - which is why the stone is still known by its chemical name today.

Cubic zirconia was first synthesized by Soviet scientists, in the 1970's, but did not become popular until the renowned crystal makers Swarovski & Co. began producing cubic zirconia in the 1980's.

Cubic zirconia is made by adding a stabilizer, such as yttrium oxide, to zirconium oxide at 2300 degrees Celsius (roughly 4000 Fahrenheit or 2600 Kelvin). At such high temperatures, the zirconium oxide becomes isometric or cubic – but this change reverts unless a stabilizer is added to hold the crystalline shape.

Cubic Zirconia in Jewelry

In jewelry, cubic zirconia can show up anywhere that diamonds might. Beautiful bracelets, earrings, pendants, elaborate necklaces, and all kinds of rings showcase cubic zirconia in the same cuts, settings, and precious metals as diamonds – but at budget prices.

Cubic zirconia makes an ideal gemstone for anyone looking for flashy, glamorous cubic zirconia jewelry that they won't have to worry about losing or damaging through constant wear.

It's possible to take an expensive piece of diamond jewelry – say, your fabulous wedding or engagement ring – to a good jeweler and have them create a duplicate for everyday wear set with a cubic zirconia instead of a real diamond.

Whether you're shopping for a piece of fashion jewelry for fun or seeking an affordable replica of a costly treasure, cubic zirconia is a beautiful man made diamond that will hold up to wear, and won't break the bank.