Cubic Zirconia: Russian Diamonds
January 17, 2010 – 12:03 pmCubic Zirconia, also known as ‘Russian Diamonds‘ are increasingly popular as a gemstone remarkably similar to a real diamond. The great virtue of cubic zirconia crystals is that they can closely resemble diamonds while costing a lot less to produce. However, cubic zirconia and diamond are different substances. The atoms in diamond are carbon, arranged in a regular lattice of tiny cubes. The atoms in cubic zirconia are zirconium and oxygen. Heat treatment and the addition of a small quantity of stabilizer cause the atoms in zirconium dioxide to form a cubic lattice structure like that of diamond. Hence, ‘cubic’ zirconia. This cubic structure does not usually occur naturally in zirconia and any cubic zirconia rings or other jewelry you buy will have been created synthetically.
Because diamond and cubic zirconia are different substances, they differ in other ways too. Usually, these differences are only important if you are trying to establish whether a gemstone is, or isn’t, a diamond. But there are several factors which can be important when you are choosing jewelry. The first is that different qualities and varieties of cubic zirconia exist according to the addition of different stabilizers. So not all cubic zirconia is created equal!
Appearance and flaws
Diamond is somewhat more brilliant than cubic zirconia – it gives back a little more light. However, cubic zirconia is more prismatic – the flashes of light it gives back show more of a rainbow effect. Which one is preferable is entirely a matter of taste. Also, natural diamond nearly always contains a flaw and a tinge of color of some kind because of the way it naturally forms. Cubic zirconia can be produced with no flaws and no color, or with very clear and pure colors. Bear in mind that synthetic diamond (ie the carbon gem, but made in a lab) can also be flawless.
‘Real’ vs synthetic
For some, the important thing is the beauty of the jewelry they wear. Others like to own naturally-occurring stones rather than synthetic. Either cubic zirconia or diamond may be preferable according to taste, circumstances and the design of a piece.
Cost
Cubic zirconia is (or should be) much less expensive than diamond!
Related posts:
- Cubic Zirconia Rings for Your Jewelry Collection
- Her Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring Story
- Cubic Zirconia Eternity Rings are Symbols of Enduring Love
- His Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings Story
- Mens Cubic Zirconia Rings and the Evolution of Mens Jewelry
Tags: created diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, russian diamonds, synthetic diamonds