Let’s keep this simple , CZ is not a real diamond.
But if you’ve ever held one under a light or seen it sparkle from across a room, you might’ve thought otherwise. And that’s fair. At first glance, cubic zirconia can look a lot like a diamond. That’s part of the reason it’s used so widely in budget jewelry. But looks can be misleading.
Here’s the real difference, explained like you’d want a friend to tell you.
What Even Is CZ?
CZ stands for cubic zirconia. It’s a man-made stone, made from zirconium dioxide, and it’s been around since the ‘70s. You’ll find it in everything from fashion rings to fake engagement pieces. It’s cheap to produce, and when polished well, it shines , especially in store lighting.
But that shine fades. It’s softer than diamond, which means it scratches easily, loses its clarity, and starts to look dull with time.
If you're looking for something to last years, CZ probably isn't it.
And What Makes a Diamond “Real”?
A real diamond, whether it’s mined from the earth or made in a lab, is made of pure carbon. It’s hard, rare, and cut to reflect light in a way nothing else really can. It doesn’t go cloudy, doesn’t scratch easily, and it doesn’t lose its fire over time.
Real diamonds are built to last. CZs, not so much.
Here’s the Breakdown
-
Hardness: Diamonds rank 10. CZ is around 8.5. Big difference when it comes to wear.
-
Sparkle: Diamonds reflect light with more depth and color. CZs are bright, but glassy.
-
Weight: CZs are heavier. Same size stone, but CZ will feel bulkier.
-
Durability: Diamonds last forever. CZs get cloudy and scratched with daily wear.
-
Price: CZs cost next to nothing. Real diamonds , even lab-grown , are priced for their quality and longevity.
Why People Still Buy CZ
It’s cheap, it looks good for a while, and for someone who’s not too concerned about longevity, it works. A lot of people buy CZ as a placeholder ring, for travel, or just for fun. And there’s nothing wrong with that , as long as you know what you’re buying.
What is a problem? When it’s sold as a diamond. That still happens, especially online or in markets with little regulation. So if you’re shopping and someone offers you a “diamond” ring for under a hundred bucks , run.
Not to Be Confused With Lab Diamonds
Just because CZ is lab-made doesn’t mean it’s the same as a lab diamond. That’s a common mix-up.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Same structure, same durability, same sparkle , just grown above ground instead of under it. Cubic zirconia is something else entirely. Looks similar at a glance, but performs nothing like the real thing.
To Wrap It Up
Cubic zirconia is not a diamond. It’s not fake , it is what it is , but it’s also not something you’d wear for life. If you want something for occasional wear, it can work. But for a ring that’s supposed to mean something, or last through the years, it’s worth investing in the real deal.
Curious about long-lasting, brilliant, affordable alternatives? Explore Azzallure’s lab diamond collection , real diamonds, made responsibly, and designed to stay with you for life.